omeliness of the satin and lace costume
beneath.

Her shepherdess hat she had discarded and instead had tied a blue
chiffon scarf around her hair.

Nevertheless, in spite of her frivolous and charming costume, Gerry
Williams' expression was entirely serious.

"No, of course you do not understand. I am sorry," Felipe apologized.
"You see, it has been such a horrible evening for me with all the
foolishness of the play and my acting a clown's part, when I have been
wishing every minute to get you away and tell you what has happened."

"But what _has_ happened?" Gerry inquired anxiously and yet with
patience.

"The exemption board has refused my claim. I only heard the pleasant
news late this afternoon," Felipe answered.

Gerry's first sensation was one of intense personal sympathy.

Simply and naturally she slipped her hand inside Felipe's.

"I don't know what to say to you. I am so grieved for you. It is too
dreadful, your being forced to join the army when you so hate the whole
idea. Can't something more be done? Surely you and your father must have
influence out here!"

Felipe shook his head. "Influence does not count; besides, if father has
any influence he would not use it in my behalf, not in this connection.
When I told him this afternoon what had occurred he merely said: 'I wish
you had done your duty in the beginning, my son, without bringing the
stigma of disgrace upon our name by trying to escape your
responsibility. I did not suppose your claim for exemption would be
considered, as your excuse was too flimsy.'"

For an instant Gerry hesitated, then she said, her voice shaking. "I do
not mean to be rude, but I can not understand your father. You are his
only son and are no relation to me, and yet it does not seem to me I can
bear your going over to France, where you will be so unhappy, where you
may be wounded. But I must not talk of these things. How soon must you
begin your training, Felipe, and do you think you will be in a camp near
your home?"

Until this instant Gerry had not considered herself, had not realized
the failure of her dream. Now she had a little sinking sense of
loneliness and disappointment. Nevertheless Felipe was still first in
her thoughts.

"I wish I could do something to help you."

"You can, Gerry," Felipe returned, strengthening his hold on her hand.
"I am not going to be drafted, Gerry. I am going over the border into
Mexico tomorrow to remain until the war is over. I