Tim is my only child," she added self-excusingly.

"I can't let him run risks--of any kind." As she spoke, an odd foreboding seized hold of Sara.

It was as though the secret dread of _something_--she could not tell what--which held the mother had communicated itself to her.
She shivered.

Then, the impression fading as quickly as it had come, she spoke defiantly, as if trying to reassure herself.
"There aren't many risks in these piping times of peace.

Soldiers don't die in battle nowadays; they retire on a pension." "Die in battle! Did you think I was afraid of that ?" There was a sudden fierce contempt in Elisabeth's voice.
Sara looked at her with astonishment.
"Weren't you ?" she said hesitatingly.
Elisabeth seemed about to make some passionate rejoinder.