reply. “Don’t you and Nona think it would be[61] wiser for all four of us to be in the same room when we talk, Gene, instead of having to repeat everything we say? I have just had a most cheerful and agreeable letter from Dick. But do you suppose that husband of mine deigns to tell me where he is? This ‘somewhere in France’ address must get on a good many people’s nerves. But he need not be afraid I shall try to look him up or interrupt him. I expect to be as busy as he is.” [61] Barbara took hold of Eugenia by one hand and drew her to a seat beside her on the bed. “Hope I shall be a more satisfactory Red Cross nurse this time than I was at the beginning, Gene. Remember, you wished to send me home then? But you always were wonderful. Do you know, I think you were intended to be a Mother Superior or a Lady Abbess, if you had lived in other days, Gene? As it is, I would rather work under you as a Red Cross nurse than any other woman in Europe.” “Don’t be a goose, Bab,” Madame Castaigne returned with just a sufficient reminder[62] of her one-time severity to make the three other nurses, including Barbara, smile. [62] “But there, I can’t remember you are a married woman with a baby child. It was fine of you to come over to us to help, under the circumstances.” Barbara hesitated and flushed. “I don’t wish to sail under false colors, Gene, with you or Mildred or Nona. I think I came to Europe half because Dick is here and the other half because I wish to help. Do you think I can ever manage to see him? I couldn’t have endured his being so far away.” Barbara looked so absurdly childish and forlorn that both Nona and Mildred were amused. It was Gene these days who understood. “Of course you will, Bab. Dick may even be helping with the ambulance work not far from here some time. In any case I expect we can manage a meeting. But if you children are not too tired tomorrow I want to take you over to our American camp. I have special permission for us to be shown as much as we have time to see.[63] Later the officers may not wish us and also we may be too busy. It is all so wonderful and inspiring.” [63] Eugenia ceased talking and for an instant no one spoke. This was because they all heard a curious noise just
Prev.
Back
Top