And the air of sophistication, of experience that seemed a part of her manner completely mystified Lane.

If it had not been for the slangy speech, and the false color in her face, he would have been amused at what he might have termed his little sister's posing as a woman of the world.
But in the light of these he grew doubtful of his impression.

Lastly, he saw that she wore her stockings rolled below her knees and that the edge of her short skirt permitted several inches of her bare legs to be seen.

And at that he did not know what to think.

He was stunned.
"Daren, you served a while under Captain Thesel in the war," she said.
"Yes, I guess I did," replied Lane, with sombre memory resurging.
"Do you know he lives here ?" "I knew him here in Middleville several years before the war." "He's danced with me at the Armory.