“Listen and I will read about that ungrateful little one. This is what Victor writes: ‘Dear Lucie: The train is about to start but before it goes I must tell you that Pom Pom is here and that I shall have to take him with me as there is no time to return him to you. The boys will be happy to receive him as a mascot, and I hope no harm will come to him. I know you will miss him, but if we come out of this safely you shall have him again. _Au revoir._ Victor. P.S. Nenette and Rintintin send their respectful greetings. That little rascal Pom Pom followed me all the way, but I did not discover it till too late, for he kept well behind me. V.’ Did you ever know a dog so clever? He knew perfectly well that he should not go with Victor, but it is as I said on Sunday; he loves Victor best, for he was his first beloved. That is constancy for you.” “There is no friend more faithful than a dog,” returned Paulette, beginning again to dip out the soup. “We shall miss him,” said Lucie sadly, “but I am sure he felt that he owed his first duty to his master. I was a second consideration. Very well, that must be accepted. I am glad to know that at least he is in good hands. I must tell Odette.” “Take your soup first.” “It is very hot and I will not stay a minute.” “I know the minutes of maidens,” grumbled Paulette. But Lucie was not to be deterred, and went off, her minute truly lengthening to five. Paulette, however, in spite of her grumbling, poured her bowl of soup back into the pot where it kept hot for her. “I should like to open the parcel,” said Lucie between spoonfuls of soup. “I haven’t the least idea what it is, have you, Paulette?” “Not I.” “But who could have sent it? What is it like? Did you feel it?” Paulette smiled. “Such curiosity. It feels like a box, or, no, like something hard. One does not get many boxes these days. _C’est la guerre._” “Are you sure it is for me?” “There is the name, the street, the number, even the floor. Madame Mathilde gave it to me with the letter as I came in.” “If I were not so hungry I would open it directly. Do you think this a pretty good soup, Paulette?” “Not so bad.” “Will not mamma be surprised when she learns how I can cook a meal all by myself?” Paulette was silent. “Oh, I know what you are thinking; you do not believe that we shall see mamma again.” “I said nothing.” “No, but I know that look which means so much. I was very doubtful myself before this news of Pom Pom. I have been so unhappy all day, Paulette, and but for Odette I think I should have died. What should I do without Odette when I have no more a Pom Pom?” “It is a great satisfaction to me that you have some one to keep you company while I must be away.” “And some one of whom you approve, for you do approve of her, don’t you? Of course she is not of Annette’s class, but she is a dear, fine girl and I shall love her always and keep her as my friend. When mamma knows her she will not object, I am sure.”