she's the only thing in the world. We're elderly chaps, you and I,
Perkins, and the only thing we can do to help her is to keep our
heads high. If people like you and me crumple up, the British
Empire will crumple up."

"That's quite true," said Perkins.

Sir Anthony bent down and held out his hand.

"It's damned hard lines for us, and for the women. But we must
keep our end up. It's doing our bit."

Perkins wrung his hand. "I wish to God," said he, "I was young
enough--"

"By God! so do I!" said Sir Anthony.

This little conversation (which I afterwards verified) was
reported to me by my arch-gossip, Sergeant Marigold.

"And I tell you what, sir," said he after the conclusion, "I'm of
the same way of thinking and feeling."

"So am I."

"Besides, I'm not so old, sir. I'm only forty-two."

"The prime of life," said I.

"Then why won't they take me, sir?"