It does not require any great foresight , Sophia Crawford , to tell a body that she will have some trouble before her life is over . I could do as much myself . '' `` We all thought the war would be over in a few months then , '' said Rilla wistfully . `` When I look back it seems so ridiculous that we ever could have supposed it . '' `` And now , two years later , it is no nearer the end than it was then , '' said Miss Oliver gloomily . Susan clicked her knitting-needles briskly . `` Now , Miss Oliver , dear , you know that is not a reasonable remark . You know we are just two years nearer the end , whenever the end is appointed to be . '' `` Albert read in a Montreal paper today that a war expert gives it as his opinion that it will last five years more , '' was Cousin Sophia 's cheerful contribution . `` It ca n't , '' cried Rilla ; then she added with a sigh , `` Two years ago we would have said ` It ca n't last two years . ' But five more years of this ! '' `` If Rumania comes in , as I have strong hopes now of her doing , you will see the end in five months instead of five years , '' said Susan . `` I 've no faith in furriners , '' sighed Cousin Sophia . `` The French are foreigners , '' retorted Susan , `` and look at Verdun . And think of all the Somme victories this blessed summer . The Big Push is on and the Russians are still going well . Why , General Haig says that the German officers he has captured admit that they have lost the war . '' `` You ca n't believe a word the Germans say , '' protested Cousin Sophia . `` There is no sense in believing a thing just because you 'd like to believe it , Susan Baker . The British have lost millions of men at the Somme and how far have they got ?
Look facts in the face , Susan XXXXX , look facts in the face . ''
Albert Baker Crawford French German Rilla Rumania Russians furriners knitting-needles