Ailsa looked at her, gratefully surprised, but smiled her thanks.

"If Miss Lynden may come, Dr. Benton, I would be very glad. May
she?"

"Miss Lynden is not a member of Sainte Ursula's congregation," he
said drily. "She's my--rather valuable--assistant."

"She has been to church with me several times," said Ailsa. "I
have spoken to her about becoming a communicant of Sainte Ursula's,
and she desired to begin her instruction in October----"

"But, confound it!--I want her with me!" interrupted the doctor
impatiently. "My house and office require the services of Miss
Lynden!" He turned and paced the room rapidly, hands clasped
behind his bent back; then, halting:

"Do you _want_ to go?" he repeated.

The girl coloured. "You are very kind to wish me to remain. . . .
But I feel as though Mrs. Paige should not go alone."

"Oh, all right," said the doctor gruffly. "And you'd better start
at once; that train leaves at mid-day." And, turning to his class:
"Now, ladies, if you will kindly put away those rags and give me
your strict and undivided attention!"--his voice rumbled off into a
growl.

Ailsa was already putting on her hat. Presently Letty Lynden came
out of the inner office, carrying a light scarf over her arm. She
and Ailsa bade a hasty and excited good-bye to the ladies of the
class; thanked Dr. Benton; listened solemnly to instructions;
promised to obey; and gave him tremulous hands in leave taking.

"If those ungrateful dogs of soldiers don't appreciate you two
young ladies, come home on the next train, where you'll be
appreciated," grumbled the doctor. "Anyway, God bless you both.
And don't drink dirty water! And keep your patients clean! Keep
'em clean! clean! clean! I've a notion that cleanness is
nine-tenths of surgery; and it's all there is to nursing--but few
agree with me. Good-bye! Tell Agnew I say that you know your
business!"

Ailsa turned to Letty Lynden.

"It is so sweet of you to want to come. Will you send your trunk
to my house? I will have luncheon ready, and another gray uniform
for you. You'll be a communicant soon, so there is no possible
harm in wearing it."

"I would like to wear Sainte Ursula's garb," said the girl
wistfully. "Do you really think I may, Mrs. Paige?"

"You shall indeed! Will you be ready by eleven?"

"I have very little to take with me--only a small trunk. I will be
at your house at eleven."

Ailsa, nervous and excited, nodded; the