[Pg 30] The buildings in Brussels have so far remained uninjured by the war. For although fighting had taken place all around the city, the surrender came before its destruction. The girls were ushered into what had once been an attractive sitting room. At one side there was a small sofa and here Nona and Mildred straightway seated themselves without regarding their friend. So once more Barbara felt hurt and left out of things. By chance there was no chair near the sofa, but by this time she was far too much wounded to try to force herself into the conversation. However, Barbara at least felt privileged to use her eyes. For some mysterious reason both Mildred and Nona were looking unusually cheerful. This was certainly odd in view of the fact that everything they had seen since coming into Belgium was more than depressing. Yet Barbara decided that Nona was uncommonly gay and excited. Her eyes were a darker brown than usual and her cheeks had more color. There could be little doubt that she was[Pg 31] exceptionally pretty most of the time and even prettier than usual today. Moreover, Mildred had lost her serious expression. Her fine white teeth flashed every moment into a smile. Animation was what Mildred most needed and she had her full share today. [Pg 31] "Shall we tell Barbara now?" Distinctly Barbara overheard Mildred Thornton whisper these few words. Yet in return Nona shook her head so decisively that Mildred evidently changed her mind. When the door to their sitting room opened Barbara had again fallen into a reverie. She heard some one enter the room, but supposing the man a messenger did not glance up. Barbara's exclamation of surprise was due to the surprising behavior of her two companions. For Mildred and Nona at once jumped to their feet, and actually Mildred ran forward a few steps with her arms outstretched. In amazement Barbara at this moment turned her gaze upon the newcomer. [Pg 32]Immediately her face flushed and the tears started to her eyes, yet she would rather have perished than let either effect be discovered. [Pg 32] However, she had only seen a young American fellow of about twenty-two or three years of age, dressed in a dark-blue serge suit. He looked
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