"Indeed I didn't. Why should I wash it when it's new?"
"Here's your skirt," said Mrs. Franklin. "You'd better make a narrow hem and run a tuck or two above it so you can let it down. I'm going home now, because Wallace is all alone. Good-bye."
Beatrice went to work gingerly, and Mrs. Howard watched her for a few moments, then took pity. "I'll help you," she said, "I have nothing else to do."
The work progressed rapidly, and they went into the house frequently to fit the gown. "I can wear it to-night, I believe," said the girl, delightedly. "I didn't know sewing was so easy!"
"Don't be too hopeful—there's lots to do yet."
Noon came on apace and the heat increased. Shimmering waves hung over the parade-ground and vibrated visibly. There was not a tree within the enclosure of the Fort, and the flag hung limply from the staff, stirring only when the hot wind from the south-west swept over the sandy plains.
Doctor Norton came out, looked around the deserted Fort, and crossed to Lieutenant Howard's.
"Where are you going?" asked Beatrice, indicating an Indian basket he was carrying.
"I'm going to the woods—primarily, to find a cool place, and, secondarily, to gather roots and simples. Some of my medicines have given out and I'm going to make a new supply if I can find the proper plants."
Katherine was sewing busily and took no part in the conversation, but there was a scarlet signal on either cheek.