She did not see Paul Genau that day or the following. But Carl was at her beck and call at almost any time. He was stationed with a detachment of privates to guard the hospital. His regiment was scattered along the roads hereabout guarding lines of communication and the supply trains that rumbled past.
"Thank you, Cousin Carl," she said, when he had done some friendly act for her. "You are a comfort."
"Say!" gasped the enamored Carl, "I'd be glad to serve you at all times, Cousin 'Linda. You are the nicest girl I ever knew. If this war were only over——"
"Well, what if it were?" she asked, rather amused by his seriousness.
"Ach! I'd marry you, 'Linda," he cried, with perfect frankness.
"Silly!" scoffed Belinda. "I'll be a sister to you. That is the best I can do."
"I don't want any more sisters; I have enough of them already," grumbled Carl. "You know what Mena and Louisa are, 'Linda. They would try the temper of any man."
"How do you know I would not be a greater trial?" she asked him, much amused.
"I have asked these wounded what sort you are," Carl replied simply. "They tell me you are uniformly kind. That you were just as kind to the French sick as you were to them."
"Praise indeed!" murmured Belinda. She was touched by this evidence of the faithfulness of these men who had been prisoners.