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 leaned over and printed a warm kiss upon the soldier's hand. "You may remember that," she said in a low, intense voice.

"Will it mean anything more if I come back?" asked the soldier.

"Probably not," she returned. "You know how it is."

"Yes," he said sadly. "I know."

"I am sorry," she said, "but I am not mistress of my own life. None of us famous people are."

"More's the pity," returned the Colonel. "May I have this for a keepsake?"

He unclasped the bracelet on her wrist.

"Yes, yes," she said joyfully. "The things I can give, I give gladly."

Then looking down the Colonel's eyes fell upon Pierre. He was watching the soldier warily from under his shaggy eyebrows.