Suddenly she flung her hands to her face and groaned aloud.
"What is it, Mandy ?" cried her husband, starting from his place.
His words seemed to recall her.

The agonizing agitation passed from her and a great quiet fell upon her soul.

The struggle was done.

She had made the ancient sacrifice demanded of women since ever the first man went forth to war.

It remained only to complete with fitting ritual this ancient sacrifice.