The Best of Mary Roberts Rinehart

by Mary Roberts Rinehart

  To defend the Country and put ourselves into good Physical Condition.--Memo: Look up "physical" as it looks odd, as if mispelled.

  MOTTO: To be voted on later.

  PASSWORD: Plattsburg.

  DUES: Ten dollars each in advance to buy Tent, etcetera.

  UNAFORM: Kakhi, with orange-colored necktie. In times of danger the orange color to be changed to something which will not atract the guns of the Enemy.

  NAME: Girls' Aviation Corps. But to be known generally as the G. A. C. as because of Spies and so on we must be as secret as possable.

  I have done everything thus in advance, because we will have but a short time, and besides I know that if everything is not settled Jane will want to run things, and probably insist on a set of By-Laws, etcetera, which will take to much time.

  I have also decided to be Captain, as having organised the Camp and having a right to be.

  10 P. M. I am now in my familiar Chamber, and Hannah says they intended to get new furnature but feel they should not, as War is here and everything very expencive.

  But I must not complain. It is war time.

  I shall now record the events from 5 P. M. to the present.

  Father met me at the station as usual, and asked me if I cared to stop and buy some candy on the way home. Ye gods, was I in a mood for candy?

  "I think not, father," I replied, in a dignafied way. "Our dear Country is now at war, and it is no time for self-indulgence."

  "Good for you!" he said. "Evadently that school of yours is worth something after all. But we might have a bit of candy, anyhow, don't you think? Because we want to keep our Industries going and money in circulation."

  I could not refuse under such circumstances, and purchaced five pounds.

  Alas, war has already made changes in my Familey. George, the butler, has felt the call of Duty and has enlisted, and we now have a William who chips the best china, and looks like a German although he says not, and willing to put out the Natioual Emblem every morning from a window in father's dressing room. Which if he is a Spy he would probably not do, or at least without being compeled to.

  I said nothing about the G. A. C. during dinner, as I was waiting to see if father would give me ten dollars before I organized it. But I am a person of strong feelings, and I was sad and depressed, thinking of my dear Country at War and our beginning with soup and going on through as though nothing was happening. I therfore observed that I considered it unpatriotic, with the Enemy at our gatez, to have Sauterne on the table and a Cocktail beforehand, as well as expencive tobacco and so on, even although economising in other ways, such as furnature.

  "What's that?" my father said to me, in a sharp tone.

  "Let her alone, father," Leila said. "She's just dramatising herself as usual. We're probably in for a dose of Patriotism."

  I would perhaps have made a sharp anser, but a street piano outside began to play The Star-Spangled Banner. I then stood up, of course, and mother said: "Sit down, for heaven's sake, Barbara."

  "Not until our National Anthem is finished, mother," I said in a tone of gentle reproof. "I may not vote or pay taxes, but this at least I can do."

  Well, father got up to, and drank his coffee standing. But he gave William a dollar for the man outside, and said to tell him to keep away at meal times as even patriotism requires nourishment.

  After dinner in the drawing room, mother said that she was going to let me give a Luncheon.

  "There are about a dosen girls coming out when you do, Bab," she said. "And you might as well begin to get acquainted. We can have it at the Country Club, and have some boys, and tennis afterwards, if the courts are ready."

  "Mother!" I cried, stupafied. "How can you think of Social pleasures when the enemy is at our gates?"

  "Oh nonsense, Barbara," she replied in a cold tone. "We intend to do our part, of course. But what has that to do with a small Luncheon?"

  "I do not feel like festivaty," I said. "And I shall be very busy this holaday, because although young there are some things I can do."

  Now I have always loved my mother, although feeling sometimes that she had forgoten about having been a girl herself once, and also not being much given to Familey embrases because of her hair being marceled and so on. I therfore felt that she would probably be angry and send me to bed.

  But she was not. She got up very sudenly and came around the table while William was breaking a plate in the pantrey, and put her hand on my shoulder.

  "Dear little Bab!" she said. "You are right and I am wrong, and we will just turn in and do what we can, all of us. We will give the party money to the Red Cross."

