n me if in my ignorance of the matter I fancied the lady
in question to be a representative of your order, and for suggesting
that the chief surgeon is the official to whom you should address your
complaint--and rebukes. Good-morning, madame. Miss Ray," he continued,
as he quickly turned and led that young lady away, "two of my staff
desire to be presented. May I have the pleasure?"

There was no mistaking the general's disapprobation of the official head
of the sisterhood as represented on the Sacramento. Though he and his
officers remained aboard an hour, not once again would he look towards
Dr. Wells or seem to see any of the party but Miss Ray,--this, too,
despite the fact that she tried to explain matters and pour oil on such
troubled waters.

Captain Butt sent up champagne to the distinguished party, and Miss Ray
begged to be excused and slipped away to her stateroom, only to be
instantly recalled by other cards--Colonel and Mrs. Brent, other old
friends of her father and mother. She remembered them well, and
remembered having heard how Mrs. Brent had braved all opposition and had
started for Hong Kong the day after the colonel steamed for Manila; and
their coming with most hospitable intent only added to the poor girl's
perplexities, for they showered welcomes upon her and bade her get her
luggage up at once. They had come to take her to their own roof. They
had secured such a quaint, roomy house in Ermita right near the bay
shore, and looking right out on the Luneta and the parade grounds.

They stormed at her plea that she must not leave her companions. They
bade her send for Miss Porter, and included her in their warm-hearted
invitation; but by the time Maidie was able to get a word in edgewise on
her own account, and begged them to come and meet Mrs. Dr. Wells and the
Red Cross sisterhood, they demurred.

The general, in Marion's brief absence, had expressed his opinion of
that official head, and the Brents had evidently accepted his views.
Then Vinton and his officers loudly begged Mrs. Brent to play chaperon
and persuade Miss Ray and Miss Porter to accompany them in their fine
white launch on a visit to the admiral on the flag-ship, and said
nothing about others of the order.

The idea of seeing Dewey on his own deck and being shown all over the
Olympia! Why, it was glorious! But Miss Ray faltered her refusal, even
against Miss Porter's imploring eyes. Then Stuyvesant declared he didn't
feel up to it.