“We’ve something big to live for now. Our country needs us. We too are soldiers from tonight. We play the war game with our enemy--come all of you--” Without delay she forced them to enter the dining-room. Virginia, Zonia and Marya took seats opposite the intruders, the mother, her accustomed place at the head of the table. The dinner moved with quiet and orderly dignity until the officers’ faces began to flush with wine. The Lieutenant’s leering eye continually sought Zonia’s. She avoided his gaze at every turn. “Come, now, you little puss!” he cried at last. “Don’t freeze me with dark looks and averted gaze. I like you!” Zonia blushed and dropped her head lower. “I suggest, Lieutenant,” Mrs. Holland began, “that your remark is a little rude. I trust we are in the presence of gentlemen of culture and refinement.” Virginia held her breath in painful suspense. She saw the Colonel give a wink aside to his subordinate. The Lieutenant tossed off his glass of wine, rose, clicked his heels and bowed. “I assure you, madam,” he said with a laugh, “you do me great injustice. I have been honestly smitten with admiration for the charming and beautiful young lady. We are enemies, but she has conquered. I acknowledge defeat. To show you my sincerity, I will apologize--” With a quick swing, his sword clanking, he walked around the table and leaned close over Zonia’s shoulders, his reddened eyes searching her frightened face. “You will forgive me, my dear!” he drawled. His head touched the girl’s dark hair and she shrank with a little cry of horror. “Please!” “So! I’m not to be forgiven!” he growled. “Please leave me!” Zonia breathed timidly. “Come now--don’t be silly--“ he protested. “Am I a leper?” The girl lifted her eyes to his flushed, lecherous face, sprang to her feet, rushed into the hall and up the stairs. The Lieutenant followed with a loud laugh and oath. Virginia and her mother leaped from their chairs to follow. The Colonel stood in front barring the way. “Enough of these high and mighty airs, if you please!” he commanded sternly. “We are the masters of this house. It is a woman’s place to obey. Sit down!” “Colonel, I beg of you--“ Virginia pleaded. “I must protect this girl. She is under my care--” “I will protect her! My officer means no harm. Your suspicions are an insult. He is only having his little fun with a foolish girl. It is the privilege of the conqueror--” He seized Virginia’s arm and forced her into her seat. Marya was sobbing bitterly. Mrs. Holland sank helplessly into a chair where she stood. The Colonel opened the front door and beckoned the guard. The sentinel entered. “Attend us. The ladies will not leave this room until our dinner has been properly served.” The man saluted and took his place beside the door. The noise of a struggle in the room above brought a moment of dead silence. The Colonel smiled. Marya screamed and Mrs. Holland fainted.