"Ah, that is where the convenience comes in of having a military friend," returned Mildred gayly. "We shall not need to mingle with the hoi polloi. Won't you come too, Clover?" as her sister entered the room.
"Where?"
"To see dress parade this evening."
"Yes, I am going. Mr. Page has already asked me."
"I don't believe you had better try to get along without me. Jack and I are going to meet Mr. Eames on the steps of the Army Hospital at a quarter before six. There is a great crowd."
"Thank you. Perhaps we will be there. Did you hear Aunt Love's comment last night? She said that in the afternoon she ran into an impassable throng near the Administration Plaza, and after vainly trying a long time to get through, she finally found the attraction was only a lot of schoolboys drilling. If those important young heroes could have heard her scornful tone!"
When Clover had left the room, Jack spoke again. "Since you have an appointment with Eames, I withdraw, Mildred. I don't see why you asked me."
"He said I might bring my friends," she replied. "Do come, Jack."
Van Tassel looked straight into her eyes, and smiled with an expression which seemed to the girl both brave and hopeless.
"Won't you?" she persisted.