“What’s so terrible?” The Lieutenant smiled.
“What we did a little while ago,” said Millie.
“Want to tell me about it?” the Lieutenant asked.
Millie dropped into a chair to tell the story of their hilarious march.
“Now,” she exclaimed at the end, “It was I who started it. What will they do to me?”
“Nothing,” was the instant response, quite as quickly rewarded by a golden smile.
“You were on your own,” the Lieutenant explained. “We want you to be happy. When an army loses its sense of humor it begins losing battles.”
“I—I’m so glad,” Millie exclaimed.
“But let me tell you.” The Lieutenant held up a warning hand. “There are other times and places. Take Inspection as an example. When you line up by your cots for inspection be sure there are no wrinkles in your blanket; that your locker is in order and open; that your shoes, towel, washcloth and laundry bag are in place. And above all, look straight ahead. Don’t smile. Don’t frown. Just look—and don’t move a muscle—not even if a fly gets inside your glasses or a bee stings you.”
“Jeepers!” Millie exclaimed. “This is some woman’s army!”