she said. “You needn't mind everything I say so particularly.”

“I don't know — I didn't want to do it,” he said, humbly, ashamed.

She pressed his hand warmly. They sat close together, watching the soldiers go by with their sweethearts, the lights trailing in myriads down the great thoroughfares that beat on the edge of the park.

“I didn't know you cared so much,” she said, also humbly.

“I didn't,” he said. “I was knocked over myself. — But I care — all the world.”

His voice was so quiet and colourless, it made her heart go pale with fear.

“My love!” she said,