know it, I know it," Nell replied. "But I am so selfish, and now
that I am sure of your love I want you with me always. I must
remember, though, what so many are sacrificing for the sake of their
King and country, and I must be brave, too. I suppose others will be
going from this parish. I do not see how the young men can remain
behind, especially after your challenge to them to-day."

"I believe a number of them will go at once. Several spoke to me after
service and expressed their intention of enlisting."

"I am so glad that the people this afternoon were kind to you, Douglas.
How terrible if they had been angry at what you did. It would make it
very hard for me when you are away, as I should feel so badly to listen
to their severe criticisms."

"You need not worry about that now, Nell. The people are very
friendly, and most willing to do all they can to assist the new
clergyman who will come here in my stead. I do not know his name, but
the Bishop told me that he would be most careful in his choice of a
man. Even Simon Stubbles shook hands with me this afternoon, and
wished me good luck. Most likely he is delighted to know that I am
leaving the place. Anyway, I am certain that he will behave himself
after this."

"How I wish I could go, too," Nell remarked, as she played with her
left hand in the yielding sand. "But I am only a woman, and must
remain behind."

"You have a noble work to do here, Nell. Your father needs your care,
and, besides, the thought of you will cheer and encourage me. And I
shall need your prayers as well. I am sure they will help me no matter
where I am. But, there, suppose we let the future take care of itself.
We have each other now, and we need not worry about troubles that may
never come."

"Perhaps it is better," and Nell gave a little sigh. "But I feel
selfish in being so very happy. I am thinking of poor Jean. I suppose
her love was just as deep as mine, and now she is broken-hearted. I
wonder what will become of her? She is going away, so she told me when
I saw her in the church on Friday, but she did not say what she is
going to do."

"Why, I forgot to tell you," Douglas replied. "The thought of you
banished everything else from my mind. Jean is going overseas as a Red
Cross nurse."

"As a nurse!" Nell exclaimed.

"Yes. Major Garton, he is that now, you see, took a great interest in
her, and when he found that she had graduated as a nurse from the c