She felt as if
she were saving him from becoming a deserter as she went on—-
"I am sure Babie must be shocked!"
"I don't know whether Babie has heard. She has serious thoughts of
coming out as a lady-help, editing the 'Traveller's Joy' as a popular
magazine, giving lessons in Greek, or painting the crack picture in
the Royal Academy. In fact, she would rather prefer to have the
whole family on her hands."
"It is all the spirit of self-sacrifice," said Sydney; "but oh,
Lucas, let it be any sacrifice but that of your sword! Think how we
should all feel if there was a great glorious war, and you only a
poor creature of a civilian, instead of getting-—as I know you would—
-lots of medals and Victoria Crosses, and knighthood-—real
knighthood! Oh, Jock, think of that! When your mother thinks of
that, she can't want you to make any such mistaken sacrifice to her.
Live on a crust if you like, but don't-—don't give up your sword."
"This is coming it strong," muttered Jock. "I did not think anyone
cared so much."
"Of course I care."
The words were swept off as they whirled together into the dance,
where the clasping hands and flying feet had in them a strange
impulse, half tenderness, half exultation, as each felt an importance
to the other unknown before.
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