Before they could get a reply to their letter, the President and Congress had declared war against Germany. This made them doubly eager for their answer and with the idea of preparing ahead of time, at Mary Lee's suggestion, they immediately invited Miss Walker, a friend of Mrs. Anderson, who was a trained nurse, to teach them how to make such bandages as might be needed. Miss Walker readily consented to give one evening a week to teaching them.
The war came somewhat close to Mary Lee when Dr. Payson told her that he intended to answer the first call for physicians.
"Would you like to come along?" he asked her jestingly.
The girl took his question seriously and for a moment was not sure. She pictured the wounded and dying with her ready imagination and felt as if she would not be equal to it.
Then a new and clearer thought came.
"If I'm to be a nurse," she said determinedly to herself, "I mustn't think of such things. I mustn't think of myself at all."
But Dr. Payson, who had watched the serious minded girl with considerable amusement, added:
"There isn't any need for sudden decision on your part. I'm afraid you couldn't come even if you would. You are somewhat young, for one thing, and I hope there won't ever come a time when they will need anybody so young," he concluded as a serious look came into his eyes.
Then he changed the subject and went into a detailed explanation of what was to be done with a case that was to come in a little later that day, and how he would expect Mary Lee to assist him. She listened carefully as she was anxious to get practical experience.
"I wish I could have you here all the time," Dr. Payson remarked a little later. "You are such a help. I tell you this because I feel sure it won't turn your head."