They found Louise mending a chicken-coop, and Mary and
Martha sorting supplies in the storeroom. They found all the
other people of the village, some in the garden and some working
elsewhere, and every single one said they should be delighted to
go.
"Now," said Mademoiselle, when they returned to her and reported,
"you must write your acceptance."
The Twins looked blank. "Can't we just tell him?" they asked
anxiously. "We can't write very well--not well enough to write to
the Commandant."
"Oh, but," said Mademoiselle, "I'm sure he will expect a letter,
and you must just write the very best you can, and it will be
good enough, I'm sure. Get writing-materials, and I will help
you."
At her direction Pierre brought paper and ink from her little
house, and the two children sat down on the ground beside the
truck.
"Now, what shall we say?" asked Pierrette.
"I know," said Pierre; "let's say: 'Thank you for asking us to
your party. We are all coming. Amen!' Don't you think that would
do?"
Mademoiselle bent over her tire. "Yes," she said, "I think he
will like that, but I'd both sign it if I were you."
So the Twins signed it and put it in an envelope and gave it to
the orderly, who promptly put it in his pocket, saluted, wheeled
his horse, and galloped away toward camp.
The days before the party were full of excitement for the Twins.
They thought of nothing else, and how strange it was that
Bastille Day and the Commandant's birthday both should be the
same as theirs.
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