each other steadily: and then Norah's eyes met Wally's.

"When?" she asked.

"To-morrow morning."

"Well----" said Norah; and drew a long breath. "And I haven't your
last week's socks darned! That comes of having too many
responsibilities. Any buttons to be sewn on for either of you?"

"No, thanks," they told her, greatly relieved. She tucked a hand into
an arm of each boy, and they went towards the house. David Linton
came out hurriedly to meet them.

"Allenby says----" he began. He did not need to go further.

"We were trotting in to tell you," said Jim.

"We'll be just in time to give the Boche a cheery Christmas," said
Wally. "Norah, are you going to send us a Christmas hamper? With a
pudding?"

"Rather!" Norah answered. "And I'll put a lucky pig, and a button,
and a threepenny-bit in it, so you'd better eat it with care, or you
may damage your teeth. Miss de Lisle and I are going to plan great
parcels for you; she's going to teach me to cook all sorts of things."

"After which you'll try them on the dogs--meaning us," Jim said,
laughing. "Well, if we don't go into hospital after them, we'll let
you know."

They came into the house, where already the news of the boys' going
had spread, and the "Once-Tired's," as Wally called their guests, were
waiting to wish them luck. Then everybody faded away unobtrusively,
and left them to themselves. They went into the morning-room, and
Norah darned socks vigorously while the boys kept up a running fire of
cheery talk. Whatever was to come they would meet it with their heads
up--all four.

They made dinner a revel--every one dressed in their best, and
"playing-up" to their utmost, while Miss de Lisle--the only person in
the house who had wept--had sent up a dinner which really left her
very little extra chance of celebrating Peace, when that most blessed
day should come. Over dessert, Colonel West rose unexpectedly, and
made a little speech, proposing the health of the boys, who sat, for
the first time, with utterly miserable faces, restraining an
inclination to get under the table.

"I am sure," said the Colonel, "that we all wish the--ah--greatest of
luck to our host's sons--ah, that is, to his son and
to--ah--his--ah----"

"Encumbrance," said Wally firmly.

"Quite," said the Colonel, without listening. "We know they
will--ah--make things hot for the Boche--ah--whenever they get a
chance. I--we--hope they will get plenty of chances: and--ah