nfluenza and was now in command of his battalion in Coblenz.

A little later, after they had secured chairs, Bianca Zoli and Dr.
Raymond joined them.

Nona Davis was dancing with Sergeant Donald Hackett, Thea Thompson with
Carlo Navara.

Sonya noticed no one else at the moment whom she knew particularly well.

Yes, there standing up against the wall was Nora Jamison, with the
little French girl's hand in hers and a line of children on either side.

Nona Davis changing partners, Sergeant Donald Hackett went over
evidently to ask Nora Jamison to dance with him, but she must have
declined as he continued standing beside her, laughing and talking.

"Have you been dancing, Bianca?" Sonya inquired. "You usually enjoy it
so much."

Leaning over, Bianca whispered.

"Please don't discuss the question aloud, Sonya. No one has asked me
recently, only Major Hersey and Dr. Raymond earlier in the afternoon.
Dr. Raymond dances abominably."

"Not Carlo?" Sonya demanded.

And Bianca shook her head.

Something of their whispered conversation Hugh Raymond must have
guessed.

"We are not to have any more of the ordinary dancing just at present,
Mrs. Clark. Miss Thompson and Carlo Navara are to do a folk dance
together."

Just as he was speaking, suddenly the music ceased and the dancers
crowded into places along the wall.

A few moments later, standing in the centre of the floor and alone, were
Thea Thompson and Carlo Navara.

This afternoon Thea did not look plain; she had on a simple black dress
of some thin material, a bright sash and black slippers and stockings.
Her red hair formed a brilliant spot of color.

Carlo was in uniform.

Their dance was probably an Irish folk dance, although it was
comparatively simple yet the effect was charming.

Sonya believed she had never seen two more graceful persons than Thea
and Carlo as they advanced toward each other and receded, later forming
an arch with their hands above their heads and circling slowly in and
out.

Sonya had known nothing of Carlo as more than an ordinary dancer, but
evidently he and Thea must have been practicing together for the
afternoon's entertainment. Naturally, Carlo's musical gifts would make
him a more successful dancer than anyone without a sense of rhythm and
time.

In any case the effect was charming and the applause at the close
enthusiastic.

As soon as the dance was ended, Carlo came directly over to where Sonya
and her husband were