It was supposed that in the final German retreat he had been swept up as a German prisoner.

He was not among the dead found and buried by an English search party on the following day--so much had been definitely ascertained.
The friendly volunteer in D---- Street--whose name appeared to be Miss Eustace--had tried to insist with Nelly that on the whole, and so far, the news collected was not discouraging.

At least there was no verification of death.

And for the rest, there were always the letters from Geneva to wait for.

'One must be patient,' Miss Eustace had said finally.