"That can be no other than Charlie Bragg," announced Ruth, getting up in haste, and naming a young friend of hers from the States who had been an ambulance driver for some months. "Something must have happened."
"I fear something is happening," Major Marchand said softly. "The sudden activity along this front must be significant, don't you think, Mademoiselle Fielding?"
Ruth's lips were pressed together for a moment in thought, and she eyed the major shrewdly.
"I really could not say," she observed coldly. Then she turned from him to take the hand of the countess.
"I'm sorry our little tea must be broken in upon," the American girl said.
She could not help loving the countess, no matter what some of the neighbors believed regarding her. But Ruth had her doubts about this son who was always in Paris and never at the front.
Henriette was too bashful to remain longer than Ruth, so she rose to go as well. The countess kissed her little neighbor and sent her favor to the girl's father and mother. Major Marchand accompanied the two visitors out of the chateau and toward the entrance gate, which Dolge had not opened.
"I sincerely hope we may meet again, Mademoiselle Fielding," the major said softly.
"That is not likely," she responded with soberness.
"No? Do you expect to leave Clair soon?"