"Not at all. She needs an outlet for her energies."

"Oh, does she?"

"If she weren't your daughter, you'd know it."

On the way home he said, "I am very proud of you, my dear."

Jean had tucked her arm through his. It was not raining, but the sky
was full of ragged clouds, and the wind blew strongly. They felt the
push of it as they walked against it.

"Oh," she said, with her cheek against his rough coat, "are you proud
of me because of my green ducks and my pink pussy cats?"

But she knew it was more than that, although he laughed, and she
laughed with him, as if his pride in her was a thing which they took
lightly. But they both walked a little faster to keep pace with their
quickened blood.

Thus their walk became a sort of triumphant progress. They passed the
British Embassy with the Lion and the Unicorn watching over it in the
night; they rounded the Circle and came suddenly upon a line of motor
cars.

"The Secretary is dining a rather important commission," the Doctor
said; "it was in the paper. They are to have a war feast--three
courses, no wine, and limited meats and sweets."