e result that the ascendency of the domestic was
becoming a matter of gossip. Once established at the post, Felicie's
swift methods of acquiring knowledge of all that was going on about her,
and unlimited means of imparting the same to her mistress, had quite
speedily established confidential relations to which the putative master
of the house was a stranger. There is a garrison "Service of Security
and Information" that differs widely from that of the field--and is even
more comprehensive.

Felicie had heard the various versions of the affray at Ray's office.
Felicie had heard of the lamentable affair of Georgie Thornton's injury
and its cause, and Felicie had been quick to see and suggest how this
incident might be utilized in case Master James could not be persuaded
to forget that, when he came hurrying in from church the previous day,
mamma, who had been too ill to arise at ten o'clock, was in most
becoming morning toilet _tete-a-tete_ with Captain Foster in the parlor.
Felicie had even assured Madame that she could and would influence
Master James accordingly, and this, too, after one unsuccessful attempt
on Sunday. Felicie had fairly flown, all sympathy and helpfulness, to
fetch Master James fresh, cool water, towels, ice for the back of his
neck, a preventive the most assured for nose-bleed, and all this despite
Jimmy's repellent silence, for the lad shrank from her instinctively.
She had then striven to coax him to promise that he would mention to no
man that mamma was dressed and downstairs: it would so annoy the doctor,
who had said she should remain in bed, and, indeed, she (Felicie) and
the dear captain had remonstrated with mamma, and were even then
striving to persuade mamma to return to her room, as later she had to
when--Master James came so hurriedly in. The only response had been a
blank look of bewilderment and dislike and an uncompromising: "Well,
'spose somebody _asks_ me?"

All this, of course, was known at the moment only to the three; but, as
luck would have it, when Dwight came walking slowly homeward from church
with Mrs. Ray, communion service ended, Jim had run to meet them, the
nose-bleed already forgotten, and, to the father's "I hope you didn't
disturb mamma, my boy. She was trying hard to sleep," the little man had
promptly, impulsively responded: "No, indeed, daddy, mamma is up and
dressed----" And then he remembered, faltered, blushed.

Dwight did not question his boy about his new ma