We do n't rejoice noisily over it . Susan keeps the flag up but we go softly . The price paid has been too high for jubilation . We are just thankful that it has not been paid in vain . `` No word has come from Jem . We hope -- because we dare not do anything else . But there are hours when we all feel -- though we never say so -- that such hoping is foolishness . These hours come more and more frequently as the weeks go by . And we may never know . That is the most terrible thought of all . I wonder how Faith is bearing it . To judge from her letters she has never for a moment given up hope , but she must have had her dark hours of doubt like the rest of us . '' 20th August 1918 `` The Canadians have been in action again and Mr. Meredith had a cable today saying that Carl had been slightly wounded and is in the hospital . It did not say where the wound was , which is unusual , and we all feel worried . There is news of a fresh victory every day now . '' 30th August 1918 `` The Merediths had a letter from Carl today . His wound was `` only a slight one '' -- but it was in his right eye and the sight is gone for ever ! '' ` One eye is enough to watch bugs with , ' Carl writes cheerfully . And we know it might have been oh so much worse ! If it had been both eyes !
But I cried all the afternoon after I saw XXXXX 's letter .
Canadians Carl Jem Meredith Merediths Susan day hours right weeks