He glances quickly and anxiously at every face that passes, and each time he is a little more disappointed—­but he tries not to show it.

I am not tall and cannot catch his eye.  It is like being at a play, watching him!  All at once he sees me!  Involuntarily a sudden quick spasm of joy passes across his face, absolutely transfiguring it.

He smooths it away quickly, for he is a Briton and does not like to show his feelings—­but he has given himself away!

Dorothy and I shall never forget that look.  And it was for me—­at first he does not see Dorothy.  When he does it is an added pleasure.

With two ladies to escort he assumes a lordly air.

He had thought of everything.  We would like some tea?  Yes, all the big places are shut as it is Sunday, but he has marked down a little place on his way to the station.

It is a lovely day, and we are very happy!

The girl who waits upon us at the little tea place likes us, and so do the other Tommies and their friends who are having tea there.

We sit at little tables, but at very close quarters with each other, and we smile at them and they at us.

I have brought Donald some letters, which pleases him, and Dorothy has brought him some splendid socks, knitted by herself.

After tea we walk across an arid plain to a little wood, and sit down under the trees.

Donald changes to the new socks—­those he had on were wringing wet!

He picks us little bunches of violets, hyacinths and wild strawberry flowers—­we have them still.

We are very happy the whole of the day, and have my sandwiches and cake and fruit for supper, there under the trees.  And here in thought let me leave “The Student in Arms,” who was to me part son, best pal, brother, comrade, and counsellor on all subjects—­and more than a little bit of grandpapa!

He could be so many different things because, as another friend and cousin said, “he seemed to know everything about everybody.”

I like to think of those two fine spirits—­Hugh and Donald—­each with a hand to the tiny baby nephew, and a word of greeting for me when I go over the top.

THE END