She looked at Allan Daly and tried to smile . `` Is this Armageddon ? '' she asked . `` I am afraid so , '' he said gravely . A chorus of exclamations had arisen round them -- light surprise and idle interest for the most part . Few there realized the import of the message -- fewer still realized that it meant anything to them . Before long the dancing was on again and the hum of pleasure was as loud as ever . Gertrude and Allan Daly talked the news over in low , troubled tones . Walter Blythe had turned pale and left the room . Outside he met Jem , hurrying up the rock steps . `` Have you heard the news , Jem ? '' `` Yes . The Piper has come . Hurrah ! I knew England would n't leave France in the lurch . I 've been trying to get Captain Josiah to hoist the flag but he says it is n't the proper caper till sunrise . Jack says they 'll be calling for volunteers tomorrow . '' `` What a fuss to make over nothing , '' said Mary Vance disdainfully as Jem dashed off . She was sitting out with Miller Douglas on a lobster trap which was not only an unromantic but an uncomfortable seat . But Mary and Miller were both supremely happy on it .
Miller Douglas was a big , strapping , uncouth lad , who thought Mary Vance 's tongue uncommonly gifted and Mary Vance 's white eyes stars of the first magnitude ; and neither of them had the least inkling why Jem XXXXX wanted to hoist the lighthouse flag .
Blythe Daly Douglas England France Jem Josiah Mary Miller left