III

conceded full military honours to any officer who had been wounded. They discussed gardening and joked about domestic difficulties; they talked about war-work and public affairs; but they appeared to be refusing to recognize the realities which were implied by a letter from an indomitable Quartermaster in France. “The Battalion has been hard at it again and had a rough time, but as usual kept their end up well⁠—much to the joy of the Staff, who have been round here today like flies round a jam-pot, congratulating the Colonel and all others concerned. I am sorry to say that the Padre got killed.⁠ ⁠… He was up with the lads in the very front and got sniped in the stomach and died immediately. I haven’t much room for his crowd as a rule, but he was the finest parson I’ve ever known, absolutely indifferent to danger. Young Brock (bombing officer⁠—he said he knew you at Clitherland) was engaging the Boche single-handed when he was badly hit in the arm, side, and leg. They amputated his left leg, but he was too far gone and we buried him today. Two other officers killed and three wounded. Poor Sergeant Blaxton was killed. All the best get knocked over.⁠ ⁠… The boys are now trying to get to Amiens to do a bit of courting.” Morosely I