Moreover, almost immediately after Lieutenant Martin’s speech, she heard the other man laugh.

“See here, Lieutenant Martin, I know I have to yield to you in military matters and since I am not a soldier you probably do not think much of me. Nevertheless, you know I believe I am capable of getting Miss Davis safely back home, even of defending her, if anything should happen in this next half mile. And after all, I secured the privilege first.”

Lieutenant Martin did not laugh. If he had a sense of humor, it was not in evidence. Yet Nona was surprised by his offer to accompany her. She knew he disliked[128] feminine society so intensely, and although he would have done his duty had he felt she required his escort, it was hardly necessary for him to volunteer under the present circumstances.

[128]

“You are not armed. I prefer to see Miss Davis back to the hospital.”

Then Nona walked on between the two men, not knowing whether to laugh or to be annoyed and finding it difficult to make any kind of conversation which should include the three of them, since both men refused to speak again.

In sight of the hospital Lieutenant Martin said good-bye without ceremony and walked off toward camp. Nona could not help thinking that he was rather better looking than he was agreeable, as she watched his fine upright figure and the splendid military carriage of his shoulders and head.

She did try to thank him, but he seemed bored by her efforts.

The next moment she and her more recent acquaintance had reached the gate of the hospital.

[129]Above the gate hung the French and American flags, the one crossed over the other.

[129]

As a matter of course, Philip Dawson lifted his hat.

“I would like to come to see you if I may, Miss Davis, and it is not an infringement of hospital rules,” he asked straightforwardly. “But if I cannot, and at any time or in any way I can be of service to you, you must give me the privilege. Strange things are taking place about us these days and one never knows when something of an unexpected kind may develop.”

Nona shook hands, then rather idly watched the second of her companions walk away. The two men formed an amusing contrast.

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