‘Because a child is born somewhere every second of the clock,’ Nurse Blaber answered.  ’And besides that, you probably set each other off by talking and thinking about it.  You shouldn’t, you know.’

‘Ay, but you’ve never been in Hell,’ said Miss Henschil.

The telegram handed in at Hereford at 12.46 and delivered to Miss Henschil on the beach of a certain village at 2.7 ran thus: 

’"Absolutely confirmed.  She says she remembers hearing noise of accident in engine-room returning from India eighty-five."’

‘He means the year, not the thermometer,’ said Nurse Blaber, throwing pebbles at the cold sea.

’"And two men scalded thus explaining my hoots.” (The idea of telling me that!) “Subsequently silly clergyman passenger ran up behind her calling for joke, ‘Friend, all is lost,’ thus accounting very words."’

Nurse Blaber purred audibly.

’"She says only remembers being upset minute or two.  Unspeakable relief.  Best love Nursey, who is jewel.  Get out of her what she would like best.” Oh, I oughtn’t to have read that,’ said Miss Henschil.

‘It doesn’t matter.  I don’t want anything,’ said Nurse Blaber, ’and if I did I shouldn’t get it.’

     ‘HELEN ALL ALONE’

     There was darkness under Heaven
       For an hour’s space—­
     Darkness that we knew was given
       Us for special grace. 
     Sun and moon and stars were hid,
       God had left His Throne,
     When Helen came to me, she did,
       Helen all alone!

     Side by side (because our fate
       Damned us ere our birth)
     We stole out of Limbo Gate
       Looking for the Earth. 
     Hand in pulling hand amid
       Fear no dreams have known,
     Helen ran with me, she did,
       Helen all alone!

     When the Horror passing speech
       Hunted us along,
     Each laid hold on each, and each
       Found the other strong. 
     In the teeth of things forbid
       And Reason overthrown,
     Helen stood by me, she did,
       Helen all alone!

     When, at last, we heard the Fires
       Dull and die away,
     When, at last, our linked desires
       Dragged us up to day,
     When, at last, our souls were rid
       Of what that Night had shown,
     Helen passed from me, she did,
       Helen all alone!

     Let her go and find a mate,
       As I will find a bride,
     Knowing naught of Limbo Gate
       Or Who are penned inside. 
     There is knowledge God forbid
       More than one should own. 
     So Helen went from me, she did,
     Oh my soul, be glad she did! 
       Helen all alone!

The Honours of War

(1911)

A hooded motor had followed mine from the Guildford Road up the drive to The Infant’s ancestral hall, and had turned off to the stables.