`` We 're the cubs -- we 've got to pitch in tooth and claw if it comes to a family row , '' Jem went on cheerfully , rumpling up his red curls with a strong , lean , sensitive brown hand -- the hand of the born surgeon , his father often thought . `` What an adventure it would be ! But I suppose Grey or some of those wary old chaps will patch matters up at the eleventh hour . It 'll be a rotten shame if they leave France in the lurch , though . If they do n't , we 'll see some fun . Well , I suppose it 's time to get ready for the spree at the light . '' Jem departed whistling `` Wi ' a hundred pipers and a ' and a ' , '' and Walter stood for a long time where he was . There was a little frown on his forehead . This had all come up with the blackness and suddenness of a thundercloud . A few days ago nobody had even thought of such a thing . It was absurd to think of it now . Some way out would be found . War was a hellish , horrible , hideous thing -- too horrible and hideous to happen in the twentieth century between civilized nations . The mere thought of it was hideous , and made Walter unhappy in its threat to the beauty of life . He would not think of it -- he would resolutely put it out of his mind . How beautiful the old Glen was , in its August ripeness , with its chain of bowery old homesteads , tilled meadows and quiet gardens . The western sky was like a great golden pearl . Far down the harbour was frosted with a dawning moonlight . The air was full of exquisite sounds -- sleepy robin whistles , wonderful , mournful , soft murmurs of wind in the twilit trees , rustle of aspen poplars talking in silvery whispers and shaking their dainty , heart-shaped leaves , lilting young laughter from the windows of rooms where the girls were making ready for the dance . The world was steeped in maddening loveliness of sound and colour .
He would think only XXXXX these things and of the deep , subtle joy they gave him .
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