For a moment the Ensign's jaw dropped. I watched him anxiously. Then with perfect composure he turned to Mother and came through like a little gentleman.
"Yes, madam," he stated, "your son is right. I heard his name read out with the liberty party only a moment ago. He has shoved off by now."
I could have kissed that Ensign.
"Well, I'm sure," said Mother, "it's very funny that I can never get to the Captain. I shall write him, however."
"He must have an interesting collection of your letters already," I suggested. "They would be interesting to publish in book form."
"Anyway," continued Mother, apparently not attending to my remark, "I think you would look just as well as this young man in one of those nice white suits."
"No doubt, madam," replied the Ensign propitiatingly, "no doubt."
"Come, Mother," said I, "let's go to the Y.M.C.A. I need something cool to steady my nerves."
"How about your underwear?" said Mother, coming back to her mania, in a voice that invited all within earshot who were interested in my underwear to draw nigh and attend.
"Here, eat this ice cream," I put in quickly, almost feeding her. "It's melting."