In her dream Peggy bent forward, and read those two words with a great rush of joy and exultation.
“For Valour!”
“For Valour!” Yes, yes, it was quite true! Never was soldier flushed with victory more deserving of that decoration than Arthur Saville in his hour of disappointment and failure.
Chapter Twenty Seven.
The Parting of the Ways!
Arthur kept his word, and tried manfully not to let his own disappointment interfere with the enjoyment of Christmas Day.
The party at the vicarage was smaller than usual, for Rob and Oswald had both gone home for the festive season, and he knew well that the knowledge that “Arthur was coming” had seemed the best guarantee of a merry day to those who were left.
Peggy too—poor little Peg, with her bandaged hands and tiny white face—it would never do to grieve her by being depressed and gloomy!