"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 can't," cried Rilla; then she added with a sigh, "Two years ago we
would have said 'It can'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 can'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 Baker,
look facts in the face.
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