“What business⁠—” began Laura; but Page was not to be interrupted. “And if he did leave me alone sometimes,” she said; “do you think I would draw a long face, and think only of my own troubles. I guess he’s got his own troubles too. If my husband had a battle to fight, do you think I’d mope and pine because he left me at home; no I wouldn’t. I’d help him buckle his sword on, and when he came back to me I wouldn’t tell him how lonesome I’d been, but I’d take care of him and cry over his wounds, and tell him to be brave⁠—and⁠—and⁠—and I’d help him.”

And with the words, Page, the tears in her eyes and the sobs in her throat, flung out of the room, shutting the door violently behind her.