second of the time that he was simply forgetting to think of the individual. However, under the circumstances, he did not suppose that Frieda would care very much what became of her husband.

"You mean that Henry has joined the army—that he has crossed over to France without asking me how I would feel—without even coming to say good-bye," Frieda returned slowly. And suddenly even her brother-in-law observed the change in her expression. It was strange to see Frieda with her face paling; her full, red lips closed tight and her blue eyes dark and strained.

"But, my dear child, how could your husband come to say good-bye to you when you have been steadfastly refusing to see him for weeks?" Frank continued, still a little impatient over feminine unreasonableness. "He told me to tell you his plans and that he had made all arrangements in case—"

But, that instant, catching a warning glance from his wife, Lord Kent changed color over his own tactlessness and desisted.[94] This was a time when everybody's nerves were overstrained; when hearts were torn to pieces and imaginations were picturing only horrors.

[94]

"Won't you motor down to the station with me, please, Jack?" Lord Kent added, hastily, anxious to get away as soon as possible from the situation he had created.

Jack slipped on a long tan coat and soft hat and went with her husband, leaving Olive to look after Frieda.

"Bryan is expecting to be here again this afternoon for a farewell visit, dear. He has been delayed for some reason or other but hopes to leave with his regiment tomorrow," Frank announced on the way to his train. "Do you know I think Bryan is a lucky fellow these days, not to have anyone very close to him—anyone who cares very much what becomes of him. Oh, of course, I should care, more than I like to think; but I mean no mother or father—no family."

"I should also care a great deal, Frank," Jack interrupted quietly.

But Lord Kent went on, scarcely hearing her.

"It is a funny thing that Bryan has never married. He is an uncommonly fascinating[95] fellow. Of course, he hasn't much money; but that ought not to stand in his way. He has his profession. Queer, when he was a boy he used to talk about being an artist; but there is a lot of difference between an artist and a soldier. He must be glad now of his choice. 

 Prev. P 44/116 next