you wish you were an
American girl because you believe in that case you could do what you
like. I think you wish to confide in some one, but can't quite decide.
If I were in your place I would try not to worry until you are better,
then if you want some one to talk to, don't choose me. I should never be
able to give you any worthwhile advice. But talk to Mrs. Clark, Sonya
Clark. She has had a very unusual life and is one of the most wonderful
friends in the world!"

The older girl was by this time lying back on her pillows and gazing at
Bianca with an odd smile.

"You know," she said finally, "I would not be surprised if your friends
are mistaken in thinking you are not clever. Perhaps I shall take your
advice. I suppose I had best try now to go to sleep, I am afraid I have
already talked too much."

CHAPTER VIII

_The Countess's Story_

A FEW days later it had become unnecessary for the little Countess
Charlotta to confide her secret to Bianca Zoli, or Sonya, or to any one
else at the temporary Red Cross hospital in the capital city of
Luxemburg. Already her history had been openly discussed by visitors to
the hospital, even by the servants who were assisting with the household
work.

It was a well-known fact, apparently, that marriage was being arranged
for the youthful countess by her father and aunt to an elderly German
nobleman.

Nor was the little countess's opposition to the match, her refusal to
consider it as a possibility any more of a secret than the knowledge
that no attention was being paid her protests.

Inquiring the name of the girl who might be regarded as the prettiest
and the most wilful among the daughters of the noble families of
Luxemburg, one undoubtedly would have been told, Charlotta Scherin.
During the past four years perhaps her mixture of German and French
blood had been a disturbing inheritance.

Shortly after the passing of a portion of the American Army of
Occupation through the little country, many were the rumors and talks of
political changes and readjustments which would probably take place, but
to these the small American Red Cross unit decided to give little heed.

One thing they were obliged to hear, the Grand Duchess Marie Adelaide
had not pleased all her subjects by her surrender to German ideas and
designs during the recent years when the German army had used her
kingdom as a passageway to France.

In spite of her verbal protest against the breaking of the