"Truly. Had to bring it along, lest a war should break out before I get back. May need it yet----" with an indescribable inflection which only Cherry caught. "Then if you _have_ done, as mother says," said Violet, "go straight upstairs and put it on, and come down and show yourself." "Put on my dress coat, after such a supper," quoth Magnus. "I think I will!" "Don't be foolish," said Rose. "Go at once, if you want pancakes for breakfast." "Make it waffles----" "Very well, then, waffles," cried both the girls, laughing at him. "Now Magnus, go! While your hair is short." XXVI CHERRY 'Tis the middle watch of a summer night. The earth is dark, but the heavens are bright; Naught is seen in the vault on high, But the moon and the stars and the cloudless sky, And the flood that rolls its milky hue, A river of light, in the welkin blue. --_Culprit Fay._ And thus it was, that in ten minutes or so there entered upon the scene a fine presentation of a West Point cadet: short hair, white collar, bell buttons, and all the rest. Just inside the door Magnus paused, drew himself up, and gave a comprehensive military salute; then came on with quick, regulation step, halted in front of Cherry, and took off his cap with the true cadet swing. "Thought you'd be out, Miss Reserve. I saw you clear across the plain. Now Cherry, you must ask how I could possibly see so far." "What would you answer if I did?" Cherry said diplomatically. This photograph in person was not easy to talk to. "I should remark that I can always see some people, across the world. Then you must put your head on one side and say: 'But you know you have _such_ eyes, Mr. Kindred!'" "Well, I certainly shall not say _that_," Cherry declared, venturing a look. "Magnus, you are a young peacock," said his mother. "Fine feathers, mammy. How do you like West Point, Miss Reserve? Is this your first visit? Very warm, isn't it? What do think of our view?" Oh, how they laughed at him, Cherry and all! Magnus kept a grave face. "Will you walk with me after supper?" he went on. And Cherry's sweet eyes opened full on him, to see what he meant. "That is not the way at all," said Magnus (approving it highly, all the same). "You must put your head on the other side now and say: 'Really, Mr. Kindred--he! he!--I'm awfully sorry--but I've given all my walks away.' Then I shall answer fiercely: 'Tell me one of the men, and I'll go fight him and get it back.' Now, Cherry, clasp your hands and say pleadingly: 'Oh, no! Please don't, Mr. Kindred! I remember now--there is one walk just before breakfast. Would that be too early for you?' And I answer practically: 'Nothing is too early for me, Miss Reserve, after you have opened your eyes.' And then you must give me an admiring glance and say: 'Oh, don't talk of _my_ eyes, Mr. Kindred!' Then the drum-beats, and I double-time it into camp."