Colonel Stanton was then introduced, and a minute later Harry Powell asked about St. John Ruthven.
"Is he in the ranks, aunt?" he questioned.
"He is not," answered Mrs. Ruthven, and drew down her mouth.
"He cannot leave his mother," put in Marion contemptuously.
"Evidently you think he ought to go?"
"He is a strong, able-bodied man. I would go, were I in his place."
"So would I," put in Jack.
"Then he isn't very patriotic."
"Oh, yes he is—in words," returned Marion. "But in deeds——" She shrugged her pretty shoulders, and that meant a good deal.
Colonel Stanton and Mrs. Ruthven entered the house, followed by Jack, and presently Marion and the young surgeon found themselves alone in the garden.