It
was the first time she ever did such a thing and she vows it will be the
last. Everybody in the Glen was at the meeting, and quite a number of
speeches were made, but somehow things were a little flat and no
especial enthusiasm could be worked up. Susan was quite dismayed at the
lack of zeal, because she had been burningly anxious that the Island
should go over the top in regard to its quota. She kept whispering
viciously to Gertrude and me that there was 'no ginger' in the speeches;
and when nobody went forward to subscribe to the loan at the close Susan
'lost her head.' At least, that is how she describes it herself. She
bounded to her feet, her face grim and set under her bonnet--Susan is
the only woman in Glen St. Mary who still wears a bonnet--and said
sarcastically and loudly, 'No doubt it is much cheaper to talk
patriotism than it is to pay for it. And we are asking charity, of
course--we are asking you to lend us your money for nothing! No doubt
the Kaiser will feel quite downcast when he hears of this meeting!"
"Susan has an unshaken belief that the Kaiser's spies--presumably
represented by Mr. Pryor--promptly inform him of every happening in our
Glen.
"Norman Douglas shouted out 'Hear! Hear!' and some boy at the back said,
'What about Lloyd George?' in a tone Susan didn't like. Lloyd George is
her pet hero, now that Kitchener is gone.
"'I stand behind Lloyd George every time,' retorted Susan.
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