Well, I went into New York in his clothes, waited to hear from him. As soon as I knew that he was safe, I’d buy some clothes and hop for Wakeham. “Home, boys, Home, boys, ’tis home across the sea! Home, boys, Home, to the land of Liberty! We’ll hang Old Glory to the top of the pole, and we’ll all of us reënlist—!” But not this chicken.
I was still shivering from the nerve strain.... And, I wondered where my lover was to-night?
—7—
Speedy work on Sergeant Major Canwick: he painted his scar with some kind of grease paint, took his physical exam without a shiver, and was home again. Vyvy loved him more than ever and actually made me blush telling him about his wonderful letters!
I wrote to Clark as soon as I got home, but I hadn’t heard anything from him and didn’t know whether he was still in Washington or back in France—or anything else about him. Frankly, I didn’t feel so good about it now. I wanted that man when I wanted him. And I was all dressed up now with no place to go. Auntie said my language was disgraceful but she didn’t mind, so I spent most of my time with her. And poor Esky hadn’t got used to me in dresses yet. He acted really funny: didn’t know half the time whether it was Leon or me that was in front of him.
One afternoon Leon was getting ready to go out, when the doorbell rang and he was handy, so he answered it. A man in uniform rushed in and wrapped his arms around my dear sweet brother and was going to kiss him right on the mouth!
But Leon hauled off and pasted him one in the jaw, and there was such force in the blow that the visitor promptly desisted.
“What’s the big idea?” demanded Leon, without batting an eye.
“Why—uh—er——”
But just then I appeared and fluttered prettily into view. My hair was curled just the least bit at the ends and I was all made up to look my prettiest.... I almost fell down the stairs and into his arms, and all I could say was “Clark—you darling!”