"She's been taking lessons from George," remarked Mrs. Franklin. "That's the way he gets things done." "Speaking of angels----" said Katherine. Ronald crossed the parade-ground and joined the group. "What's that thing?" he asked, contemptuously indicating the pink calico. "It's clothes," replied Beatrice, with spirit; "don't you wish you were going to have new ones?" The Ensign's answering laugh had a hollow sound to it, for the shabby clothing at Fort Dearborn was a sore spot with both officers and men, even though new and proper raiment was said to be on the way. "You might make me some," he suggested, "and I'll promise to encourage you while you do it." "No, thank you," she returned loftily; "you'd be in the way." "I expect I'm in the way now," he observed, making himself more comfortable against the pillar of the porch. "When needles fly, women's tongues fly faster; when women sew, they rip their husbands to pieces." A faint flush came into Mrs. Franklin's face as she bent over her work. "I'll wager, now," continued Ronald, "that when you saw me coming, you had to change the subject. Mrs. Franklin was explaining the vagaries of the Captain, Mrs. Howard was telling what she was obliged to put up with, and Miss Manning was talking about me." The implication sharpened the edge of the girl's tongue. "You ought to be very glad you're not married," she said sweetly; "and it goes without saying that you never will be. Nobody on earth would have you!" "Don't quarrel, children," put in Katherine, hastily. "Here comes Ralph." The Lieutenant sat down opposite Ronald and wiped his forehead. "Lord!" he exclaimed, "isn't it hot!" "Get a little closer to Miss Manning," advised the Ensign. "She's in an icy mood this morning." Beatrice and Howard smiled at each other understandingly. "Be careful what you say," warned Mrs. Franklin; "they've decided that they're cousins." "Yes," replied the Lieutenant, "we've got it all settled. We're step-cousins-in-law once removed. Want to go for a ride, Ronald? Forsyth and I are going a little way down the trail." "Which trail?" "Fort Wayne, of course." "Yes, I'll go," said the Ensign, rising; "it can't be any hotter on horseback than it is here." When the three men rode off, Beatrice pouted. "Why didn't they ask me to go?" "I guess they're going swimming," returned Mrs. Franklin, "for Mr. Forsyth had some towels." "Here's your waist," said Katherine; "did you shrink the goods?" "Did I what?" "Shrink it. Wash it, you know." "Indeed I didn't. Why should I wash it when it's new?" "Here's your skirt," said Mrs. Franklin. "You'd better make a narrow hem and run a tuck or two above it so you can let it down. I'm going home now, because Wallace is all alone. Good-bye." Beatrice went to work gingerly, and Mrs. Howard watched her for a few moments, then took pity. "I'll help you," she said, "I have nothing else to do."