Now, although Nona Davis had become aware of the curiosity of the traveler who had taken up a position near them, Eugenia Peabody had not. So before the younger girl could warn her she exclaimed: “Hope you won’t think I meant to be disagreeable. Of course, you may turn out better nurses than I; perhaps experience isn’t everything.” There was no doubt this time that Eugenia intended being agreeable, yet her manner was still curt. She seemed one of the unfortunate persons without charm, who manage to antagonize just when they wish to be agreeable. At this moment the stranger made no further effort at keeping in the background. Instead she walked directly toward the four girls. “I chanced to overhear you saying something about Red Cross nursing,” she began. “Can it be that you are going over to help[66] care for the poor soldiers? How splendid of you! I do hope you don’t mind my being interested?” [66] Of course the girls did mind. However, there was nothing to do under the circumstances. Barbara alone made a faint effort at denial. Eugenia simply looked annoyed because she had been the one who had betrayed them. Mildred showed surprise. But Nona Davis answered in a well-bred voice that seemed to put undesirable persons at a tremendous distance away: “As long as you did overhear what we were saying, would you mind our not discussing the question with you. We have an idea that we prefer keeping our plans a secret among ourselves.” Yet neither Nona’s words nor her manner had the desired effect. The stranger sat down on the edge of a chair that happened to be near. “That is all right, my dear, if you prefer I shall not mention it. Only there is no reason why I should not know. I am a much older woman than any of you, and I too am going abroad because of this[67] horrible war, though not to do the beautiful work you expect to do.” [67] At this moment the newcomer smiled in a kind yet anxious fashion, so that three of the girls were propitiated. After all, she was a middle-aged woman of about fifty, quietly and inexpensively dressed, and she had a timid, confidential manner. Somehow one felt unaccountably sorry for her. “I am traveling with my son,” she explained. “You may have noticed the young
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