"
Two days later an orderly rode into the Chateau gate on
horseback, and inquired for Pierre and Pierrette Meraut. At the
moment he arrived the Twins were feeding the rabbits, but they
came running to the gate when their Mother called them, and the
orderly handed them an envelope with their names on it in large
letters. The Twins were so excited they could hardly wait to know
what was inside. They had never before received a letter. Their
Mother opened it and read the contents to the astonished
children. This was the note:--
"The Commandant and men of the Foreign Legion request the
pleasure of the company of Pierre and Pierrette Meraut, and of
all the people of Fontanelle at a birthday party to be held at
Camp (of course the exact name of the camp has to be left out on
account of the Censor) "on July 14th at 4 o'clock in the
afternoon. R. S. V. P."
The eyes of Pierre and Pierrette almost popped out of their heads
with surprise. "Why, Mother," they cried, "that's our birthday!
And it's Bastille Day too! Do you suppose it is the birthday of
the Com- mandant also?"
"Maybe," said their Mother, smiling. "Anyway it is the birthday
of our dear France."
The orderly smiled, too, and touched his hat. "Is there an
answer?" he asked.
"There will be," said Mother Meraut, "but first the others must
be told."
The Twins ran with their wonderful letter to the dispensary and
told the Doctor. Then they found Mademoiselle, who, with
Kathleen's assistance, was putting a new tire on one wheel of the
truck.
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