o form a national
organization it will bring American and French girls into closer touch
with each other?

"Do you know, Vera, so many times in the past year I have heard
prominent men in Washington declare that the French, British, Italians
and Americans, having fought together on common ground for a common
ideal, can never in the future be anything but brothers in spirit. Yet
never once have I heard any one speak of the same need for intimate
association among the women of the different nations. Why is this not
equally important? The women of the future must also acquire something
of the new international spirit, must also learn to work and play
together. I think our Camp Fire embodies all these inspiring principles
and ideas for girls, and so I hope our work in France may be the
beginning of an international Camp Fire organization all over the
world."

Vera Lagerloff, who had apparently been watching the flickering yellow
and rose flames in their tiny fire while Bettina talked, now looked
toward her and smiled.

"Be careful, Bettina, you are a dreamer. Remember, the world has room
for but a few dreamers. I suppose that is why Billy went away. After
all, you know it is the small, hard sacrifices that are required of
women and girls in time of war."

Then getting up, Vera began walking up and down the room as if finding
relief in action.

"By the way, Bettina, have you heard the latest news from Gerry
Williams?--oh, I should have said Gerry Morris, I forgot her married
name." Vera went on, apparently desiring to change the subject: "She
hopes to see us after we reach our headquarters in France, if she and
her father-in-law are not too far away. I have sometimes wondered if Mr.
Morris did not give the money he had recently inherited to help with the
restoration work in France as a thank offering because Felipe was
required to serve only a short sentence for having tried to escape the
draft? Soon after he was permitted to enlist. Mr. Morris and Gerry are
living in one of the tiny ruined villages, assisting the old men and
women and children to rebuild their little homes."

Bettina frowned, hardly aware that her expression had become slightly
skeptical.

"Yes, I was told that Gerry had sailed with her father-in-law, although
so far as I know Felipe is still in an American training camp," Bettina
replied. "But, Vera, I am not yet an enthusiast over Gerry. However, as
we have never liked each other, perhaps I am n