so early," she added after a moment, straightening up with that
indomitable courage that had won, first, the girls' admiration, then
their love. "I jest wanted to find out when 'twas the boys was startin'."

"We're not quite sure. The boys thought some time between nine and ten
o'clock, but they didn't seem to be at all sure about it. The only thing
we really know is that they're going to start early," Betty answered.

"Thank you, dear." The old lady rose, and when she started for the door
Mollie ran before her and opened it.

When she had gone, the girls sat still, just looking at each other for a
few minutes. Then--

"Isn't she wonderful?" breathed Betty. "After all these years she would
give him up gladly for the sake of her country. That's real patriotism."

"She deserves to get him back," murmured Mollie, as though speaking to
herself.

"Well, that's just the reason she won't," said Grace, irritably struggling
with an unruly lock of hair. "Nobody ever gets what he deserves in this
awful world. What is the matter with my hair this morning? It looks just
exactly as I feel."

"Oh, come away from the mirror, Gracie," cried Betty, putting an arm about
her and dragging her, an unwilling victim, out into the hall. "You'll feel
better after you've had your breakfast. And remember," she added
diplomatically, "there's a brand new box of candy in your left-hand
dresser drawer."