As soon as she was able to be moved, the Douaines had taken her to a quiet little place on the Jersey shore, and there she and Barbara had remained for weeks, while Mr. Douaine made flying trips between Washington and the cottage by the sea. As Gretel’s strength returned her nerves grew calmer, and those weeks by the sea had been very restful and pleasant. It was only a week since they had returned to Washington, and Gretel, although improving a little each day, was still far from strong, and found lying in a steamer-chair under the trees more agreeable than any more active occupation. The very thought of tennis or long walks made her head ache, but she was very happy, and as she lay there, gazing out over the wide river, she smiled contentedly to herself. For had not Barbara gone to the station to meet Jerry and Geraldine, who were coming for their long promised visit to Washington? It was all so quiet and peaceful; it seemed impossible to realize that only a few miles away the fate of nations was being discussed, and that in France guns were booming, and men dying by thousands every day. The American boys were fighting for their country, and to save civilization, and at that moment Gretel’s heart swelled with pride. She knew now, more than ever before in her life, what it meant to love one’s country. Her reflections were interrupted by the sight of her brother, in his white flannels, strolling across the lawn in her direction. She knew that Percy was taking a much-needed holiday from the war office, and had been playing golf all the afternoon. “Feeling pretty fit to-day, little girl?” Mr. Douaine asked, kindly, as he threw himself into the empty chair by Gretel’s side. “Oh, yes,” his sister assured him, cheerfully. “I am ever so much stronger. I am sure I shall be able to go back to school the first of October.” Mr. Douaine smiled and shook his head. “No school till after Christmas,” he said, decidedly. “Don’t you think you can manage to be happy with us till then?” “I am always happy with you and Barbara,” Gretel answered, “but I shall hate to get behind with my lessons. Don’t you really think I shall be well enough to go back next month?” “I am afraid not, dear. The doctors say you must have a good long rest before you begin to study again. You have had a terrible strain, you know, and people don’t get over such things in a week. You may begin practising before long, but that is really all we can allow.” Gretel sighed resignedly. After all, there was something rather pleasant in the thought of just drifting along like this, day after day, and being taken care of by the people she loved best in the world.