Then suddenly appeared Victor on his second permission, and wearing a sergeant’s stripes, won for his tact, his influence over the men, and for his bravery during a night raid. But of this exploit he would say nothing, merely laughing off the question when Lucie asked him how he had earned his promotion. “I did nothing at all, nothing more than any one would have done if he had had the same chance. They gave me my stripes simply because of my youthful beauty.” He came in with a rush and a dash, immediately making the whole place seem fuller of life and action. “What’s all this I hear? What’s all this?” he asked after the first salutations, “going away, are you? Well, I can scarcely blame you. Where are you going?” “We don’t know yet,” Lucie answered. “Then I am wiser than you. I know, I know.” “Then why did you ask?” Lucie gave his arm a little tap, making him drop the match with which he was lighting his cigarette. “You did it just to tease. How do you know?” “Aha! Revenge! Revenge! I shall not tell you, because you spoiled my light.” “You will have to tell Paulette.” “How do you know I will? I’m not afraid of Paulette. She is not a Boche.” “And are you afraid of a Boche?” Victor laughed and took from his pocket a letter which he handed to Paulette. “It is from Captain Du Bois,” he said. Paulette took it with an air of importance and went to the window to read it, a slow process with her. “You have seen my father, then, Victor?” said Lucie. “Do tell me how he looks.” “Fit as a fiddle. We had a long talk and he charged me with this letter to Paulette.” “And have you none for me?” “No, but I have a message from Pom Pom.” Lucie looked wistfully over at Paulette, whose lips were moving as she laboriously read the words before her. “I think I might see the letter, too,” she said. “You don’t want Pom’s message then. You don’t look interested,” said Victor. “Oh, I do want it, but of course I am more interested in what my father has to say. What is Pom’s message?” “He says to tell you that when those shoes are worn out he will send you another pair if he has to rob a Boche to get them.” “What nonsense! How is the dear little fellow, and why didn’t you bring him with you?” “I was afraid he wouldn’t want to go back, and I’d hate to have him shot as a deserter. The boys are all devoted to him. My friend Honoré has him in charge while I am on leave.” “Oh, yes, Honoré. Shall you see his family this time?” “Happy thought! Why not all of us go out there for another good meal. It will please them to see us and to hear from the lad, and then you would like to make your adieux, wouldn’t you?” “If I could but tell where we were going. Paulette--” But Victor interrupted any information by crying out: “Don’t tell her, Paulette. Don’t tell. It is a secret.”