“A bad omen.” Norma frowned.
“No, a good one,” Betty countered. “Shows you’re sweating them out right now. You’ll be cool as a cucumber when the time comes.”
At one-thirty that afternoon they assembled on the parade grounds. Slowly they formed into companies and took their places in line.
Since this was to be a gala occasion, a military band from an Army post had been imported.
Each company had its flag and its leader. Norma thrilled to her finger tips as she stepped out before her “Hup! Two! Three!” Company.
“If only Dad were here!” she thought. “Why? Oh, why didn’t I ask him to come!”
By the time they were all in their places, the reviewing stand was all aglitter with officers’ insignia and decorations.
A hush fell over the ancient parade ground.
As the band struck up The Star-Spangled Banner they stood at rigid attention. When this was over, Norma glanced hastily over her company. It was perfect. Never, she was sure, had there been such a group of girls.
Suddenly the band struck up Sousa’s stirring march, The Stars and Stripes Forever, and the parade began.