he could only insist
that the two girls be extremely careful and never go any distance by
themselves, and also that Charlotta remember that as Bianca was not
well, they must never undertake any excursion which would demand too
much of Bianca's strength.

At first Sonya was surprised by Charlotta's consideration of the younger
girl, it having been reasonable to presume from their brief acquaintance
that Charlotta was selfish and self-willed. Yet she seemed really
devoted to Bianca and more than willing to sacrifice her own wishes for
her friend.

It was one afternoon in the latter part of March soon after luncheon
that Miss Pringle, Charlotta and Bianca started out together for an
afternoon walk. The day was the warmest day of the early spring and they
decided to walk away from the city toward a woods which was probably
only about a mile and a half from the neighborhood of the Red Cross
hospital.

Nevertheless, it was cold enough for Bianca to be wearing the simple
grey squirrel coat which Sonya had presented to her some time before,
while Charlotta wore the sable coat which was too handsome for her
present position and needs. But Miss Pringle was attired in her usual
shabby black dress and the everlasting black feather boa.

The two girls talked continuously so that Miss Pringle rarely paid any
especial attention to what they were saying. She was extremely fond of
the Countess Charlotta, but the young girl's enthusiasms sometimes
tired her. Moreover, Miss Pringle was honestly fond of the country as
only a few persons are and able to amuse herself indefinitely by
studying the surrounding scenery.

This afternoon Bianca and Charlotta walked arm in arm along a road
leading toward the woods beyond, Miss Pringle walking sedately about a
foot behind her two charges.

The road was hard and dry as there was a high March wind, although not
at present a cold one.

"Are you sure you will not become tired, Bianca, and the distance is not
too much for you?" Charlotta inquired, when they had gone about
two-thirds of the way toward the woods.

Smiling, Bianca shook her head.

"Don't be tiresome, Charlotta. I am feeling better since you came to
Coblenz than I ever remember before, and not only physically better but
so much happier."

Bianca flushed a little since it was difficult for her to make even this
revelation of her emotions. It was true, however, that since
Charlotta's arrival she had found the girl friend she so