The Red Cross Girls in Belgium

have been whispering together all day. I am sure you are acting more like f

ad held as high as possible to make up for her lack of digni

cended to pay any attention to her rema

s and motor cars were only[Pg 24] used by the powerful in these days, except in cases of especial urgency. So as the three Red Cross gi

y. But as Barbara had found herself entirely left out of the conversation

rt, nature has given it the same gayety of spirit and a portion of the same natural beauty. So it does not seem unreasonable that the two c

he Latin peoples. Here in the Belgian city one must[Pg 25] be dumb, as well as hungry and sick at heart. To speak on

n necessary occupations were about, but trading was very slight. In some of the cafés there were a few German soldiers. But not many

possibly because as a South Carolina girl, she belonged to a country that had once been overrun by greater numbers. But Mildred Thornton and Eugenia

g

arbara had little to do except make observations. This was not their first trip to the Red Cross

herever a church stood. Women and children and an occasional el

report to the Red Cross headquarters in order to be assigned to their work. Usually it was Eugenia who r

dly playing at housekeeping in the one-room shack, which must once have been a small storehouse.[Pg 27] By

burned apple trees as cheerfully as a small grasshopper transformed into a thrifty ant. The girl, Louise, was assisting Nicolete to spread their sca

clothes. So gone was her scarlet skirt and cap! Nicolete now wore an ordinary shirtwaist and skirt and a blue gingham apron. The clothes had once belonged to Mildred Thornton and Nona had kindly altered[Pg 28] them to fit. Be

hem from her own beloved land? It was equally as mysterious

with his regiment, he was not able to offer an explanation. The three American Red Cross girls were simply told

he cottage she had returned to

tle Belgian baby in her arms w

g

id not seem to care to be in their society as she had in the earlier part of their acquaintance. Nevertheless, she was no longer so stern and dictatorial. Toda

ndsome house in Brussels. It was a private mansion that had been given over to

ne of Belgians waiting assistance. Yet the girls felt almost

a small reception room until the Sup

g

by the war. For although fighting had taken place all a

ing room. At one side there was a small sofa and here Nona and Mi

e there was no chair near the sofa, but by this time she was fa

elgium was more than depressing. Yet Barbara decided that Nona was uncommonly gay and excited. Her eyes were a darker brown than usual and her cheeks had more color. There could be little doubt that she was[Pg 31] exceptionally prett

red Thornton whisper these few words. Yet in return Nona shook

ain fallen into a reverie. She heard some one enter the r

ise was due to the surprising

eir feet, and actually Mildred ran forwar

[Pg 32]Immediately her face flushed and the tears started to her eyes,

ee years of age, dressed in a dark-blue serge suit. He looked extremely well

rms about his neck and they were kiss

hat ever happened to have you here in Belgium with us! I have scarcely been ab

the usually

to Nona Davis. Nona seemed as glad to see him as Mildred. She held his ha

g

g a time as possible, Barbara Meade made not the slight

ve been for not telling her they expected Richard Thornton's appearance in Brussels on this particular a

ugenia at her best could never have appeared more uncomprising. With his hand ex

d, but I've found out that I can be of some little use with the relief work here in Brussels w

g

d fashion, although Barbara could

ce I have been left out of the secret of your coming, you must u

his arm drop to his side. For Barbara ha

is coming until he was positive," Mildred apologized. "I wanted to tell you, Barbara

anding between them. Well, she must learn not to mind the feeling of being i