all the speech-making's about," she added.

"It was about the boys," said Amy, mumbling over her third piece of
chicken.

"And by the way they take it for granted we've got to do what they say,"
finished Grace.

"Well," said Betty, plucking a piece of grass and rolling it thoughtfully
between her fingers, "don't you think perhaps they act that way because
they're going 'across' so soon?"

"I don't see what that's got to do with it," returned Mollie, puzzled. "I
should think that would make them want to be especially nice to us--leave
a good impression, you know."

"Just the same I can't help thinking," Betty persisted, "that that was why
they acted so queerly about Sergeant Mullins. Maybe they think that when
they're several thousand miles away the other boys will have their
chance."

"But that's silly," objected Mollie. "As if we wouldn't think a good deal
more of them when they get over there."

"Distance lends enchantment?" queried Grace, with lifted eyebrows.

"Goose," commented Mollie.

"Goodness," cried Grace plaintively, "that's the second time I've been
called a goose in the last five minutes. Pretty soon I'll be a whole flock