“How terribly alone he seems?” she thought at that moment, and her whole demeanor changed to one of friendliness and warmth.
This gave Lefty confidence. He studied the girl intently for a moment and then, slowly crossed to the front of her desk, looking down upon her with anxious and hungry eyes.
“Does it look like there’s anything the matter with me?” he questioned earnestly, “anything that might keep me from passing this flying examination?”
“Well—er—nothing but your actions. You seem a trifle overanxious.”
Lefty fumbled with his fingers and smiled nervously.
“I—I am,” he admitted, pointing to the door leading into the major’s office. “How long does it usually take them to make up their minds whether a fellow does or doesn’t?”
Elinor, somewhat amused and decidedly interested in this clean-cut, good-looking boy, suppressed a smile and replied bromidically: “Yes!”
Lefty, failing to catch on to the girl’s trend of humor, took a step closer, earnestly pressing his questions.
“My eyes are perfect. I’m not color blind,” he announced, gazing down at her in a manner that made the nurse uncomfortable. “You’re eyes are green—sure they are—and they’re pretty—too!”
Elinor, slightly taken off guard, though good-naturedly embarrassed, fussed about the desk, attempting to be preoccupied as Lefty continued to demonstrate his physical fitness.