have I done? I let William go, of course, and that's a lot, for I do
think a lot of William; but I am not doing my own share. Running
around to the stores, eating late suppers, saying snippy things about
other women, and giving people an excuse for not giving to the
Patriotic Fund. You and I sitting here to-day, eating expensive
things, are not helping to win the war, I can tell you."

"But my dear girl," he interrupted, "whose business is it? and what
has happened to you anyway? I didn't bring you here to tell me my
patriotic duty. I like you because you amuse me with your smart
speeches. I don't want to be lectured--and I won't have it."

Mrs. Tweed arose and began to put on her gloves. "Here's where we
part," she said; "I am going to begin to do my part, just as I see it.
I've signed on--I've joined the great Win-the-War-Party. You should
try it, Sergeant Brown. We have no exact rules to go by--we are
self-governed. It is called the honor system; each one rules himself.
It's quite new to me, but I expect to know more about it."

"Sit down!" he said sternly; "people are looking at you--they think
we are quarreling; I am not done yet, and neither are you. Sit down!"

She sat down and apologized. "I am excited, I believe," she said;
"people generally are when they enlist; and although I stood up, I had
no intention of going, for the bill has not come yet and I won't go
without settling my share of it."

"Forget it!" he said warmly; "this isn't a Dutch treat. What have I
done that you should hit me a slam like this?"