Doubtless that was what fascinated us all.
But Boyd, on whom nothing doleful made anything except an irritable impression, drew us away, saying that it was tiresome enough to fight battles without being forced to listen to the account of 'em afterward; at which, it being true enough, I laughed.

And Lois looked up winking away her tears with a quick smile.

As for Lana, her face was tragic and colourless as death itself.

Seeing which, Boyd said cheerfully: "What is there in all the world to sigh about, Lanette?
Death is far away and the woods are green." "The woods are green," repeated Lana under her breath, "yet, there are many within call who shall not live to see one leaf fall." "Why, what a very dirge you sing this sunny morning!" he protested, still laughing; and I, too, was surprised and disturbed, for never had I heard Lana Helmer speak in such a manner.
"'Twas that dreary old fiddler," he added with a shrug.

"Now, God save us all, from croaking birds of every plumage, and give us to live for the golden moment." "And for the future," said Lois.
"The devil take the future," said Boyd, his quick, careless laugh ringing out again.