How it was now going with me I did not clearly understand, but it appeared to be my instinct not to let her slip away into the world without something more friendly said — some truer gratitude expressed — some warmth.

“Lois,” I said very gravely, “what we Americans give to our country demands no ignoble reward. Therefore, I offer none of any sort. Yet, because you have been a good comrade to me — and because now we are about to go our different ways into the world before us — I ask of you two things. May I do so?”

After a moment, looking away from me across the meadow:

“Ask,” she said.

“Then the first is — will you take my hand in adieu — and let us part as good soldiers part?”