NONA’S absorption in her work of nursing Lieutenant Martin had naturally separated her from any complete knowledge of what was taking place outside the hospital during the time.

In a half-way fashion she was aware that Barbara Thornton was spending a good many hours away from her nursing duties and was tremendously interested in the entertainment for the American soldiers which she had in charge.

Mildred Thornton spoke of this once or twice to Nona, saying that she hoped Barbara would not over-fatigue herself, as she seemed to be a little nervous and restless. But of course Barbara had not been working for some time and had gotten out of the discipline. Mildred even discussed writing her brother Dick to come to see Barbara for a short time if it were possible.[142] Then she changed her mind in regard to this, knowing that Dick was doing ambulance work in a part of France where at this time his services were most necessary.

[142]

Moreover, Barbara had insisted, not once, but half a dozen times, that no matter what happened, she would not interfere with her husband’s work. She had promised him this and had promised herself.

Besides, Barbara was slightly irritated by her sister-in-law’s suggestion that she was not perfectly herself. In fact, she had never been more interested in anything in her life than her present occupation. The entertainment which she was engineering was to be the most successful one any soldiers’ camp had ever enjoyed.

Nona also asked Mildred as a special favor that she would not mention to Eugenia any nervousness she might feel concerning her, as Eugenia had given her consent to the entertainment and Barbara did not wish it withdrawn.

Barbara had been in correspondence with a number of prominent persons in Paris, and a distinguished French actress, Madame[143] Renane, had promised to come all the way to camp to give a recitation for the American soldiers. Madame Renane was to remain over night at the hospital as Madame Castaigne’s guest.

[143]

Berthe Bonnèt was also to recite. Berthe had known Madame Renane in Paris and was anxious to have the great lady become interested in her ability.

Then Lieutenant Kelley had been permitted to waive his dignity as an officer sufficiently to assist in the training of a fine chorus of the American soldiers. Two or three of 

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