She considered the situation for a few moments before she sat down. But she did seat herself.

“Now,” he said, “we are going to discuss a situation. This is the situation: I am deeply in love. And 306 you’re quite right, it’s no funeral; it’s a joyous thing to be in love. It’s a delight, a gaiety, a happy enchantment. Isn’t it?”

She cast a rather shy and apprehensive glance at him, but nodded slightly.

“Very well,” he said, “I’m in love, and I’m happy and proud to be in love. What I wish then, naturally, is marriage, a home, children——”

“Please, Jim!”

“But I can’t have ’em! Why? Because I’m going to France. And the girl I wish to marry is going also. And while I bang away at the boche she makes herself useful in canteens, rest-houses, hospitals, orphanages, everywhere, in fact, where she is needed.”

“Yes.”

“And after it’s all over—all over—and ended——”

“Yes?”

“Then—then if she finds out that she loves me——”