"Perhaps we can coax Elaine to take us there this afternoon," suggested Marjorie.
But when the girls reached The Tamarisks, their cousin had quite a different plan for their entertainment.
"We're going to the Red Cross Hospital," she announced. "I've always promised to show you over, only it was never convenient before. To-day's a great day. The men are to have their Christmas tree."
"Before Christmas!" exclaimed Dona.
"Why, yes, it doesn't much matter. The reason is that some very grand people can come over to-day to be present, so of course our commandant seized the opportunity. It's Lord and Lady Greystones, and Admiral Webster. There'll be speeches, you know, and all that kind of thing. It'll please the Tommies. Oh, here's Grace! she's going with me. She's one of our V.A.D.'s. Grace, may I introduce my two cousins, Marjorie and Dona Anderson? This is Miss Chalmers."
Both Elaine and her friend were dressed in their neat V.A.D. uniforms. Marjorie scanned them with admiring and envious eyes as the four girls set off together for the hospital.
"I'd just love to be a V.A.D.," she sighed. "Oh, I wish I were old enough to leave school! It must be a ripping life."
Grace Chalmers laughed.
"One doesn't always think so early in the morning. Sometimes I'd give everything in the world not to have to get up and turn out."
"So would I," agreed Elaine.