uld
like to do, I'm sure, and you were always anxious to go, even before the
United States came in. So I am writing this merely to congratulate you
and to wish you the very best of good luck. Father says you are not
going to try for a commission but intend enlisting as a private. I
suppose that is because you think you may get to the actual fighting
sooner. I think I understand and appreciate that feeling too, but are
you sure it is the best plan? You want to be of the greatest service
to the country and with your education and brains--This ISN'T flattery,
because it is true--don't you think you might help more if you were in
command of men? Of course I don't know, being only a girl, but I have
been wondering. No doubt you know best and probably it is settled before
this; at any rate, please don't think that I intend butting in. "Butting
in" is not at all a proper expression for a schoolmarm to use but it is
a relief to be human occasionally. Whatever you do I am sure will be the
right thing and I know all your friends are going to be very, very proud
of you. I shall hear of you through the people at home, I know, and
I shall be anxious to hear. I don't know what I shall do to help the
cause, but I hope to do something. A musket is prohibitive to females
but the knitting needle is ours and I CAN handle that, if I do say it.
And I MAY go in for Red Cross work altogether. But I don't count much,
and you men do, and this is your day. Please, for the sake of your
grandparents and all your friends, don't take unnecessary chances. I can
see your face as you read that and think that I am a silly idiot. I'm
not and I mean what I say. You see I know YOU and I know you will not be
content to do the ordinary thing. We want you to distinguish yourself,
but also we want you to come back whole and sound, if it is possible.
We shall think of you a great deal. And please, in the midst of the
excitement of the BIG work you are doing, don't forget us home folk,
including your friend,

HELEN KENDALL.

Albert's feelings when he read this letter were divided. He enjoyed
hearing from Helen. The letter was just like herself, sensible and
good-humored and friendly. There were no hysterics in it and no
heroics but he knew that no one except his grandparents and Rachel and
Laban--and, of course, his own Madeline--would think of him oftener or
be more anxious for his safety and welfare than Helen. He was glad she
was his friend, very glad. Bu