she did not desire to
forgive and forget as the little German frau appeared to wish? Was
there not a grave near Chateau-Thierry and a memory which must forever
divide them?

And yet of course one did not wish to be unkind.

"Please stay just a minute," Freia pleaded.

The following moment Major Hersey watched the little procession climbing
the stairs to the second floor of the house where the family were living
at present. First Frau Liedermann led the way, then Freia walking, but
holding close to Miss Jamison's hand, Gretchen and Louisa just behind
them.

Afterwards Major Hersey was glad to have been a witness to this first
introduction of Nora Jamison, into the German household.

CHAPTER XV

_A Re-Entrance_

ON this same evening Major Hersey and Sergeant Hackett were sitting
before the same fire, shortly after dinner. They were talking in an idle
fashion, neither of them particularly interested. Both would be pleased
when the evening was over and they were in bed. Major Hersey had given
his orders to his sergeant for the following day and then had suggested
that he sit with him for a time longer.

The days were not difficult in Coblenz where one had many duties and
interests, besides the association with one's fellow soldiers and a few
other friends. But unless one went constantly to the German restaurants
and theatres and movies, one could not find sufficient entertainment in
the various Y. M. C. A. and Red Cross headquarters to occupy every
evening of the week.

It was a brilliant winter night and the young men had left the curtains
of the window open and the blinds unclosed so that the early moonlight
shone into the room.

Therefore both of them noticed a soldier-messenger march down the street
from the corner and enter the front yard of the house where they were
living.

In answer to a command from his superior officer, Sergeant Hackett met
the messenger at the front door. The soldier bore a note which was
addressed to Major Hersey. The note requested that Major Hersey come at
once to the headquarters of his Colonel.

There was no explanation as to why his presence had become suddenly
necessary. However, without any particular emotion either of interest or
curiosity, Major Hersey at once set out.

The streets were fairly deserted. The citizens of Coblenz were living
under military law and, although the laws were not severe, two demands
were made upon them, one that no arms or ammunition