A father of family--almost a
grandfather--the war is not for men of that age. Besides, it does
not concern us here in Quebec."
"Why not? It concerns the whole world. Who told you that it does
not concern you?"
"The priest at our village of _Sacre Coeur,_ M'sieu'. He says
that it is only right and needful for a good Christian to fight
in defense of his home and his church. Let those Germans attack us
here, _chez nous_, and you shall see how the men of _Sacre
Coeur_ will stand up and fight."
It was an amazing revelation of a state of mind, absolutely simple,
perfectly sincere, and strictly imprisoned by the limitations of
its only recognized teacher.
"But suppose, Iside, that England and France should be beaten down
by Germany, over there. What would happen to French Canada? Do
you think you could stand alone then, to defend your home and your
church? Are you big enough, you French-Canadians?"
"M'sieu', I have never thought of that. Perhaps we have more than
a million people--many of them children, for you understand we
French-Canadians have large families--but of course the children
could not fight.
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