The intolerable burden of mutual uncertainty in regard to each other's attitude toward the war was lifted.

All shadows that lay between them were gone.

Nothing else really mattered.
The day following, Barry received a rude shock.

The M.O., after an examination, to his amazement and dismay, pronounced him physically unfit for service.
"And why, pray ?" cried his father indignantly, when Barry announced the astounding report.

"Is the man a fool?
I understood that he was strict.
But you! unfit! It is preposterous.