“Count me in,” said Tom Fielding quietly. “I have a wife and three kids, but—”
“My God!” gasped Duff. “My wife.” His face went white. He had not yet fully adjusted himself to the fact of war.
“Why, of course,” said Mr. Howland, “you married men won't be called upon. You must be reasonable. For instance you, Mr. Duff, cannot leave your wife.”
But Duff had recovered himself.
“My wife, sir? My wife would despise me if I stayed up here. Sir, my wife will buckle on my belt and spurs and send me off to the war,” cried Duff in a voice that shook as he spoke.
With a single stride Barry was at his side, offering both his hands.
“Thank God for men like you! And in my soul I believe the Empire has millions of them.”
“Does your Empire demand that you desert those you have pledged yourself to?” enquired Brand in a sneering tone.
“Oh, Cornwall!” exclaimed Paula, “how can you?”
“Why, Brand,” said Mr. Howland, “that is unworthy of you.”