“Yes. The railroad had to give us all fresh uniforms. So we made new toggery out of that night’s work. I’ve heard people say militia are no good. If they could have stood by me that night, and seen my company working over those blazing cars, in that mass of burning freight, with the roof liable to fall any minute, and the strikers firing every time a man showed himself, I think they would have altered their opinion.” “Oh,” said Leonore, her eyes flashing with enthusiasm. “How splendid it is to be a man, and be able to do real things! I wish I had known about it in Europe.” “Why?” “Because the officers were always laughing about our army. I used to get perfectly wild at them, but I couldn’t say anything in reply. If I could only have told them about that.” “Hear the little Frenchwoman talk,” said Watts. “I’m not French.” “Yes you are, Dot.” “I’m all American. I haven’t a feeling that isn’t all American. Doesn’t that make me an American, Peter, no matter where I was born?” “I think you are an American under the law.” “Am I really?” said Leonore, incredulously. “Yes. You were born of American parents, and you will be living in this country when you become of age. That constitutes nationality.” “Oh, how lovely! I knew I was an American, really, but papa was always teasing me and saying I was a foreigner. I hate foreigners.” “Confound you, chum, you’ve spoiled one of my best jokes! It’s been such fun to see Dot bristle when I teased her. She’s the hottest little patriot that ever lived.” “I think Miss D’Alloi’s nationality is akin to that of a case of which I once heard,” said Peter, smiling. “A man was bragging about the number of famous men who were born in his native town. He mentioned a well-known personage, among others, and one of his auditors said: ‘I didn’t know he was born there,’ ‘Oh, yes, he was,’ replied the man. ‘He was born there, but during the temporary absence of his parents!’” “Peter, how much does a written opinion cost?” asked Leonore, eagerly. “It has a range about equal to the woman’s statement that a certain object was as long as a piece of string.” “But your opinions?” “I have given an opinion for nothing. The other day I gave one to a syndicate, and charged eight thousand dollars.” “Oh, dear!” said Leonore. “I wonder if I can afford to get your opinion on my being an American? I should like to frame it and hang it in my room. Would it be expensive?” “It is usual with lawyers,” said Peter gravely, “to find out how much a client has, and then make the bill for a little less. How much do you have?” “I really haven’t any now. I shall have two hundred dollars on the first. But then I owe some bills.” “You forget your grandmamma’s money, Dot.” “Oh! Of course. I shall be rich, Peter, I come into the income of my property on Tuesday. I forget how much it is, but I’m sure I can afford to have an opinion.”