  I was greatly agatated, but managed to ask for the ten dollars for my share of the Tent, etcetera, although not saying exactly what for, and father passed it over to me. War certainly has changed my Familey, for even Leila came over a few moments ago with a hat that she had bought and did not like.

  I must now stop and learn the Star-Spangled Banner by heart, having never known but the first verse, and that not entirely.

  LATER: How helpless I feel and how hopeless!

  I was learning the second verse by singing it, when father came over in his ROBE DE NUIT, although really pagamas, and said that he enjoyed it very much, and of course I was right to learn it as aforsaid. but that if the Familey did not sleep it could not be very usefull to the Country the next day such as making shells and other explosives.

  APRIL 11TH: I have had my breakfast and called up Jane Raleigh. She was greatly excited and said:

  "I'm just crazy about it. What sort of a Unaform will we have?"

  This is like Jane, who puts clothes before everything. But I told her what I had in mind, and she said it sounded perfectly thrilling.

  "We each of us ought to learn some one thing," she said, "so we can do it right. It's an age of Specialties. Suppose you take up signaling, or sharp-shooting if you prefer it, and I can learn wireless telegraphy. And maybe Betty will take the flying course, because we ought to have an Aviator and she is afraid of nothing, besides having an uncle who is thinking of buying an Aeroplane."

  "What else would you sugest?" I said freezingly. Because to hear her one would have considered the entire G. A. C. as her own idea.

  "Well," she said, "I don't know, unless we have a Secret Service and guard your father's mill. Because every one thinks he is going to have trouble with Spies."

  I made no reply to this, as William was dusting the Drawing Room, but said, "Come over. We can discuss that privatly." I then rang off.

  I am terrably worried, because my father is my best friend, having always understood me. I cannot endure to think that he is in danger. Alas, how true are the words of Dryden:

  "War, he sung, is Toil and Trouble, Honour but an empty Bubble."

  NOON: Jane came over as soon as she had had her breakfast, and it was a good thing I had everything written out, because she started in right away to run things. She wanted a Constitution and By-Laws as I had expected. But I was ready for her.

  "We have a Constitution, Jane," I said, solemnly. "The Constitution of the United States, and if it is good enough for a whole Country I darsay it is good enough for us. As for By-laws, we can make them as we need them, which is the way laws ought to be made anyhow."

  We then made a list, Jane calling up as I got the numbers in the telephone book. Everybody accepted, although Betty Anderson objected to the orange tie because she has red hair, and one of the Robinson twins could not get ten dollars because she was on probation at School and her Familey very cold with her. But she had loned a girl at school five dollars and was going to write for it at once, and thought she could sell a last year's sweater for three dollars to their laundress's daughter. We therfore admited her.

  All is going well, unless our Parents refuse, which is not likely, as we intend to purchace the Tent and Unaforms before consulting them. It is the way of Parents not to care to see money wasted.

  Our motto we have decided on. It is but three l
etters, W. I. H., and is a secret.

  LATER: Sis has just informed me that Carter Brooks has not enlisted, but is playing around as usual! I feel dreadfully, as he is a friend of my Familey. Or rather WAS.

  7 P. M.: The G. A. C. is a fact. It is also ready for duty. How wonderful it is to feel that one is about to be of some use to one's own, one's Native Land!

  We held a meeting early this P. M. in our library, all doors being closed and Sentries posted. I had made some fudge also, although the cook, who is a new one, was not pleasant about the butter and so on.

  We had intended to read the Constitution of the U. S. out loud, but as it is long we did not, but signed our names to it in my father's copy of the American Common Wealth. We then went out and bought the Tent and ten camp chairs, although not expecting to have much time to sit down.

  The G. A. C. was then ready for duty.

  Before disbanding for the day I made a short speach in the shop, which was almost emty. I said that it was our intention to show the members of the Other Sex that we were ready to spring to the Country's call, and also to assist in recruiting by visiting the different Milatary Stations and there encouraging those who looked faint-hearted and not willing to fight.

