"Do you know whose property this is?" she demanded in a burst of anger.

"Ours--the nation's!" answered one, perspiring freely at his work.
"Sorry!" he added on second thought.

Already parts of the first terrace were shoulder-high with sand-bags and
one automatic had been set in place, Marta observed as she turned to the
veranda. There her mother sat in her favorite chair, hands relaxed as
they rested on its arms, while she looked out over the valley in the
supertranquillity that comes to some women under a strain--as soldiers
who have been on sieges can tell you--that some psychologists interpret
one way and some another, none knowing even their own wives.

"Marta, did any of the children come?" Mrs. Galland asked in her usual
pleasant tone. So far as she was concerned, the activity on the terrace
did not exist. She seemed oblivious of the fact of war.

"Yes, seven."

"And did you hold your session?"

"Yes."

Marta's monosyllables absently answering the questions were expressive
of her wonder at her mother. Most girls do not know their mothers much
better than psychologists know their wives.

"I am glad of that, Marta. I am glad you went and sorry that I opposed
your going, because, Marta, whatever happens one should go regularly
about what he considers his duty," said Mrs. Galland. "They have been as
considerate as they could, evidently by Colonel Lanstron's orders," she
proceeded, nodding toward the industrious engineers. "And they've packed
all the paintings and works of art and put them in the cellar, where
they will be safe."

The captain of engineers in command, seeing Marta, hurried toward her.

"Miss Galland, isn't it?" he asked. "I have been waiting for you.
I--I--well, I found that I could not make the situation clear to your
mother."

"He thinks me in my second childhood or out of my head," Mrs. Galland
explained with a shade of tartness. "And he has been so polite in trying
to conceal his opinion, too," she added with a comprehending smile.

The captain flushed in embarrassment.

"I--I can't speak too strongly," he declared when he had regained his
composure. "Though everything seems safe here now, it may not be in an
hour. You must go, all of you. This house will be in an inferno as soon
as the 53d falls back, and I can't possibly get your mother to
appreciate the fact, Miss Galland."

"But I said that I did appreciate it and that the Gallands have been in
infernos before--perhaps not a