Page:Our Girls.pdf/63

It is approaching midnight, but so far as we can see there is no weariness anywhere. The girls look fresh and bright, in their blue overalls and caps, and when the steam-whistle is sounded at twelve for their midnight dinner, they fly off to their canteen amid a chatter of tongues like children let loose from school. We follow them down the dark ways outside, and find a beautiful picture. In an immense shed, well lit and admirably appointed both for warmth and colour, three thousand of the blue-capped girls are eating at cross tables, and of course talking in linnet-like chorus as only three thousand girls can. When their meal is over they have a delightful surprise. A famous singer, with the splendid generosity of her class, has come down after her work at one of the concert halls to sing to the girls who are working all night for her country. The girls are overjoyed. And what an audience they are! Never has a singer had a more glorious reception. Very wisely she selects the simple ballads