|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 12
"I hear, Philip," she said, "that a bomb was thrown today from a German
aeroplane into the Place de l'Op�ra, killing a woman and injuring
several other people."
"It is true, mother."
John glanced covertly at Julie, and saw her face pale. But she did not
tremble.
"Is it true also that the German army is near?" asked Madame Lannes,
with just the faintest quiver in her voice.
"Yes, mother. John, standing in the lantern of the Basilique du
Sacr�-Coeur, saw through his glasses the flash of sunlight on the lances
of their Uhlans. A shell from one of their great guns could fall in the
suburbs of Paris."
John's covert glance was now for Madame Lannes. How would the matron who
was cast in the antique mold of Rome take such news? But she veiled her
eyes a little with her long lashes, and he could not catch the
expression there.
"I believe it is not generally known in Paris that the enemy is so very
near," said Philip, "and while I have not hesitated to tell you the full
truth, mother, I ask you and Julie not to speak of it to others."
"Of course, Philip, we would add nothing to the general alarm, which is
great enough already, and with cause. But what do you wish us to do?
Shall we remain here, or go while it is yet time to our cousins, the
Menards, at Lyons?"
Now it was the mother who, in this question of physical peril, was
showing deference to her son, the masculine head of the family. John
liked it. He remembered an old saying, and he felt it to be true, that
they did many things well in France.
Lannes glanced at young Scott before replying.
"Mother," he said, "the danger is great. I do not try to conceal it from
you. It was my intention this morning to see you and Julie safe on the
Lyons train, but John and I have beheld signs, not military, perhaps,
but of the soul, and we are firm in the belief that at the eleventh hour
we shall be saved. The German host will not enter Paris."
Madame Lannes looked fixedly at John and he felt her gaze resting like a
weight upon his face. But he responded. His faith had merely grown
stronger with the hours.
"I cannot tell why, Madame," he said, "but I believe as surely as I am
sitting here that the enemy will not enter the capital."
Then she said decisively, "Julie and I remain in our own home in Paris."
CHAPTER II
THE MESSENGER
There was little more talk. The dignified quiet of the Lannes family
remained unchanged, and John imitated it. If they could be so calm in
the face of overwhelming disaster it should be no effort for him to
remain unmoved. Yet he glanced often, though covertly, at Julie Lannes,
admiring her lovely color.
When dinner was over they returned to the room in which Madame Lannes
had received them. The dark had come already, and Suzanne had lighted
four tall candles. There was neither gas nor electricity.
"Mr. Scott will be our guest tonight, mother," said Lannes, "and
tomorrow he and I go together to the army."
John raised his hand in protest. It had not been his intention when he
came to remain until morning, but Lannes would listen to no objection;
nor would his mother.
"Since you fight for our country," she said, "you must let us give you
shelter for at least one night."
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|