In every hut there is a small library counter where postcards are sold, notepaper is given out, books or games are lent, and games of billiards are arranged, a bell being rung every twenty minutes to mark the close of each game. Miss Sprot writes: “To sit down here is considered a rest, but one can have a busy time.... Private A. brings his watch and hopes it will not be too much trouble to get it mended for him. You take down his name, and hope the watch will not get mixed up with some half-dozen others passing through your hands, and that you will be able to get it back in time from the watchmaker before Private A. goes up the line. He himself has apparently no misgivings; indeed, the implicit faith of himself and his fellows in one’s unworthy self is something quite touching. Many questions are asked and answered. I have been consulted on religious matters and listened to innumerable family histories. The first move in a confidential talk comes when Tommy pulls out his pay-book and spreads before you the photos of his relatives. To most of us the hour spent each evening at this little counter is one to look forward to.” Another worker is Miss Lilias Playfair, who, with a group of other ladies, went to a base town in France in February, 1915. A canteen had been started in the only available place, a very small, inconvenient room; but, even so, Miss Playfair reports that it was “packed every evening, and most of the day.” Gradually the proper huts were built in the outlying camps and in the town, and there are now over ten huts, and two cinemas in this district, which Miss Playfair and her sister, Miss Audrey Playfair, manage in alternate spells. Describing her work, Miss Playfair says: “Besides serving at the canteens and helping with the arranging and ordering of food, we do most of the entertainments. I have organised a small orchestra which plays at different huts, and last year we had a most successful Pierrot troupe.... We hope shortly to produce a ‘revue,’ and two or three short plays. French classes are held regularly, and the men are keen to learn. It is hard work, as our hours are long, but it is very interesting, and the men are so appreciative and say that they do not know how they could endure things without the Y.M.C.A.” [Illustration: LADY BADEN-POWELL _Russell_ _To face page 39_ ]