she said nothing, he went on: "But though there is no
danger of his losing his life, there is a very great danger,
Miss Otway, of his losing what to such a man as
Jervis Blake counts, I think, for more than life -- his
courage. By that of course I do not mean physical
bravery, but that courage, or strength of mind, which
enables many men far more afflicted than he will ever
be, to retain their normal outlook on life." Speaking
more to himself, he added, "I have formed a very
good opinion of this young man, and personally I
think he will accept this great misfortune with resignation
and fortitude. But one can never tell, and it
is always best to prepare for the worst."

And then, for the first time, Rose spoke. "I understand
what you mean," she said quietly. "And I thank
you very much, Sir Jacques, for having spoken to me
as you have done."

"And now," he said, "one word more. Sir John
Blake does not know what I am going to say, and
perhaps my suggestion will not meet with his approval.
It had been settled during the last few days,
had it not, that you and Jervis were to be married
before he went back to the Front? Well, I suggest
that you be married now, before the operation takes
place. I am of course thinking of the matter solely
from his point of view -- and from my point of view
as his surgeon."

Her heartfelt "Thank you" had hardly reached his
ear before Sir John Blake spoke with a kind of harsh
directness.

"I don't think anything of the sort can be thought
of now. In fact I would not give my consent to an
immediate marriage. I feel certain that my son, too,

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