------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Illustration: _“We’ll Be Glad to Have You,” Mrs. Evans Said_] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ “Monday. The nutrition class first.” “Yes, that must come first,” Mrs. Evans told her. “It’s a prerequisite to the Canteen course. We have to know a lot about food since our job is feeding people under all sorts of circumstances.” “And we have to know how to wash a stack of dishes as high as the Washington Monument,” put in Judy Conner with a groan. “Fortunately no one has to do that all the time,” Mrs. Evans explained. “We take turns doing the different tasks so everyone has an opportunity to gain all-round experience.” “I’m always glad when it comes my turn to make out menus,” said Judy. “But Sally actually likes to clean up. Can you imagine that?” Sally’s button nose wrinkled as her round face spread into a grin. “Strange, but true. I like to bring order out of chaos.” “Isn’t it wonderful that we have a group where different ones like to do different things?” said Mrs. Evans happily. “I like to cook,” Kitty told them. “I like experimenting and creating new concoctions and trying out new recipes.” “I’m afraid there won’t be much opportunity for new dishes in this work, but you’ll be given plenty of opportunity to cook if you like that.” Kitty glanced at Sally with a look of appreciation. “But I just can’t imagine anyone really liking to clean a kitchen.” “They’re rare birds,” giggled Judy. “It gives my esthetic nature a keen satisfaction to leave a kitchen spick-and-span after the hullabaloo is over,” Sally explained. “Sometimes she is too anxious to clean,” Judy reported. “She has a way of cleaning up bowls and spoons before the cooks have finished with ’em.” Sally went back to the kitchen to end their teasing, and Kitty asked, “Is the nutrition course very hard?” “Oh, no. Miss Pearson makes it very interesting. You learn all about food needs in emergencies and food values for all times,” explained Mrs. Evans. “I guess we could all learn a lot about that.” “Indeed we could! Part of our work, too, is giving instructions and demonstrations to people. Good health and sane living are so dependent on proper diet.” “More so than most people will admit,” said Judy. “You’ll learn about that in nutrition class.” “Well, it seems I’m in line to learn lots that will help me even after the war is won,” Kitty answered, and she felt her interest and anticipation in the work increasing. “The most exciting part of the work comes at the time of an emergency,” explained Mrs. Evans. “I helped once during a flood out in Mississippi. That was when I first went into Canteen work.”