es dropped and a ghastly silence fell upon the group. Each
one looked straight into the distance ahead of him, but the bond of
sympathy was drawn still tighter, and in the moment of stillness that
ensued I felt that all of us were communing with Sorrow.

Between Folligny and Lamballe, we were quite as closely huddled between
three soldiers on furlough, a stout old priest, a travelling salesman,
and a short gentleman with a pointed beard, a pair of eyeglasses and an
upturned nose.

At one moment our train halted and waited an incredible length of time
vainly whistling for the tower-man to lift the signal which impeded our
progress.

The travelling salesman who was cross and weary finally left his seat,
grumbling audibly.

"We'll never in the world get there on time. It's certain I shall miss
my connection! What a rotten road! What management!"

"It's the war," murmered the priest pulling out a red checked
handkerchief in which he buried his nose.

"You don't have to look far to see that," responded the other, still
grumbling.

"Oh, it's plain enough for us all right. Those who are handling
government jobs are the only fellows who don't know it, I should say."

"Bah! each of us has his troubles--each of us has his Cross to bear,"
murmured the Father by way of conciliation, casting his eyes around the
compartment, much as he would have done upon the faithful assembled to
hear him hold forth.

"Pooh! it's you priests who are the cause of all the trouble. It was
you who preached and got the three year service law voted."

The poor Curate was fairly suffocated with surprise and indignation.
He was so ruffled he could hardly find a word. In the meantime the
travelling salesman taking advantage of his silence, continued:

"Yes, it was you and the financiers, and it's nothing to brag about
either!"

The man with the upturned nose now wheeled about sharply. His blood
was up and he strangely resembled a little bantam cockerel.

"Monsieur," he snapped, and his voice was clear and cutting, "if any
one had a right to express a complaint on any subject whatsoever, it
would certainly be the soldiers who are seated in this compartment.
Now as they have said nothing, I cannot admit that you, a civilian,
should take such liberties."

"But, Monsieur----"

"Yes, Monsieur, that's exactly what I mean, and as to the sentiments to
which you have given voice they are as stupid as they are odious. We
all know now th