A Maid and a Million Men: the candid confessions of Leona Canwick, censored indiscreetly by James G. Dunton — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
A Maid and a Million Men: the candid confessions of Leona Canwick, censored indiscreetly by James G. Dunton
John Stuart Mill · en
Leon was on hand at the docks in New York, although I don’t know how he
managed to get so close to the works. He followed me with his eyes and
saw which truck I got in, then he hopped in a car, which he must have
just purchased, and followed closely along.
We reached a camp somewhere or other over in Jersey and piled out of the
truck.... Well, what happened was that I had five ten dollar bills in my
hand and it takes a good man to withstand the lure of cold cash. I never
went through that damned delouser after all, for I bought my way out on
the promise that I’d return in ten minutes—and as far as that bozo
knows, I returned. However, Sergeant Major Leon Canwick was himself in
person this time, and he didn’t mind undressing before anyone now: in
fact he said he’d just as leave undress before the Queen of England if
she asked him to. That’s what the army did to him.
Well, I went into New York in his clothes, waited to hear from him. As
soon as I knew that he was safe, I’d buy some clothes and hop for
Wakeham. “Home, boys, Home, boys, ’tis home across the sea! Home, boys,
Home, to the land of Liberty! We’ll hang Old Glory to the top of the
pole, and we’ll all of us reënlist—!” But not this chicken.
I was still shivering from the nerve strain.... And, I wondered where my
lover was to-night?
—7—
Speedy work on Sergeant Major Canwick: he painted his scar with some
kind of grease paint, took his physical exam without a shiver, and was
home again. Vyvy loved him more than ever and actually made me blush
telling him about his wonderful letters!
I wrote to Clark as soon as I got home, but I hadn’t heard anything from
him and didn’t know whether he was still in Washington or back in
France—or anything else about him. Frankly, I didn’t feel so good about
it now. I wanted that man when I wanted him. And I was all dressed up
now with no place to go. Auntie said my language was disgraceful but she
didn’t mind, so I spent most of my time with her. And poor Esky hadn’t
got used to me in dresses yet. He acted really funny: didn’t know half
the time whether it was Leon or me that was in front of him.
One afternoon Leon was getting ready to go out, when the doorbell rang
and he was handy, so he answered it. A man in uniform rushed in and
wrapped his arms around my dear sweet brother and was going to kiss him
right on the mouth!
But Leon hauled off and pasted him one in the jaw, and there was such
force in the blow that the visitor promptly desisted.
“What’s the big idea?” demanded Leon, without batting an eye.
“Why—uh—er——”
But just then I appeared and fluttered prettily into view. My hair was
curled just the least bit at the ends and I was all made up to look my
prettiest.... I almost fell down the stairs and into his arms, and all I
could say was “Clark—you darling!”
“Oh ... Leony, you little devil!”