  "Each day," I said, in conclusion, "one of us will be selected by the Captain, myself, to visit these places and as soon as a man has signed up, to pin a flower in his buttonhole. As we have but little money, the tent having cost more than expected, we can use carnations as not expencive."

  The man who had sold us the tent thought this was a fine idea, and said he thought he would enlist the next day, if we would be around.

  We then went went to a book shop and bought the Plattsburg Manual, and I read to the members of the Corps these rules, to be strictly observed:

  1. Carry yourself at all times as though you were proud of Yourself, your Unaform, and your Country.

  2. Wear your hat so that the brim is parallel to the ground.

  3. Have all buttons fastened.

  4. Never have sleeves rolled up.

  5. Never wear sleeve holders.

  6. Never leave shirt or coat unbuttoned at the throat.

  7. Have leggins and trousers properly laced. (Only leggins).

  8. Keep shoes shined.

  9. Always be clean shaved. (Unecessary).

  10. Keep head up and shoulders square.

  11. Camp life has a tendency to make one careless as to personal cleanliness. Bear this in mind.

  We then gave the Milatary Salute and disbanded, as it was time to go home and dress for dinner.

  On returning to my domacile I discovered that, although the sun had set and the hour of twilight had arived, the Emblem of my Country still floated in the breese. This made me very angry, and ringing the door-bell I called William to the steps and pointing upward, I said:

  "William, what does this mean?"

  He pretended not to understand, although avoiding my eye.

  "What does what mean, Miss Barbara?"

  "The Emblem of my Country, and I trust of yours, for I understand you are naturalized, although if not you'd better be, floating in the breese AFTER SUNSET."

  Did I or did I not see his face set into the lines of one who had little or no respect for the Flag?

  "I'll take it down when I get time, miss," he said, in a tone of resignation. "But what with making the salid and laying the table for dinner and mixing cocktails, and the cook so ugly that if I as much as ask for the paprika she's likely to throw a stove lid, I haven't much time for Flags."

  I regarded him sternly.

  "Beware, William," I said. "Remember that, although probably not a Spy or at least not dangerous, as we in this country now have our eyes open and will stand no nonsense, you must at all times show proper respect to the National Emblem. Go upstairs and take it in."

  "Very well, miss," he said. "But perhaps you will allow me to say this, miss. There are to many houses in this country where the Patriotic Feeling of the inhabatants are shown only by having a paid employee hang out and take in what you call The Emblem."

  He then turned and went in, leaving me in a stupafied state on the door-step.

  But I am not one to be angry on hearing the truth, although painfull. I therfore ran in after him and said:

  "William, you are right and I am wrong. Go back to your Pantrey, and leave the Flag to me. From now on it will be my duty."

  I therfore went upstairs to my father's dressing room, where he was shaveing for dinner, and opened the window. He was disagreable and observed:

  "Here, shut that! It's as cold as blue blazes."

  I turned and looked at him in a severe manner.

  "I am sorry, father," I said. "But as between you and my Country I have no choice."

  "What the dickens has the Country got to do with giving me influensa?" he exclaimed, glaring at me. "Shut that window."

  I folded my arms, but remained calm.

  "Father," I said, in a low and gentle tone, "need I remind you that it is at present almost seven P. M. and that the Stars and Stripes, although supposed to be lowered at sunset, are still hanging out this window?"

  "Oh, that's it, is it?" he said in a releived tone. "You're nothing if you're not thorough, Bab! Well, as they have hung an hour and fifteen minutes to long as it is, I guess the Country won't go to the dogs if you shut that window until I get a shirt on. Go away and send Williarm up in ten minutes."

  "Father," I demanded, intencely, "do you consider yourself a Patriot?"

  "Well," he said, "I'm not the shouting tipe, but I guess I'll be around if I'm needed. Unless I die of the chill I'm getting just now, owing to one shouting Patriot in the Familey."

  "Is this your Country or William's?" I insisted, in an inflexable voice.

  "Oh, come now," he said, "we can divide it, William and I. There's enough for both. I'm not selfish."

