The action was still going on.

She must wait.

And somehow it was easier to wait this second day; she felt more cheerful.

Was there some secret voice telling her that if he were dead, she would have heard?
After lunch she set out to take some of the Carton flowers to the farmer's wife living in a fold of the fell, who had lost her only son in the July fighting.

Hester Martin had guided her there one day, and some fellow-feeling had established itself rapidly between Nelly, and the sad, dignified woman, whose duties went on as usual while all that gave them zest had departed.
The distance was short, and she left exact word where she could be found.