Only a few serious and pessimistic workers had begun to produce plain usefulness and in this particular Mayfair drawing-room "the War" as yet seemed to present itself rather as a dramatic and picturesque social asset.

A number of good-looking young officers moved about or sat in corners being petted and flirted with, while many of the women had the slightly elated excitement of air produced in certain of their sex by the marked preponderance of the presence of the masculine element.

It was a thing which made for high spirits and laughs and amiable semi-caressing chaff.
The women who in times of peace had been in the habit of referring to their "boys" were in these days in great form.
Donal had been taken to the place by an amusement-loving acquaintance who professed that a special invitation made it impossible to pass by without dropping in.

The house was Mrs.Erwyn's and had already attracted attention through the recent _debuts_ of Eileen and Winifred who had grown up very pretty and still retained their large, curious eyes and their tendency to giggle musically.
In very short and slimly alluring frocks they were assisting their mother in preparing young warriors for the seat of war by giving them chocolate in egg-shell cups and little cakes.

Winifred carried a coral satin work-bag embroidered with carnations and was crocheting a silk necktie peculiarly suited to fierce onslaught on the enemy.
"Oh!" she gasped, clutching in secret at Eileen's sleeve when Donal entered the room.