Dark and Bright and In the Days of Langemarck Summary

It is Christmastime in "Dark and Bright." Walter returns home, bearing a cruel and anonymous letter mocking him for not joining up. The entire family is subdued, with Jem being away. They discuss the comings and goings of their neighbors, and particularly a man nicknamed "Whiskers-on-the-moon," who is a noted pacifist. Meanwhile, Rilla goes to give a recitation in public to convince men to join the cause, which particularly scares her as she had a lisp in childhood. At the end of the chapter, the family receives a letter from Jem, claiming that all is going well.

In the following chapter, Kenneth has written to Rilla that he has enlisted as well, as a lieutenant. Rilla has to organize a concert for the benefit of the "Junior...