"Put on my dress coat, after such a supper," quoth Magnus. "I think I will!"
"Don't be foolish," said Rose. "Go at once, if you want pancakes for breakfast."
"Make it waffles——"
"Very well, then, waffles," cried both the girls, laughing at him. "Now Magnus, go! While your hair is short."
XXVI
CHERRY
'Tis the middle watch of a summer night.
The earth is dark, but the heavens are bright;
Naught is seen in the vault on high,
But the moon and the stars and the cloudless sky,
And the flood that rolls its milky hue,
A river of light, in the welkin blue. —Culprit Fay.
And thus it was, that in ten minutes or so there entered upon the scene a fine presentation of a West Point cadet: short hair, white collar, bell buttons, and all the rest.
Just inside the door Magnus paused, drew himself up, and gave a comprehensive military salute; then came on with quick, regulation step, halted in front of Cherry, and took off his cap with the true cadet swing.
"Thought you'd be out, Miss Reserve. I saw you clear across the plain. Now Cherry, you must ask how I could possibly see so far."