CHAPTER VI

THE PROMISE

It was Alma who gave Derry Drake the key to Jean's conduct.

"Did your ears burn?" she asked, as they danced together after Jean and
her father had gone.

"When?"

"We were talking about you at dinner."

"I hope you said nice things."

"I did, of course." Her lashes flashed up and fluttered down as they
had flashed and fluttered for Ralph. Every man was for Alma a possible
conquest. Derry was big game, and as yet her little darts had not
pierced him. She still hoped, however. "I did, but the rest didn't."

He shrank from the things which she might tell him. "What did they
say?" His voice caught.

"I shan't tell you. But it was about the war, and your not fighting.
As if it made any difference. You are as brave as any of them."

He glanced down at her with somber eyes. Quite unreasonably he hated
her for her defense of him. If all women defended men who wouldn't