Wreford.  Ye—­as, M’.  She feels me goin’, a bit.

Katherine.  Yes, yes!  Still, it’s for the country, isn’t it?

The girl.  That’s what Wreford keeps tellin’ me.  He’ve got to go—­so it’s no use upsettin’ ‘im.  And of course I keep tellin’ him I shall be all right.

Nurse. [Whose eyes never leave her son’s face] And so you will.

The girl.  Wreford thought it’d comfort him to know you were interested in me.  ’E’s so ’ot-headed I’m sure somethin’ll come to ’im.

Katherine.  We’ve all got some one going.  Are you coming to the docks?  We must send them off in good spirits, you know.

Olive.  Perhaps he’ll get a medal.

Katherine.  Olive!

Nurse.  You wouldn’t like for him to be hanging back, one of them anti-patriot, stop-the-war ones.

Katherine. [Quickly] Let me see—­I have your address. [Holding out her hand to Wreford] We’ll look after her.

Olive. [In a loud whisper] Shall I lend him my toffee?

Katherine.  If you like, dear. [To Wreford] Now take care of my brother and yourself, and we’ll take care of her.

Wreford.  Ye—­as, M’.

     He then looks rather wretchedly at his girl, as if the interview
     had not done so much for him as he had hoped.  She drops a
     little curtsey.  Wreford salutes.

Olive. [Who has taken from the bureau a packet, places it in his hand] It’s very nourishing!

Wreford.  Thank you, miss.

     Then, nudging each other, and entangled in their feelings and
     the conventions, they pass out, shepherded by nurse.

Katherine.  Poor things!

Olive.  What is an anti-patriot, stop-the-war one, Mummy?

Katherine. [Taking up a newspaper] Just a stupid name, dear—­don’t chatter!

Olive.  But tell me just one weeny thing!

Katherine.  Well?

Olive.  Is Daddy one?

Katherine.  Olive!  How much do you know about this war?

Olive.  They won’t obey us properly.  So we have to beat them, and take away their country.  We shall, shan’t we?

Katherine.  Yes.  But Daddy doesn’t want us to; he doesn’t think it fair, and he’s been saying so.  People are very angry with him.

Olive.  Why isn’t it fair?  I suppose we’re littler than them.

Katherine.  No.

Olive.  Oh! in history we always are.  And we always win.  That’s why
I like history.  Which are you for, Mummy—­us or them?

Katherine.  Us.

Olive.  Then I shall have to be.  It’s a pity we’re not on the same side as Daddy. [Katherine shudders] Will they hurt him for not taking our side?