Page:Milady at Arms (1937).pdf/146

 "There, there, Uzal, it may be so," she said pacifically, "and we all do promise ye," she looked smilingly at Rachel and Sally, "to watch our tongues and not betray any patriot or war secrets this afternoon."

"Now ye do make fun o' me," said Uzal sullenly. He started for the door, stopped upon the kitchen threshold. "But I give ye serious warning, all"

Here Rachel interrupted her brother impatiently. "Oh, get along wi' ye!" she exclaimed. "Wi' your warnings and your worryings! Mother and I be discreet enow—we have not lived i' the same house wi' you since the war started not to be!—as for Sally, I know o' no more fiery patriot than she!" She smiled at the girl. Then, as Uzal disappeared, Rachel looked at her mother. "In truth, I find Uzal becoming more fanatical everyday!" she complained. Tis getting to be most unpleasant!"

"Patience, Rachel, my child," urged Mistress Ball. "Uzal hath seen much o' the sad side o' this war. Whereas you and I," she sighed, "what know we! We have been more fortunate and more protected than most! But Mistress Williams—" she paused for a thoughtful instant, pondered, brightened—"nay, I feel sure she be a true patriot and that Uzal be wrong!"

"Aye—mayhap about her," Rachel took the tablecloth to the door and shook it invitingly at some bright-eyed robins hopping upon the lawn,