“There’s a drug-store on the corner,” mentioned Jim. (Whether as a topographical pointer or in wistful reference to far-distant ice-cream soda, is not known.)
They passed on to the million-dollar Insurance Building downtown; the State University on the hill above; the Country Club, with its summer games and winter dances. Finally, being American and not English, they spoke frankly, naturally, and appreciatively of their womenkind. Altogether, being but boys, and homesick boys at that, they spoke all that was in their hearts, and incidentally conveyed considerable warmth to the heart of a rather formidable, extremely lonely, old lady.
They saluted politely when the time came to part, and informed their new friend that they were very pleased to have known her.
“And I am very pleased to have known you!” replied her ladyship, with a heartiness which would have surprised some of her friends. “Don’t bother about that tennis invitation. You probably won’t be here, anyway, to judge from the speed with which you all scuttle through this country. Come to lunch to-morrow instead, and tell me more.”
They went.
[1] D.O.R.A. Defence of the Realm Act.
CHAPTER SEVEN
THREE MUSKETEERS IN LONDON
Our stay in England has been prolonged beyond the usual time, chiefly because that impartial foe of the just and the unjust, the Spanish Influenza, has opened a campaign against us, and it is manifestly foolish to attack Germany before you have settled accounts with Spain.