ran: "The War Office order is that I come and report
myself as soon as possible -- so of course I had to take
the ten-twenty-five train." And he signed himself, as
he had never done before, "Your affectionate Jervis
Blake."

Mrs. Otway felt mildly excited, and really pleased.
"Rose will be very glad to hear this!" she said to
herself, and at once sought out her daughter.

Rose was still upstairs, in the roomy, rather dark
old linen cupboard which was the pride of Anna's
German heart.

"A most extraordinary thing has happened. Jervis
Blake is to have a commission after all, darling! He
had a letter from the War Office this morning. I
suppose it's due to his father's influence." And as
Rose answered, in what seemed an indifferent voice,
"I should think, mother, that it's due to the War,"
Mrs. Otway exclaimed, "Oh no. I don't think so!
What could the War have to do with it? But whatever
it's due to, I'm very, very pleased that the poor
boy has attained the wish of his heart. He's written
me such a very nice note, apologising for not coming
to say good-bye to us. He doesn't mention you in
his letter, but I expect you'll hear from him in a day
or two. He generally does write during the holidays,
doesn't he, Rose?"

"Yes," said Rose quietly. "Jervis has always written
to me during the holidays, up to now."

As she spoke, the girl turned again to the shelves
laden with the linen, much of which had been beautifully
embroidered and trimmed with crochet lace by
good old Anna's clever hands. Mrs. Otway had a
curious sensation, one she very, very seldom had --

[[122]]

p121 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p122w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p123

v?