pictures (cut from
society weeklies) of the island and the people there were enclosed for
their entertainment. Cigarettes and candy were promised at once and the
letters despatched with much excitement.

The other patriotic offering which grew out of this beginning was the
preparation of gift boxes for the soldiers. Not knitted things, but
things intended to amuse them. The girls searched every gift shop and
delighted in the discovery of some new trinket for "their sons."

In the meantime an earnest contest for Isabelle's favour was going on
between Percy and one of his friends, Jack Porter. She accepted their
attentions indifferently, played with them when it was convenient, and
disposed of them cruelly when it was not. She loved to dance and, as
they both danced well, they were useful after dinner; unless, of course,
Captain O'Leary danced with her more than once, which sometimes
happened.

Major O'Dell had shown signs of appreciating her talents since her brief
encounter with him on the raft and later. She decided to cultivate him,
and--eventually--to ask him for her Chinese coat.

Major O'Dell asked her to take tea with him one day. Mrs. Darlington,
and a Miss Devoe, who made eyes at O'Leary, were also his guests. The
Captain, and the fat little man, named Monty Haven, who had been on the
ship, were there.

"I've captured a charming recruit," said the host as he presented
Isabelle.

"I didn't know that you could be captured, Miss Bryce," said Mrs.
Darlington, insolently.

"It takes the military!" retorted Isabelle.

"That's right. Plain civilians haven't a chance with you girls any more,
have we?" Haven asked Isabelle.

"Not much," she agreed.

"What could a nice fellow like me do to get into the running, Miss
Bryce?"

"Why don't you train down?" she answered, literally.

"Oh, Miss Bryce! you're stepping on Haven's toes," laughed Captain
O'Leary.

"Am I?" she said, peering under the table.

"The dear, ingenuous little thing," said Mrs. Darlington, tartly.

She turned and deliberately engaged the men next her in an aside. She
had no intention of letting this impertinent miss occupy the entire
attention during tea.

Captain O'Leary turned to the protection of Isabelle.

"Haven't seen much of you lately," he began.

"No?"

"I see you are always followed by a retinue of boys. No chance for an
old fellow like me."

"The young ones _are_ more diverting."

"Who is the blond Adonis, me chief r