`` Oh , if we could only have those dear , monotonous , pleasant days back again ! I would never , never grumble about them again . '' Rilla 's world had tumbled to pieces the very day after the party . As they lingered around the dinner table at Ingleside , talking of the war , the telephone had rung . It was a long-distance call from Charlottetown for Jem . When he had finished talking he hung up the receiver and turned around , with a flushed face and glowing eyes . Before he had said a word his mother and Nan and Di had turned pale . As for Rilla , for the first time in her life she felt that every one must hear her heart beating and that something had clutched at her throat . `` They are calling for volunteers in town , father , '' said Jem . `` Scores have joined up already . I 'm going in tonight to enlist . '' `` Oh -- Little Jem , '' cried Mrs. Blythe brokenly . She had not called him that for many years -- not since the day he had rebelled against it . `` Oh -- no -- no -- Little Jem . '' `` I must , mother . I 'm right -- am I not , father ? '' said Jem . Dr. Blythe had risen . He was very pale , too , and his voice was husky . But he did not hesitate .
`` Yes , Jem , yes -- XXXXX you feel that way , yes -- '' Mrs. Blythe covered her face .
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