But Lieutenant Kelley came forward immediately.
Nona thought he looked tired and a good deal older since his arrival in France. But then she knew how hard the younger American officers were working with the idea of being able to assist in the training of the new troops when they arrived.
“Is there anyone you wish, or anything I can do for you?” he asked with his usual courtesy.
Nona shook her head.
“I am sorry to have interrupted you. I was merely looking for Madame Bonnèt. A little French girl is here with her whom I wish to see.”
“You mean Jeanne?” Lieutenant Kelley answered “Isn’t it strange, her coming here to our camp. I saw the little girl with the French solder only yesterday and recalled our having seen her at the railroad station that day on our way to camp. But you are not interrupting us, or at least Mrs. Thornton and I were having a conversation which could bear being interrupted.”
Barbara had come forward by this time looking ashamed of her lack of self-control, although her face was still a little flushed.
“Don’t be absurd, Nona!” she exclaimed. “I was talking to Lieutenant Kelley on business. But what is this about a little French girl?”
Nona explained and Barbara linked her arm in hers, almost equally surprised and interested.
“Queer that we should all have remembered the child and her soldier so well. But no, it is not queer; one could scarcely have forgotten such a companionship. May I come with you?”