rk, which I have heard is
especially needed. I am to study in New York City before I sail. Courses
of study are being given there under the auspices of the French Huguenot
societies."

An unusual silence followed Vera's long speech and then it was Sally
Ashton who spoke first.

"For your sake, Vera, I am so glad, for I know the new life and the new
work will mean a great deal to you just now. I only wish I were going
with you."

"But you, Sally, what on earth could you do that would be useful in
France?" Alice remonstrated, not because she wished to be disagreeable
but to relieve the little tension which Vera's confidence had wrought.

"At least I can cook, which is a more useful accomplishment than any you
can offer, Alice," Sally returned with such ridiculous spitefulness that
the other girls laughed.

"I believe I am also envious of you, Vera," Bettina remarked. "All
summer I have been feeling that we were not doing enough to help with
the war merely by economizing and sewing and knitting, all the hundred
and one small things we have tried to do. If we were boys we would be
going through at least a little military training and in a few years
would be able to volunteer. It is simply amazing what the girls and
women are doing in England. So far we have not nearly approached their
efforts. Do you know there is a 'Woman's Army Auxiliary Corps' already
in France working directly behind the lines. I believe the Tommies call
them 'The Tommy-waacs.' We have been talking about being behind the
lines this summer, but I wish we could be more directly there."

"But what is the exact work the English girls are doing?" Alice
demanded, as if she were seriously weighing a problem in her mind. "I am
sure we can do the same things if they become necessary."

"I don't know all the varieties of war work of course, Alice," Bettina
returned. "In Great Britain women and girls have taken the places of the
men in more departments of labor than we can imagine. Of course we know
they are working in munition shops and aeroplane factories and in ship
building, and are telephone and telegraph operators. Now they are also
working among the blind, being specially trained for the work, of
course, and are actually driving ambulances and motor trucks near the
fighting line. But I will bore you if I go on enumerating even the
little I know. Personally I agree with, Vera, I should prefer to work
among the children. Madame Montessori, the great