ly and me alone
for a little time; she is tired and unstrung. If you and the other girls
have been unfair, you will have an opportunity to apologize later. Then
Sally herself will feel more inclined to be reasonable."

Afterwards, when Alice had reluctantly disappeared, unexpectedly Sally
found herself seated as if she were a child in Aunt Patricia's lap and
listening to a very wise and tender conversation, one she was never to
forget, from a woman of deep and broad experience.

When she grew less disturbed Aunt Patricia made no effort not to scold
Sally for her unwisdom and her lack of reliance upon older judgment than
her own. But the great fact was that Aunt Patricia was never unfair,
that she had no sentimental suspicions and made no accusations with
which Sally could not fairly agree.

In their half hour together Sally Ashton learned to appreciate for the
rest of her life Aunt Patricia's value, learned to understand why Mrs.
Burton cared for her so devotedly and considered her a tower of strength
in adversity. In this uncertain world in which we live there are fair
weather and foul weather friends. Miss Patricia belonged to the number
who not only fail to strike other people when they are down, but who
spend all their energy and strength in the effort to lift them up again.

Later on the other Camp Fire girls were also to form a new estimate of
Miss Patricia's character, but simply by force of circumstance Sally was
the first one of them to be admitted inside the stern citadel with which
the elderly spinster surrounded her great heart.

"In the morning, Sally, when you have rested, and if I were you, child,
I would spend this afternoon in bed, why I intend to walk over with you
to your chateau and make the acquaintance of your soldier. If he is a
gentleman my dear, or even if he is a real man, I mean to bring him here
to the farm house to remain as our guest until he has completely
recovered. Now, don't argue with me, Sally. Mrs. Burton will tell you
that I am a hopeless old woman with whom to have an argument. I simply
never do any one's way except my own. I do not wish to discuss this side
of the situation with you to any extent, but don't you see, my dear,
that it is better for you that we have your soldier here? No one shall
think your friends have not understood and approved of your care of this
young Frenchman."

Sally murmured her acquiescence and her gratitude. Yet suddenly she felt
that she wished ne