[_They go out._ COLONEL _and_ MRS. WHARTON _are left alone. For a moment they are silent._
Oh, it’s so hard. I wish it were I instead. I’d be so glad to take your place, darling.
Oh, my dear, I’m so sorry for you. I’m so dreadfully sorry.... I think you’re very brave. If I’d been told like that I--I should have broken down.
[_Trying to comfort him._] I’m thankful that your faith has always been so bright and clear. What a comfort that is now, darling, what an immense consolation! [_She draws him more closely to her._]
You’re throwing aside these poor rags of mortality to put on a heavenly raiment. It is what we’ve always kept in our minds, isn’t it? that this brief life is only a place of passage to the mansions of our dear Father. [_She feels the dismay in his heart and she strives to give him courage._] You’ve never hesitated at the call of an earthly leader. You’re a good soldier; it’s a Heavenly Leader that’s calling you now. Christ is holding out His loving arms to you.
_The Scene is the same as in the preceding Act._
_Two days have passed. It is Wednesday afternoon._
MRS. WHARTON _is sitting by a little table, looking reflectively in front of her. On the table is a work-basket, and by the side of this a baby’s shirt that she is making. A fire is alight in the grate. After a minute_, JOHN _comes in. She looks up at him with a pleasant smile. He goes to her and puts his hand on her shoulder. She gently pats his hand._
Are you idling, mother? It’s not often I catch you giving the devil an opportunity.
What is this you’re up to? What in heaven’s name are you making a baby’s shirt for? Hang it all, I’m not married yet.
[_Pretending to be a little shocked._] Don’t be naughty, John. It’s for poor Annie Black’s baby.
She was engaged to Edward Driffield, the carpenter’s second man, and they were going to be married next time he came home on leave. He’s been killed, and she’s expecting a baby.
The Pooles are looking after her. You see, she had nowhere to go, and they didn’t want her to have to go to the Workhouse, so Mrs. Poole has taken her in at the Vicarage. And I said I’d make all the baby’s things.
[_Affectionately._] You’re a nice old mother.
Don’t you think it was good of the Pooles?