“What right have you to those decorations?” he demanded, pointing an accusing finger at her.
Grace for the instant was staggered. She found herself at a loss to answer.
“Sir?”
He repeated the question, but more sharply accentuated than before.
“With all respect, sir, your question carries with it an inference not at all creditable to me.”
Elfreda Briggs was proud of Grace. She could not have said it better herself, and being a lawyer, Elfreda ordinarily was quite equal to making the retort courteous.
The face of the army officer hardened, but before he could reply, Grace continued.
“The decorations, sir, were awarded to me, one by the commander-in-chief and the other by the French Government.”
“For what?”
“I have frequently asked myself that very same question, sir,” replied the Overton girl.