an impression upon her. Were his words prophetic? Would
America be drawn into the struggle? It was preposterous to dream of
that. She would forget the words of Old Aaron, for she had important
matters of her own to think about. In a few years she would be graduated
from High School and then she would have her own life-work to decide
upon. Her desire for larger experience, her determination to do
something of importance after graduation was her chief interest. The war
across the sea was too remote to bring constant fear to her. Dutifully
she went about her work on the farm and pursued her studies. She was not
without pity for the brave people of Servia and Belgium, not without
praise for the heroic French and English. She added her vehement words
of horror as she read of the atrocities visited upon the helpless
peoples. She shared in the dread of many Americans that the octopus-arm
of war might reach this country, and yet she was more concerned about
her own future than about the future of battle-racked France or
devastated Belgium.

CHAPTER VIII

BEYOND THE ALPS LIES ITALY

PHOEBE'S graduation from the Greenwald High School was her red-letter
day. Several times during the morning she stole to the spare-room where
her graduation dress lay spread upon the high bed. Accompanied by Aunt
Maria she had made a special trip to Lancaster for the frock, though
Aunt Maria had conscientiously bought a few yards of muslin and apron
gingham.

The material was soft silky batiste of the quality Phoebe liked. The
style, also, was of her choosing. She felt a glow of satisfaction as she
looked at the dress so simply, yet fashionably, made.

"For once in my life I have a dress I like," she thought.

After supper, just as she was ready to dress for the great event, Phares
Eby came to the gray farmhouse.

The years had changed the solemn, serious boy into a more solemn,
serious man. Tall and broad-shouldered, he was every inch a man in
appearance. He was, moreover, a man highly respected in the community, a
successful farmer and also a preacher in the Church of the Brethren. The
latter honor had been conferred upon him a year before Phoebe's
graduation and had seemed to increase his gravity and endow him with
true bishopric dignity. He dressed after the manner of the majority of
men who are affiliated with the Church of the Brethren in that district.
His chin was covered with a thick, black beard, his dark hair was parted
i