She discovered a young yeoman squatting by the pond with Billy as they launched a magnolia-leaf boat, with an oak-leaf sail. Billy was gobbling half a sandwich the sailor had given him. “You shouldn’t have given him your sandwich!” she exclaimed. The young man sprang to his feet, apparently seeing her for the first time. “They’re so good,” he explained. “I couldn’t eat with him looking on.” He had brown eyes that twinkled as he spoke. “They do look good,” she admitted. “Let me get you one? These Canteen girls sure have a genius for making sandwiches.” “Oh, no, don’t bother, please. I’m not hungry.” “I’ve a kid sister who’s learned lots about good food since she’s been a Canteen worker.” “Kid sister?” repeated Kitty, puzzled. He laughed. “Well, she’s not such a kid after all, I guess. Junior in college.” “How can she be a Canteen worker and go to college, too?” “Oh, she has plenty of extra time to get in her Canteen quota of hours. A girl can do Canteen work anywhere she happens to be living.” “Oh, I didn’t know that. You mean they don’t have to sign up for full time or go away from home to do that work?” “Sure!” “Oh say, why didn’t I know about this before?” The sailor’s face grew serious at the desperate way in which she spoke. “Why? Would you like to do Canteen work?” “I’d like to do anything to help.” “Well, gal, nobody’s keeping you from it! There’s Miss Pearson right over yonder. I’ll introduce you to her. Heard her say she’s going to start a new nutrition class next week.” He caught her hand and started across the green to the end of the long table where an efficient-looking woman, in a blue uniform with spotless white collar and cuffs, was pouring coffee. Within a few feet of her the sailor stopped suddenly. “What _is_ your name? After all, introductions are awkward without having the names of both parties.” They laughed self-consciously. “Kathryn Carter—Kitty they call me, of course.” “I’m Yeoman Brad Mason.” “I knew you were a yeoman—your crossed feather insignia,” she told him. “You see my dad’s been in the Navy ten years.” His face brightened. “Oh, then we’re practically in the same family. And now that the formalities are over we’ll proceed to business.” Kitty glanced toward the end of the table and realized that Miss Pearson had overheard their little conversation. The three of them laughed, and the ice was completely broken. “Since introductions are now unnecessary, Miss Pearson,” said Brad, “let me explain that this young lady has suddenly discovered there’s such a thing in this man’s war as a Canteen Corps.” Kitty flushed. “Oh, really now, I’ve always known about them, but just got the idea of doing that work myself.” “It’s certainly the duty of everyone to serve somewhere.” Kitty felt a slight edge on Miss Pearson’s tone, and was aware that her eyes swept over her smart sweater suit and the jaunty blue tam.