U.S.A_ - John Dos Passos [154]
"If we're not we wil be before morning," said J.W.
"It's the goddamnedest treason in history," said Mr. Robbins. "What did we elect Wilson for instead of Old Fuzzywhiskers except to keep us out of the goddam
mess?"
"Robbins, I don't agree with you for a minute," said J.W. "I think it's our duty to save . . ." But Mr. Rob-bins had disappeared through the office door leaving a strong reek of whisky behind him. "I'd have given him a piece of my mind," said Eleanor, "if I hadn't seen that he was in no condition."
Driving out to Great Neck in the Pierce Arrow it was thril ing. A long red afterglow lingered in the sky. Cross-ing the Queensboro Bridge with the cold wind back of them was like flying above lights and blocks of houses and the purple bulk of Blackwel 's Island and the steam-boats and the tal chimneys and the blue light of power-plants. They talked of Edith Cavel and airraids and flags
-359-and searchlights and the rumble of armies advancing and Joan of Arc. Eleanor drew the fur robe up to her chin and thought about what she'd say to Gertrude Moorehouse. When they got to the house she felt a little afraid of a scene. She stopped in the hal to do up her face with a pocketmirror she had in her bag.
Gertrude Moorehouse was sitting in a long chair be-side a crackling fire. Eleanor glanced around the room and was pleased at how lovely it looked. Gertrude Moorehouse went very pale when she saw her. "I wanted to talk to you," said Eleanor. Gertrude Moorehouse held out her hand without getting up. "Excuse me for not getting up, Miss Stoddard," she said, "but I'm absolutely prostrated by the terrible news."
"Civilization demands a sacrifice . . . from al of us," said Eleanor.
"Of course it is terrible what the Huns have done, cutting the hands off Belgian children and al that," said Gertrude Moorehouse.
"Mrs. Moorehouse," said Eleanor. "I want to speak to you about this unfortunate misunderstanding of my rela-tions with your husband . . . Do you think I am the sort of woman who could come out here and face you if there was anything in these horrible rumors? Our relations are pure as driven snow."
"Please don't speak of it, Miss Stoddard. I believe you."
When J.W. came in they were sitting on either side of the fire talking about Gertrude's operation. Eleanor got to her feet. "Oh, I think it's wonderful of you, J.W." J.W. cleared his throat and looked from one to the
other.
"It's little less than my duty," he said.
"What is it?" asked Gertrude.
"I have offered my services to the government to serve
-360-in whatever capacity they see fit for the duration of the war.""Not at the front," said Gertrude with a startled look.
"I'm leaving for Washington tomorrow . . . Of course I shal serve without pay."
"Ward, that's noble of you," said Gertrude. He walked over slowly until he stood beside her chair, then he leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. "We must al make our sacrifices . . . My dear, I shal trust you and your mother . . ."
"Of course, Ward, of course . . . It's al been a sil y misunderstanding." Gertrude flushed red. She got to her feet. "I've been a damn suspicious fool . . . but you mustn't go to the front, Ward. I'l talk mother around"
. . . She went up to him and put her hands on his shoul-ders. Eleanor stood back against the wal looking at them. He wore a smoothfitting tuxedo. Gertrude's salmon-colored teagown stood out against the black. His light hair was ashgray in the light from the crystal chandelier against the tal ivorygray wal s of the room. His face was in shadow and looked very sad. Eleanor thought how little people understood a man like that, how beautiful the room was, like a play, like a Whistler, like Sarah Bern-hardt. Emotion misted her eyes.
"I'l join the Red Cross," she said. "I can't wait to get to France." NEWSREEL XIX
U. S. AT WAR
UPHOLD NATION CITY'S CRY
Over there
Over there
-361-at the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Colt Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company a $2,500,000
melon was cut. The present capital stock