"That's not precisely the view civilised peoples take of it," said Lawrence with a slight sneer.
"True, though," said Dolly.
"Mean?" said Lawrence. "Do you think it was a mean thing for Germany to rise up and cast out the power that had been oppressing her? or for the other powers of Europe to help?"
"No; but very mean for the side that had given the occasion."
"That's as you look at it," said Lawrence.
"No, but how God looks at it. You cannot possibly think," said Dolly slowly, going back to her old childish expression,—"that He likes it."
Lawrence could not help smiling at this very original view. "Very few people that make war ask that question," he said.
"God will ask them, though," said Dolly, "why they did not. I think few people ask that question, Mr. St. Leger, about anything."
"It is not usual, except for a little saint here and there like you," he allowed.
"And yet it is the only question. There is nothing else to be asked about a matter; almost nothing else. If that is settled, it is all settled."