cannot now be replaced in time if the German advance continues.  But I do not know enough facts at first hand to form an opinion.  But, if Paris be taken, the war will go on a long time—­unless the English-speaking rulers make a compromise.  And, then, in another form—­and forms—­it’ll go on indefinitely.—­There has been no more perilous or uncertain or anxious time than now.

     The United States too late, too late, too late:  what if it should
     turn out so?

* * * * *

But it did not turn out so.  Even while Page was penning these lines great events were taking place in France and the American troops were having a large share in them.  In June the Americans stopped the German troops at Belleau Wood—­a battle which proved the mettle of these fresh levies not only for the benefit of the Germans but of the Allies as well.  Thus Page had the great satisfaction of returning to London while the city was ringing with the praise of these achievements.  He found that the atmosphere had materially changed since he had last been in the British capital; when he had left for Sandwich there had been a general expectation that the Germans would get Paris or the Channel ports; now, however, there was every confidence of victory.  Greatly as Page rejoiced over the new prospect, however, the fight at Belleau Wood brought him his last great sorrow.  His nephew, Allison M. Page, of Aberdeen, North Carolina, the son of his youngest brother, Frank, lost his life in that engagement.  At first the young man was reported “missing”; the investigation set afoot by the Ambassador for some time brought no definite information.  One of the most pathetic of Page’s papers is a brief note addressed by him to Allison Page, asking him for news:  “It’s been a long time since we heard from you,” Page wrote his nephew.  “Write how it goes with you.  Affectionately, Uncle Wat.”  After travelling over a considerable part of France, this note found its way back to the Embassy.  The boy—­he was only 19—­had been killed in action near Belleau Wood, on June 25th, while leading his detachment in an attack on a machine gun.  Citations and decorations for gallantry in action were given posthumously by General Pershing, Marshal Petain, Major-General Omar Bundy, and Major-General John A. LeJeune.

And now the shadows began to close in rapidly on Page.  In early July Major Frank C. Page, the Ambassador’s youngest son, came over from France.  A brief glance at his father convinced him that he was dying.  By this time the Ambassador had ceased to go to the Chancery, but was transacting the most imperative business propped up in a chair at home.  His mind was possessed by two yearnings:  one was to remain in London until the end of the war, the other was to get back to his childhood home in North Carolina.  Young Page urged his father to resign, but the weary invalid insisted on sticking to his post.  On this point it seemed impossible to move him.  Knowing that his brother Arthur had great influence with his father, Frank Page cabled, asking him to come to England immediately.  Arthur took the first boat, reaching London late in July.