ll in her mind. Now she's
afraid of this and afraid of that, and in this way she worries herself
ill.

"And the doctor thinks he knows it all, but he knows nothing. He should
have given her iron, she's too pale. Now we shall have to call him
again. It is all a trick that doctors have. Yes, each man looks out for
himself. But I will call him again and say to him: 'Don't you think a
little iron would be good for her, she is so pale?' And he will reply:
'Yes, it can't harm.' But I would have to say this to the doctor when he
is putting on his coat in the hallway so that Vera does not hear.

"No. Vera must not hear that I think her pale. It would worry her and
she might become worse. Then she would have to go to bed again, the
doctor would come again, and the servants would do as they pleased. And
Vera would grow worse and more nervous and--"

"Here we are!" called the coachman, and the Captain stepped out upon his
own lawn.

The house was built of stone, and although its architecture was plain,
it had the solidity of a castle. Even the vines that grew up the
lattice-work and walls seemed to intertwine their curly branches into a
living network that helped fortify the stone nest of the Captain and his
beautiful Vera.

The lovely creature was passing her hands lightly over the keyboard of
the piano as the Captain entered.

"It is only I," he called, but she was startled nevertheless.

"I am glad you came," she said as she rose to meet him, and placing her
pale head on his decorated breast added--"I am afraid to remain here
alone."

"But where are the servants, my dear?"

"Oh, servants don't count."

"Well, well, my darling," spoke the Captain, petting her. "You have
nothing to fear. It is all imagination."

"But I am so nervous."

"Come, my dear. Let's have tea and I will tell you a funny story."

Presently they were seated at the table drinking tea, and the Captain
began his story.

"You know, my dear," he said; "we are going to put an end to all this
foolish political talk and people's committees. Any beggar forms a
committee, and they do what they like. Civil authorities and military
authorities are all alike to them."

"Oh, I am so afraid of beggars," interrupted the beautiful Vera.

"Well, my dear; soon there will be nothing to be afraid of; a propaganda
council was organized at headquarters this morning, and what do you
think? This morning two men arrived with a moving picture camera to take
pictu