soon to be a first
lieutenant, he should have been one long ago."

"I don't see why you have not also been given a commission, Carlo,"
Bianca replied, a little jealous for her friend.

Carlo laughed.

"I haven't the stuff in me for an officer, Bee. No one knows this better
than I do. I am a fair soldier when there is something doing, but a poor
one in routine. That is the real test. Don't mind, Bianca, and don't
look aggrieved. I have simply tried to do my military duty like millions
of other better men, but now I am going back to the thing I am made for.
I was only a soldier for the time I felt myself needed.

"By the way I have been learning to sing "Siegfried," Bianca, studying
with my old German singing master. He says I sing the music very poorly,
but it has been fun trying to learn.

"I know one who lies
Fast in slumber deep
Sleeping age long sleep,
Waiting for thy waking."

Carlo's voice sounded clear and beautiful in the big room.

"If your hair were unbound and you were older you might look like
Brunhilde some day, Bianca."

"You are singing better than ever, Carlo, I am so glad!" Bianca
murmured, forgetful of herself.

She looked a little paler and more fragile after her illness, yet with
her light yellow hair, her delicate features and large dark eyes
prettier perhaps than her companion ever remembered seeing her.

"And the dancing, Bee, I gave that up soon after our talk. I did not
need it for diversion after I began my music lessons. Besides, Miss
Thompson has taught so many of the soldiers folk dancing and some of
them are now so good at it that she no longer wishes me for her
partner."

Bianca colored.

"I am sorry I told you I did not like Thea Thompson, Carlo. It is
foolish to be prejudiced against people, isn't it? She has been
extremely kind to me during my illness and both Sonya and I have learned
to understand her better. Besides, I was prejudiced perhaps because of
you," Bianca ended frankly.

But Carlo made no comment.

Never did it fail to interest him Bianca's strange combination of
childishness and womanhood. But today she seemed almost altogether
childlike.

At this instant getting up Carlo walked over to the mantel where he put
down his tea cup and then stood looking down on Bianca.

"Then we are friends, aren't we, Bee? And I hope we may never
misunderstand each other again. I have been worried over your being ill
and our not be