Dion a hesitation
was born. Should he go and offer himself at once without telling
Rosamund, or should he tell her what he wished to do and ask her
opinion? Suppose she were against his going out? He could not ask her
advice if he was not prepared to take it. What line did he wish her
to take? By what course of action would such a woman as Rosamund prove
depth of love? Wouldn't it be natural for a woman who loved a man
to raise objections to his going out to fight in a distant country?
Wouldn't she prove her love by raising objections? On the other hand,
wouldn't a woman who loved a man in the greatest way be driven by the
desire to see him rise up in an emergency and prove his manhood at
whatever cost to her?

Dion wanted one thing of Rosamund at this moment, wanted it terribly,
with longing and with fear,--the proof absolute and unhesitating of her
love for him.

He decided to volunteer without telling her before hand that he meant to
do so. He told no one of his intention except his Uncle Biron, whom he
was obliged to consult as they were partners in business.

"You're right, my boy," said his uncle. "We'll get on as best we can
without you. We shall miss you, of course. Since you've been married
your energy has been most praiseworthy, but, of course, the nation comes
before the firm. What does your mother say?"

Dion was struck with a sense of wonder by this question. Why didn't his
uncle ask him what Rosamund had said?

"I haven't spoken to her," he answered.

"She'll wish you to go in spite of all," said his uncle gravely.

"I haven't even spoken to Rosamund of my intention to enlist."

His uncle looked surprised, even for a moment astonished, but he only
said:

"She's rather on heroic lines, I should judge. There's something
spacious in her nature."

"Yes," said Dion.

He pledged his uncle to silence. Then they talked business.

From that moment Dion wondered how his mother would take his decision.
That he had not wondered before proved to himself the absorbing
character of his love for his wife. He loved his mother very much, yet,
till his uncle had spoken about her in the office, he had only thought
about Rosamund in connection with his decision to enlist. The very
great thing had swallowed up the big thing. There is something ruthless,
almost at moments repellent, in the very great thing which rules in a
man's life. But his mother would never know.

That was what he said to himself, unconscio