However, she had made up her mind not to cry, no matter what happened. After all, she was a woman and not a child, and Eugenia would consider tears a most ineffective method of assistance. She had come to Dick's apartment with every idea of being brave and had started off in that spirit. Then Dick's interrupted confession had been a trifle upsetting. Moreover, she had hoped that Dick or one of the girls would have good news to tell about Eugenia, or at least be able to make a comforting suggestion. While she was thinking this, Nona Davis got up and began walking up and down the length of the room. [Pg 186] [Pg 186] "The situation is abominable!" she exclaimed. "To think of a splendid person like Eugenia, who is so needed, shut up in a German prison! Besides, she is an American girl! It simply makes my blood boil. I wish for a short time I were a man." Nona's cheeks were a deep rose and her golden brown eyes were almost black from emotion. Barbara thought she looked charming. But Dick smiled upon the excited girl rather condescendingly. "Do come and sit down, please, Nona. I know it is your southern blood that makes you long to fight. But this isn't the time for it. After all, I am a man and I haven't been able to rescue Eugenia. Of course, you would be a more effective man than I can ever hope to be. But today let us try to face the situation quietly. It is the only way we can hope to accomplish anything." In order to take the edge off his words Dick smiled. Also he thrust a chair nearer his guest. Barbara thought the[Pg 187] other girl sat down somewhat meekly. Never could she have taken a snubbing so gracefully. But then there was no disputing that Nona had the sweeter disposition. [Pg 187] Then Dick reseated himself by the tea table. After taking several papers out of his pocket he again looked over toward Barbara. "I wish you would repeat to me, word for word, as nearly as you can, just what statement Eugenia made to you when you were allowed to see her in prison," he demanded. His matter-of-fact tone and present cold manner entirely drove away Barbara's weak leaning toward tears.
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