“Yes, Madame,” replied Grace meekly.
“If proper for a superior to do so, I would ask if it is customary for a private to remain seated when such superior approaches to speak to the private?”
“When driving, yes.”
“It is not! Hereafter, driver, when a superior officer comes up to you, you will step down, hold the car door open and stand at salute, if you know how to salute, until the officer is seated. Am I clear?”
“Perfectly so, Madame.” Grace repressed a hot retort, and Elfreda’s face burned with indignation. She found herself wondering how her companion could keep her self-control under the insulting tone of the welfare supervisor.
“It is quite apparent, driver, that you are new to the army and its ways.”
“Oh!” exclaimed J. Elfreda.
“What is that?” demanded Mrs. Smythe.
“I—I think I pinched my finger in the door,” stammered Elfreda.
“Driver, step down. There is nothing like making a right start.”