rm house in spite of the absence of Mrs. Burton.

However, although undoubtedly a guest, he was a guest according to rules
and restrictions laid down and adhered to by Miss Patricia and her
household.

In the first place, until he had completely recovered he was to remain
in his room at the farm house, cared for only by old Jean with
occasional visits from Miss Patricia. Under no circumstances was he to
see or meet for the present a single one of the Camp Fire girls. This
rule was particularly to be observed with regard to Sally Ashton.

Miss Patricia made no effort to conceal her intention of making a
thorough investigation of the account of his life the French officer had
imparted to her. She knew it would not be so difficult to verify his
statements. It was possible to communicate with the commander of his
regiment and also his friends, as he claimed to have lived in the French
country not many miles away from their neighborhood in the valley of the
Aisne. After his recovery doubtless he would be able to find a number of
his former acquaintances by returning to his old home.

It was in his favor that the French officer entirely agreed with Miss
Patricia's attitude in every particular save one. But he was wise enough
not to argue with her concerning this. In truth, thirty-six hours after
his installation at the farm house, the young Frenchman and Miss
Patricia had become surprisingly intimate friends. One could explain
this by stating that the officer had a delightful sense of humor and a
valuable appreciation of character. Miss Patricia announced that no
friendship could have been possible between them if Lieutenant Fleury's
mother had not had the good sense to have him taught English by an
English governess when he was a small boy. His accent Miss Patricia
considered as peculiar as her own French one, nevertheless they were
able to understand each other amazingly well.

One brilliant morning Miss Patricia entered the French officer's room
bearing a cup of bouillon to find him staring out a window which he had
just opened in order to let in the air and for another purpose which
Miss Patricia instantly suspected.

"Breaking parole," she commented tersely.

The young officer had not heard her entrance. In return he swung round
and laughed.

"Is that fair, Miss Lord? A cat may look at a king, _comme ca_ why
not at a number of queens? Besides, don't you realize it is a miracle
for a French soldier to be able to