There was nothing for
it but her Englishwoman's courage. She held up her hand at that,
and went away to live, like many another, patiently through the
long hours of suspense.
For two or three days no news came. I spent as much time as I
could with my old friend, seeking to comfort her.
On the third morning it was announced in the papers that the King
had been graciously pleased to confer the Victoria Cross on Lt.
Colonel Leonard Boyce for conspicuous gallantry in action. It did
not occur in a list of honours. It had a special paragraph all to
itself. Such isolated announcements generally indicate immediate
recognition of some splendid feat. I was thrilled by the news. It
was a grand achievement to win through death to the greatest of
all military rewards deliberately coveted. Here, as I had strange
reason for knowing, was no sudden act of sublime valour. The final
achievement was the result of months of heroic, almost suicidal
daring. And it was repayment of a terrible debt, the whole extent
of which I knew not, owed by the man to his tormented soul.
I rang up Mrs. Boyce, who replied tremulously to my
congratulations. Would I come over and lunch?
I found a very proud and tearful old lady.
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