But as for our being
intimate friends, why, I do not feel that we are intimate friends any
longer. After all, Carlo, I cannot give all the affection and it seems
to me that is what you expect. When we first knew each other and I
wanted to help you because I understood that you cared for Sonya in a
way which she could not return, and afterwards when you were wounded and
I tried to find you in Chateau-Thierry, I did not think or care, besides
Sonya was Sonya! But now things are different."

For a few seconds Carlo studied the little cold, pure profile of the
girl beside him. One had a habit of forgetting that Bianca was
approaching eighteen, and then suddenly in some unexpected fashion she
reminded you that she was by no means a child.

"I suppose you are referring to my friendship with Miss Thompson since
our arrival in Coblenz, Bianca, or if not to our friendship at least to
the fact that we have been dancing together nearly every afternoon when
we both have leave. Can't you understand, Bianca, that it is sometimes
pretty dull for one here in Coblenz now the excitement and thrill of the
struggle for the allied victory is past? And now and then it seems to
me I can scarcely endure waiting to return to the United States and
begin to work again on my music. And yet one must prove as good a
soldier at one time as another. Yet what is the harm in my amusing
myself? I have thought Sonya also appeared disapproving of late. Miss
Thompson is not only an extraordinary dancer, but she is most agreeable
and----"

At this instant, having come to the end of the muddy path, Carlo and
Bianca had reached the wide board walk which extended for some distance
along the river. This afternoon it was as crowded with people as if
Coblenz were enjoying a holiday instead of being a city occupied by a
conquering army.

Observing his commanding officer, Major James Hersey, approaching,
accompanied by Sergeant Donald Hackett, Carlo saluted and stood at
attention. When they had gone past he turned once more to Bianca, his
slight attack of bad temper having vanished.

"Not jealous, are you, Bee? You must realize that whatever friendships
I may make, I shall always be fond of you."

If Carlo had been noticing his companion at this moment, he would have
seen that Bianca flushed warmly at his condescension, and that she was
extremely angry, and few people ever saw Bianca angry, not perhaps
because she did not feel the emotion of anger, but becaus