re of
the company of Pierre and Pierrette Meraut, and of all the people of
Fontanelle at a birthday party to be held at Camp (of course the exact
name of the camp has to be left out on account of the Censor) on July
14th at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. R. S. V. P."

The eyes of Pierre and Pierrette almost popped out of their heads with
surprise. "Why, Mother," they cried, "that's our birthday! And it's
Bastille Day too! Do you suppose it is the birthday of the Commandant
also?"

"Maybe," said their Mother, smiling. "Anyway it is the birthday of our
dear France."

The orderly smiled, too, and touched his hat. "Is there an answer?" he
asked.

"There will be," said Mother Meraut, "but first the others must be
told."

The Twins ran with their wonderful letter to the dispensary and told
the Doctor. Then they found Mademoiselle, who, with Kathleen's
assistance, was putting a new tire on one wheel of the truck. They
found Louise mending a chicken-coop, and Mary and Martha sorting
supplies in the storeroom. They found all the other people of the
village, some in the garden and some working elsewhere, and every
single one said they should be delighted to go.

"Now," said Mademoiselle, when they returned to her and reported, "you
must write your acceptance."

The Twins looked blank. "Can't we just tell him?" they asked anxiously.
"We can't write very well--not well enough to write to the Commandant."

"Oh, but," said Mademoiselle, "I'm sure he will expect a letter, and
you must just write the very best you can, and it will be good enough,
I'm sure. Get writing-materials, and I will help you."

At her direction Pierre brought paper and ink from her little house,
and the two children sat down on the ground beside the truck.

"Now, what shall we say?" asked Pierrette.

"I know," said Pierre; "let's say: 'Thank you for asking us to your
party. We are all coming. Amen!' Don't you think that would do?"

Mademoiselle bent over her tire. "Yes," she said, "I think he will like
that, but I'd both sign it if I were you."

So the Twins signed it and put it in an envelope and gave it to the
orderly, who promptly put it in his pocket, saluted, wheeled his horse,
and galloped away toward camp.

The days before the party were full of excitement for the Twins. They
thought of nothing else, and how strange it was that Bastille Day and
the Commandant's birthday both should be the same as theirs. Mother
Meraut bought some cloth, an