"But surely it is better for the soldiers to turn out to church in a body than to sit in their barracks moping." "Soldiers moping!" and Fritz laughed. "Perhaps it isn't the soldiers, but the people crowding to stare at them, who take away the Sunday feeling," continued Priscilla. "That's just what we are doing ourselves," retorted Martine, "and I don't feel very wicked." "Come, come, children, don't quarrel," cried Lucian. "You are both probably right, and both probably wrong." Neither girl replied, for the troops in their brilliant uniforms were beginning their homeward march to the inspiring music of a fine band. As they walked homeward Martine, slipping her arm through Amy's, drew her one side. "Tell me," she said, "and please don't let the others hear or they will laugh--is Halifax the capital of Canada?" "No, my dear, it--" "There, I thought it couldn't be; I knew it must be Montreal. But I asked Priscilla why that old gray building was called Government House, and she said because Halifax was the capital. I never expect Priscilla to make a mistake;" and there was a slight touch of sarcasm in Martine's tone. "She was not wholly wrong," rejoined Amy, "for Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia. Canada itself is composed of several provinces, of which Nova Scotia is one. The provinces are united under a general government with Ottawa the capital--not Montreal--as you suggested. All the provinces send representatives to the Parliament that assembles every year at Ottawa." "Oh, I see--like our States and Washington." "Yes, the general plan of government is much the same, and each province has its own Parliament. Priscilla and I were in the Parliament building here the other day. It is really a State House." "I've noticed the Parliament building, but what is the Government House?" "Oh, that is the residence of the Governor of Nova Scotia. His real title is Lieutenant-Governor, because all Canada has a Governor-General, who lives at Ottawa." Both girls had been so interested in this little conversation that unconsciously they had lagged, and the others were now far ahead of them. "Martine," said Amy, "as we have a few minutes alone now, do let me influence you to make up with Priscilla--not that any little misunderstanding is wholly your fault, but it is so much harder for Priscilla to give in than it is for you." "But honestly, I haven't said or done a thing to offend her,--at least, not a thing that I know of, though of course for a day or two I have seen that she was trying to be particularly stiff with me." "Well, then I wouldn't notice her stiffness. Just act as if you were the best friends in the world, and things will soon straighten themselves out." "That certainly would be the most agreeable way, and to please you, Miss Amy Redmond, I will follow your advice. Besides, I have something very exciting to tell you and Priscilla, and I really cannot wait longer than this afternoon." "Hurry, young ladies, hurry, hurry!"