When Joan left the room Mrs. Dobson turned to her elder daughter.

"Now, Maud, you're such a sensible girl--what do you think about this
young man turning up? He's sure to be after Joan again, don't you think?"

Maud considered the question with her usual conscientious earnestness,
while her mother sat anxiously watching her.

"Well, now," she said at length, "supposing he does?"

"What do you mean, Maud? I don't understand."

"Well, I mean that the War has changed everything. Look at Dora Newt. She
Wouldn't accept that young Mr. Firning because he was only a clerk in the
bank. Now she's engaged to him, all because he's in the Army. Why, you
know, mamma, Clara told you herself the other day she meant to have a War
wedding."

"I must say I was shocked that so well brought up a girl should talk so
lightly about marrying."

"I know, mamma, but everybody's the same now; the War makes all the
difference. And I think if Joan still wants him--after all, he's a
captain and--"

"I think perhaps you are right, Maud. The War does make such a
difference, doesn't it? I really think I shall encourage
it now that he has made a position for himself." Mrs. Dobson was
interrupted by the return of Joan with another piece of news.