"We are vanquished, certainly," admitted Patty. "Now you may be good enough, perhaps, to tell us what she must wear."
He glanced her over. "Some simple white frock," he said. "Then you might tie a red ribbon in her hair, and put on her a blue sash, and she will be the national colors."
"Luckily her hair isn't golden or red or black, so we shall not startle anyone."
"Now, remember there is no white feather to be shown," said the lieutenant. "You may be a soldier's wife some day."
Annis blushed.
Later, when she was alone with Jaqueline, she put her arms about the elder's neck.
"Dear Jaqueline," she said with a tender accent, "do you think you will like my going to the ball? If it isn't quite right I will stay at home. And are you sure the lieutenant was in earnest?"
"There is no reason why you should not go, except that children are not generally taken to balls. And it will be a grand thing for you to remember."
Annis kissed her, much relieved.
"I do so want to go," she returned after a little pause.