nk we go
forward immediately."

"God go with you, for Russia," said Miss Dumont in a clear, controlled
voice.

But Estridge saw that her dark eyes were suddenly brilliant with
tears. The big blond girl-soldier saw it, too, and her splendid blue
eyes widened. Then, somehow, she had stepped forward and taken Miss
Dumont in her strong arms; and, holding her, smiled and gazed intently
at her.

"You must not grieve for us," she said. "We are not afraid. We are
happy to go."

"I know," said Palla Dumont; and took the girl-soldier's hands in
hers. "What is your name?" she asked.

"Ilse Westgard. And yours?"

"Palla Dumont."

"English? No?"

"American."

"Ah! One of our dear Americans! Well, then, you shall tell your
countrymen that you have seen many women of many lands fighting rifle
in hand, so that the boche shall not strangle freedom in Russia. Will
you tell them, Palla?"

"If I ever return."

"You shall return. I, also, shall go to America. I shall seek for you
there, pretty comrade. We shall become friends. Already I love you
very dearly."

She kissed Palla Dumont on both cheeks, holding her hands tightly.

"Tell me," she said, "why you are in Russia, and where you are now
journeying?"

Palla looked at her steadily: "I am the American companion to the
Grand Duchess Marie; and I am journeying to the village where the
Imperial family is detained, because she has obtained permission for
me to rejoin her."

There was a short silence; the blue eyes of the Swedish girl had
become frosty as two midwinter stars. Suddenly they glimmered warm
again as twin violets:

"Kharasho!" she said smiling. "And do you love your little comrade
duchess?"

"Next only to God."

"That is very beautiful, Palla. She is a child to be enlightened.
Teach her the greater truth."

"She has learned it, Ilse."

"_She_?"

"Yes. And, if God wills it, she, and I also, take the vows some day."

"The veil!"

"Yes."

"You! A nun!"

"If God accepts me."

The Swedish girl-soldier stood gazing upon her as though fascinated,
crushing Palla's slim hands between her own.

Presently she shook her head with a wearied smile:

"That," she said, "is one thing I can not understand--the veil. No. I
can understand _this_----" turning her head and glancing proudly
around her at her girl comrades. "I can comprehend this thing that I
am doing. But not what you wish to do, Palla. Not such service as you
offer."

"I wish to serve the