“That matters nothing, for the fact remains that you were without food. Monsieur, Madame, she starves, this child. She has eaten nothing since noon yesterday.” “Oh yes, but I have,” Lucie hastened to assure her. “You will scarce believe what I have to tell you, and will say it is nothing short of a miracle indeed.” And she proceeded to tell of Pom Pom’s achievement to a still more interested audience. “This dog, this very clever creature, where is he?” asked the doctor when she had ended her recital. “He is here,” Lucie told him waving her hand to where, on outside, Pom Pom was quite content to wait with Victor. “We must see this so clever animal,” declared the doctor, going to the foot of the steps where Victor was sitting. “And my grandfather?” said Lucie turning again to Paulette. “He is safe? He is here?” “He is safe, let us hope. None were allowed to remain when the authorities evacuated the town. All were forced to leave. To be sure, I hear there were some who hid themselves and would not go. This Paulette, that you see, she stayed because perforce she must. It is perhaps a Providence which sent that blow upon the head or out I must have gone whether I would or not, and then what would have become of you?” “There was Victor,” said Lucie thoughtfully. “Oh, yes, Victor. La la, there was Victor,” exclaimed Paulette marching off. Lucie could not tell whether offended or not. But presently she returned with the nurse whom Lucie had first seen and who brought a bowl of soup which Lucie received gratefully, and which she felt inclined to eat to the very last drop for it was hot and comforting. But she left a few spoonfuls saying to the nurse, “I may give this to Pom Pom?” “Eat it all, my dear,” replied the nurse smiling. “We can find something else for a little dog who is so faithful.” Pom Pom provided for, the next thing was to consult Victor about various matters. There were the things left in the cow shed which Paulette declared she could not live without. How were they to recover these? and where would they be liable to find Mons. Du Bois? Lucie put these questions anxiously. Victor thus appealed to felt himself more than ever thrust into the rôle of protector and gave up then and there his last hope of getting home on this furlough. He could not desert Lucie. It would never do to start her out upon a journey with Paulette who was in no condition to travel on foot, and there did not appear any one to whose care he might intrust a young girl and a wounded woman. He pondered over the situation, Lucie watching him anxiously.