Just then she looked at her mother and suddenly became silent. Mrs. Starkley's face was very white.
"If the need for men from Canada is great, other divisions will be called for," said the father. "At present, only one division has been asked for—and I think that can easily be filled with seasoned militiamen."
"Some one drove past the window!" exclaimed Flora.
The door opened and a young man, in the khaki service uniform of an officer, entered the room. He halted, removed his cap and grinned broadly at the astonished family.
"Henry!" cried Mrs. Starkley, pressing a hand swiftly and covertly to her side.
Her husband found nothing to say just then. Dick and Flora and Emma ran to Henry and began asking questions and examining and fingering his belt, the leather strapping of his smart riding breeches, even his high, brown boots and shining spurs.
"What are you, Henry?" asked Flora.
"A sapper—an engineer."
"Are you an officer?" asked Dick.
"Lieutenant, 1st Field Company, Canadian Engineers—that's what I am. Hope you approve of my boots."