  It is always thus in my Familey. They joke about the most serious things, and then get terrably serious about nothing at all, such as overshoes on wet days, or not passing in French grammer, or having a friend of the Other Sex, etcetera.

  "There are to many houses in this country, father," I said, folding my arms, "where the Patriotism of the Inhabatants is shown by having a paid employee hang out and take in the Emblem between Cocktails and salid, so to speak."

  "Oh damm!" said my father, in a feirce voice. "Here, get away and let me take it in. And as I'm in my undershirt I only hope the neighbors aren't looking out."

  He then sneazed twice and drew in the Emblem, while I stood at the Salute. How far, how very far from the Plattsburg Manual, which decrees that our flag be lowered to the inspiring music of the Star-Spangled Banner, or to the bugel call, "To the Colors."

  Such, indeed, is life.

  LATER: Carter Brooks dropped in this evening. I was very cold to him and said:

  "Please pardon me if I do not talk much, as I am in low spirits."

  "Low spirits on a holaday!" he exclaimed. "Well, we'll have to fix that. How about a motor Picnic?"

  It is always like that in our house. They regard a Party or a Picnic as a cure for everything, even a heartache, or being worried about Spies, etcetera.

  "No, thank you," I said. "I am worried about those of my friends who have enlisted." I then gave him a scornful glance and left the room. He said "Bab!" in a strange voice and I heard him coming after me. So I ran as fast as I could to my Chamber and locked the door.

  IN CAMP GIRLS AVIATION CORPS, APRIL 12TH.

  We are now in Camp, although not in Unaform, owing to the delivery waggon not coming yet with our clothes. I am writing on a pad on my knee, while my Orderley, Betty Anderson, holds the ink bottle.

  What a morning we have had!

  Would one not think that, in these terrable times, it would be a simple matter to obtain a spot wherein to prepare for the defence of the Country? Should not the Young be encouraged to spring to the call, "To arms, to arms, ye braves!" instead of being reproved for buying a Tent with no place as ye
t to put it, and the Adams's governess being sent along with Elaine because we need a Chaperone?

  Ye gods! A Chaperone to a Milatary Camp!

  She is now sitting on one of the camp stools and embroidering a centerpeice. She brought her own lunch and Elaine's, refusing to allow her to eat the regular Milatary rations of bacon and boiled potatoes, etcetera, and not ofering a thing to us, although having brought chicken sandwitches, cake and fruit.

  I shall now put down the events of the day, as although the Manual says nothing of keeping a record, I am sure it is always done. Have I not read, again and again, of the Captain's log, which is not wood, as it sounds, but is a journal or Dairy?

  This morning the man at the tent store called up and asked where to send the tent. I then called a meeting in my Chamber, only to meet with bitter disapointment, as one Parent after another had refused to allow their grounds to be used. I felt sad--helpless, as our house has no grounds, except for hanging out washing, etcetera.

  I was very angry and tired to, having had to get up at sunrise to put out the Emblem, and father having wakened and been very nasty. So I got up and said:

  "It is clear that our Families are Patriots in name only, and not in deed. Since they have abandoned us, The G. A. C. must abandon them and do as it thinks best. Between Familey and Country, I am for the Country."

  Here they all cheered, and Hannah came in and said mother had a headache and to keep quiet.

  I could but look around, with an eloquent gesture.

  "You see, Members of the Corps," I said in a tence voice, "that things at present are intollerable. We must strike out for ourselves. Those who are willing please signafy by saying Aye."

  They all said it and I then sugested that we take my car and as many as possable of the officers and go out to find a suitable spot. I then got my car and crowded into it the First and Second Lieutenants, the Sergeant and the Quartermaster, which was Jane. She had asked to be Veterinarian, being fond of dogs, but as we had no animals, I had made her Quartermaster, giving her charge of the Quarters, or Tent, etcetera. The others followed in the Adams's limousine, taking also cooking utensils and food, although Mademoiselle was very disagreeable about the frying pan and refused to hold it.