We then gave the Milatary Salute and disbanded, as it was time to go home and dress for dinner.
On returning to my domacile I discovered that, although the sun had set and the hour of twilight had arived, the Emblem of my Country still floated in the breese. This made me very angry, and ringing the door-bell I called William to the steps and pointing upward, I said:
“William, what does this mean?”
He pretended not to understand, although avoiding my eye.
“What does what mean, Miss Barbara?”
“The Emblem of my Country, and I trust of yours, for I understand you are naturalized, although if not you’d better be, floating in the breese after sunset.”
Did I or did I not see his face set into the lines of one who had little or no respect for the Flag?
“I’ll take it down when I get time, miss,” he said, in a tone of resignation. “But what with making the salid and laying the table for dinner and mixing cocktails, and the cook so ugly that if I as much as ask for the paprika she’s likely to throw a stove lid, I haven’t much time for Flags.”
I regarded him sternly.
“Beware, William,” I said. “Remember that, although probably not a Spy or at least not dangerous, as we in this country now have our eyes open and will stand no nonsense, you must at all times show proper respect to the National Emblem. Go upstairs and take it in.”