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."
He acquiesced, and they sat a little while, talking of the things
furthest from their hearts. Julie Lannes withdrew presently, and before
long her mother followed. Lannes went to the window, and looked out over
Paris, where the diminished lights twinkled.
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