“My dear, it was the most indulgent manner in which they could have treated your bad joke,” gravely replied Erminie.
“Joke? I never was more in earnest in my life. I did my duty. But they didn’t do theirs. And mind, Erminie, I didn’t abandon my point very easily. I didn’t until they sent me away from the office.”
“Well, I hope here is an end of the whole absurd affair, my dear Elfie. And I am very glad that your good father has not been vexed by hearing of it.”
“But here is not an end of it. Erminie, I mean either to serve in the army, as some women are doing at this present moment, or I will furnish a substitute in some able bodied alien.”
“Then, darling, as your father is well off in means, notwithstanding his great losses, I see no objection to your furnishing a substitute, though you are not obliged to do so. I myself have a representative in the field.”
“You, Erminie!”
“Yes, dear, and I think it the duty of every wealthy and independent woman in the country to have a representative in the army. But come, your father is waiting for you, Elfie. And tea is ready. Let us go to it.”
The two girls rose to leave the room.
“Dear Elfie, pray do not speak of this vexatious subject before your father this evening. This, you know, is his first day out. He has made a long one of it, and he looks tired; so let him have his tea in peace,” said Erminie, as they went down stairs.
“All right. I’ll not say anything to spoil the dear old boy’s digestion or disturb his night’s rest.”