Instantly he was all tenderness, and anxious misgiving.

He made her lie down on the sofa by the fire, and brought her some important letters from Ottawa to read, and the English newspapers.
From the elementary human need with which their minds had just been busy, their talk passed on to National and Imperial affairs.

They discussed them as equals and comrades, each bringing their own contribution.
"In a fortnight we shall be in Ottawa!" sighed Elizabeth, at last.
Anderson smiled at her plaintive voice.
"Darling!--is it such a tragedy ?" "No, I shall be as keen as anybody else when we get there.

But--we are so happy here!" "Is that really, really true ?" asked Anderson, taking her hand and pressing it to his lips.
"Yes"-- she murmured--"yes--but it will be truer still next year!" They looked at each other tenderly.

Anderson stooped and kissed her, long and closely.
He was called away to give some directions to his men, and Elizabeth lay dreaming in the firelight of the past and the future, her hands clasped on her breast, her eyes filling with soft tears.