t the first group of Camp Fire girls in France will later
carry the flaming torch until the news of the Camp Fire movement has
spread through all the French land. In the Camp Fire life we look for
the romance, the beauty and the adventure which may be hidden in the
smallest task. More important than these things I hope Camp Fire girls
the world over may become a part of the new spirit everywhere growing up
among women, the spirit of union, the ability to work and play together
as men have in the past. For once all girls and women are united, there
will be a new league for peace among the nations such as this world has
never known."

CHAPTER XIII

A DEPARTURE AND AN ARRIVAL

One evening two days later a little after the hour for bedtime at the
farm, Mrs. Burton knocked softly at Miss Patricia's door.

Miss Patricia quickly opened it.

"You are ill, Polly Burton. Well, it is just what I have been expecting
ever since the arrival of that strange man and woman. It seems to me
that we had quite enough to do without entertaining guests. Besides, it
strikes me as pure waste of energy, this riding about through the
country with strangers when you should be at some _real_ work."

During her speech Miss Patricia had drawn the younger woman into her
room, closed the door behind her and was now gazing at her severely but
it must be confessed solicitously as well.

"But I am not ill, Aunt Patricia," Mrs. Burton protested as soon as she
was allowed an opportunity to speak. "I only came in to have a talk with
you about something important."

Aunt Patricia's bedroom was large and empty, for there was more space at
the old farm house than furniture. A great old-fashioned French bed had
been spared from the general wreckage and upon this Mrs. Burton seated
herself, drawing her feet up under her and her lavender dressing gown
about her, since with so little heat in the house the bedrooms were
uncomfortably cold.

There was but one solitary stiff-backed chair, in which Miss Patricia
sat perfectly erect.

"Why not come here and sit beside me? There is plenty of room, and you
will be more comfortable," Mrs. Burton urged.

Aunt Patricia shook her head.

"I am quite comfortable where I am. Moreover, Polly Burton, if I am an
old woman and you no longer a young one, at the same time I am aware
that you have every idea of trying to persuade me to some point of view
of which you do not think I will approve. I have seen your