They don't know it isn't actual fear of bullets and shrapnel.
Sometimes they're afraid it's fear and it makes them sick at themselves and determined to grin and hide it.

But it isn't fear--it's furious Nature protesting." "There are hasty bridals and good-bye marriages being made in all ranks," Coombe put in.

"They are inevitable." "God help the young things--those of them who never meet again--and perhaps, also, some of those who do.

The nation ought to take care of the children.

If there is a nation left, God knows they will be needed," the Duchess said.