flash of humor.

"Oof, that was a bad one, Gracie," Betty laughed, glad of any diversion
to keep the vision of those splendid, marching boys in the background as
long as possible.

Unconsciously the girls were sparring for time. They knew that once they
let themselves think, that once they let themselves realize the full
significance, the utter finality of this thing that was about to happen,
it would be hard for them to smile. And they so wanted to smile!

They had been so glad, so proud when the boys had volunteered among the
very first. Down in their hearts they had known that that was the only
thing they could have done.

And the thought of their going away had seemed so far in the future that,
as yet, it need not worry them. Blinded by their own passionate
patriotism, they had seen all of the glory of war and none of its horror.

And now, in order to send the boys away with the thought of bright faces
and encouraging smiles to cheer them on their long, grim journey, the
girls joked and laughed, carefully avoiding the subject that was uppermost
in their minds.

"Oh, well, that's all a person can expect in this world," Grace had
answered resignedly, in reply to Amy's thrust. "Just be kind and loving
and thoughtful of other people's comfort, and you're sure to be sat
upon--"

"Goodness, she doesn't think anything of herself, does she?" Mollie flung
back over her shoulder. "Now see what you made me do!" the exclamation was
fairly jerked from her as the car lurched into a deep rut at the side of
the road, skidded for a minute, seemingly uncertain whether to fling them
out on the bank or continue its way, then bumped up on the road again and
continued its flight.

"Oh, Mollie, do be--" Amy began, but a sudden grim straightening of
Mollie's back warned her in time and with a gasp she choked back the
forbidden word.

"Goodness, isn't she well trained?" laughed Betty, as Mollie bent once
more over the wheel.

"Who wouldn't be," protested Amy plaintively, "if a cannibal should come
and hang an axe over his head--?"

"Is she calling me names?" demanded Mollie ferociously, half turning in
her seat. "If she is, please tell her to say it to my face."

"Well, I would if I could," cried poor Amy desperately. "But I'd have to
be an acrobat--or an idiot--"

"The last ought to be easy," drawled Grace, then hastily offered her
candy. "I didn't mean it, Amy dear," she retracted humbly. "Really I
didn't."

"Don't yo