She had thought no one was paying attention to her except Madame Bonnèt, and here were the two young American officers whom they had met upon their railway journey through France, waiting to speak to their hostess. Evidently they had been quartered in Madame Bonnèt’s home.

Candidly, Nona did not like Lieutenant Martin and had never liked him in their slight acquaintance as boy and girl.

Yet these repeated meetings with persons whom one does not expect to see again are always taking place.

[90]Madame Bonnèt shook hands with the two young officers. One could see how much they both admired the fine French woman.

[90]

“I am told Lieutenant Martin is a wireless expert, so he is probably scornful of my carrier pigeons,” Madame Bonnèt said good naturedly. “You see, he represents the newest, while my pigeons represent the oldest method of communication in war. Pigeons were used by the Saracens in the first crusade. Nevertheless, Lieutenant Martin, when you leave for the front, I intend to make you a present of one of my old-fashioned messengers. It would be strange if you should find my gift useful.”

To Nona’s surprise Lieutenant Martin said quickly:

“Then may I have the pigeon I just overheard you naming for Miss Davis?”

And Madame Bonnèt laughed and agreed.

[91]

CHAPTER VII The Days Before the Great Day

SO the first summer with the American Expeditionary force in France passed swiftly on.

For long hours during the day, and sometimes into the night, the American soldiers were occupied in learning their final lessons in the great war game which had been fought out in Europe for the past three years.

Never did men work with greater energy or enthusiasm, or with more impatience, knowing how greatly the Allies needed their aid and longing to meet the test. The work was grilling and the strain of waiting severest of all. Yet the greater number of the American boys met the situation gallantly. Already 

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