the steak, but that it was simply a thing she couldn't understand. The
steak was there, why not eat it? And I said it was because of the
psychological effect on other people. And she said we were having too
much psychology and not enough common sense in this war!

"Well, after that, I went to my Red Cross meeting at the church. I
expected to have lunch there, but I changed my mind and came home.
Hilda was at the table alone, and, Daddy, she was eating the steak, the
whole of it--." She paused to note the effect of her revelation.

"Well?"

"She was eating it when all the world needs food! She made me think of
those dreadful creatures in the fairy books. She's--she's a ghoul--"

"My dear."

"A ghoul. You should have seen her, with great chunks of bread and
butter."

"Hilda has a healthy appetite."

"Of course you defend her."

"My dear child--"

"Oh you do, Daddy, always, against me--and I'm your daughter--"

She wept a tear or two into her muff, then raised her eyes to find him
regarding her quizzically. "Are you going to spoil my ride?"