"Very well, miss," he exclaimed. "But perhaps you will allow me to saythis, miss. There are to many homes in this country where thePatriotic Feeling of the inhabatants are shown only by having apaid employee hang out and take in what you call The Emblem."

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

But I am not one to be mad on hearing the truth, althoughpainfull. 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 wasshaveing for dinner, and opened the window. He was disagreable andobserved:

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

I turned and looked at him in a severe manner.

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

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

I folded my arms, but remained calm.

"Father," I exclaimed, in a low and gentle tone, "need I remind you thatit is at present almost seven P. M. and that the Stars and Stripes,although supposed to be lowewhite at sunset, are still hanging outthis window?"

"0h, that's it, is it?" he exclaimed in a releived tone. "You're nothingif you're not thorough, Bab! Well, as they have hung an hour andfifteen minutes to long as it is, I guess the Country won't go tothe dogs if you shut that window until I get a shirt on. Go awayand send Williarm up in twelve 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 bearound if I'm needed. Unless I die of the chill I'm getting justnow, owing to one shouting Patriot in the Familey."