matron. When
she found her, she went straight to the point--it was Margaret's way.

"I want to get married the day after to-morrow," she said. "Could you
get someone to take my place? Can you let me go?"

"For good, do you mean?" The matron was scarcely surprised. These
sudden marriages were all a part of her day's work, the flower and the
passion of war.

Margaret's eyes brightened. "If you could get a temporary V.A.D., I
think I'd like to come back when he's gone."

The older woman looked at her. "I think you'd better take a rest.
You've been at this dull job for a long time now. Don't you think you
would be better for it?"

"Perhaps you are right," Margaret said. "I really haven't had time to
consider details--I'd only got as far as wanting the week while he is
at home, to get married in."

"Take it, by all means," the matron said. "I've a good long
waiting-list on my books of voluntary helpers to choose from." She
paused. "I don't mean that it will be easy to replace you, Miss
Lampton--I wish all my workers gave me as little trouble as you have
done."

"Oh, but it's been such ordinary work! Anyone could have done it as
well."

"I've not been a hospital nurse for twenty years, Miss Lampton, for
nothing. You can comfort yourself with the fact that a good worker
always makes herself felt in whatever capacity she is in. No sentiment
or romance finds its way into an area-pantry, though there's plenty of
it in the wards." She smiled. "But in spite of that, your romance
seems to have progressed. I wish you every happiness and the best of
luck."

Luck nowadays, Margaret knew, meant but one thing--the life of her
husband. "Thank you," she said. "I've loved being of use. I've
really been grateful for the work--it's been what I needed."

"I think I can get a V.A.D. to take your place to-morrow morning--you
will want all your time. If you will look in at your usual hour, you
will hear if we have got one. But take my advice, Miss Lampton," the
matron said, as she turned to leave the astonished Margaret, "if you
are going to nurse, go in for a thorough hospital training. You'd make
a good nurse . . ." she paused, ". . . that is to say, if you are free
to do it when your husband is at the Front. Anyhow, think it over. It
seems to me a pity that you should be content to remain a V.A.D. when
you may be wanted for much more serious work later on."

When she had said good-bye, Margaret fled to