he Sunrise camp. Within five minutes
after Mrs. Burton's and Peggy's return, an automobile appeared
containing an unknown man and woman.

The woman asked to be permitted to speak to Mrs. Burton alone.

Then, as she stood hesitating, trying to make up her mind what to say
first, suddenly she remembered Gerry's crumpled little note.

For Gerry's sake it was as well that the news of her runaway marriage
was imparted to her Camp Fire guardian and friend in this fashion, for
the note revealed infinitely more than Gerry realized. With Mrs.
Burton's understanding of human nature she understood something of the
struggle, something of the temptation to which Gerry had yielded.
Therefore in the midst of her surprise and anger she could not forget
the note's final pathetic appeal.

Neither the woman nor man would tell much more than the bare facts of
Gerry's and Felipe's marriage. They insisted that the ceremony was
entirely legal and that immediately afterwards the young couple had gone
away. In truth, they could not tell more, since as a matter of
precaution Felipe had not informed either his nurse or her husband of
his plans.

After appreciating that the marriage had become a reality and that there
was nothing she could do or say which would make any difference, Mrs.
Burton asked but few questions. She knew that Felipe's father would come
to her as soon as he learned what had taken place and she preferred to
discuss the situation with him and not with strangers.

Of necessity it was Mrs. Burton who imparted the information to the Camp
Fire girls, but she merely told what she knew as briefly as possible,
adding no comment. Then she went away to be alone. She was not thinking
of Gerry's ingratitude, of the poor return she had made for her interest
and assistance, but she was thinking of Gerry herself. Gerry was so
young and she and Felipe knew each other so slightly. Then, as Mrs.
Burton knew nothing at present of Felipe's attempt to hide in Mexico, it
also occurred to her that he might soon be forced to join the army.

Left to themselves, the Camp Fire girls were not so lenient in their
condemnation. It was Alice Ashton who chanced to voice the general
sentiment.

"I cannot understand how any human being could behave as Gerry has done!
Certainly she has proved how little the Camp Fire influence has meant to
her! But there is no point in our criticising her, because some day
Gerry will have to pay dearly enough."