But at last she said--'It is all we women can do--to be patient--and hope--not to let our courage go down.' Nelly shook her head.
'I am always saying that to myself--but! when the news comes--_if_ it comes--what good will that be to me! Oh, I haven't been idle--indeed I haven't,' she added piteously--'I've worked myself tired every day--just not to think!' 'I know you have,' Miss Martin pressed the hand in hers.

'Well, now, he'll be all safe for a fortnight------' 'Perhaps three weeks,' Nelly corrected her, eagerly.

Then she looked round at her new friend, a shy smile lighting up her face, and bringing back its bloom.
'You know he writes to me nearly every day ?' 'It's the way people have--war or no war--when they're in love,' said Hester Martin drily.

'And you--how often ?' '_Every_ day.

I haven't missed once.