garments of peace.

"Glad to get out of your uniform?" the Major asked.

"I believe I am. Perhaps if I'd been an officer, I shouldn't."

"Everybody couldn't be. I've no doubt you deserved it."

"I could have pulled wires, of course, before I went over, but I
wouldn't."

From somewhere within the big house came the reverberation of a Japanese
gong.

Randy rose. "I'm going over to lunch. I'd rather face guns, but Mother
will like it. You can have yours here."

"Not if I know it," the Major rose, "I'm going to share the fatted
calf."


VI

It was late that night when the Major went to bed. The feast in Randy's
honor had lasted until ten. There had been the shine of candles, and the
laughter of the women, the old Judge's genial humor. Through the windows
had come the fragrance of honeysuckle and of late roses. Becky had sung
for them, standing between two straight white candles.

"In the beauty of the lilies, Christ was born across the sea,