"Even now," I said, "when the Belgians return the Grerman artillery fire they are bombarding their own towns." "That is true, of course; but what can we do? And the civilian population is very brave. They fear invasion, but they no longer pay any attention to bombs. They work in the fields quite calmly, with shells dropping about. They must work or starve." He then spoke of the morale of the troops, which is excellent, and of his sympathy for their situation. "Their families are in Belgium," he said. "Many of them have heard nothing for months. But they are wonderful. They are fighting for life and to regain their families, their homes and their country. Christmas was very sad for them." "In the event of the German Army's retiring from Belgium, do you believe, as many do, that there will be more destruction of cities? Brussels, for instance?" "I think not." I referred to my last visit to Belgium, when Brussels was the capital; and to the contrast now, when La Panne a small seaside resort hardly more than a village, contains the court, the residence of the King and Queen, and of the various members of his household. It seemed to me unlikely that La Panne would be attacked, as the Queen of the Belgians is a Bavarian. "Do you think La Panne will be bombarded?" I asked. "Why not?" "I thought that possibly, on account of Your Majesty and the Queen being there, it would be spared. "They are bombarding Furnes, where I go every day," he replied. "And there are German aëroplanes overhead all the time." The mention of Furnes brought to my mind the flooded district near that village, which extends from Nieuport to Dixmude. "Belgium has made a great sacrifice in flooding her lowlands," I said. "Will that land be as fertile as before?" "Not for several years. The flooding of the productive land in the Yser district was only carried out as a military necessity. The water is sea water, of course, and will have a bad effect on the soil. Have you seen the flooded district?" I told His Majesty that I had been to the Belgian trenches, and then across the inundated country to one of the outposts; a remarkable experience--one I should never forget. The conversation shifted to America and her point of view; to American women who have married abroad. His Majesty mentioned especially Lady Curzon. Two children of the King were with Lord Curzon, in England, at the time. The Crown Prince, a boy of fourteen, tall and straight like his father, was with the King and Queen. The King had risen and was standing in his favourite attitude, his elbow on the mantelpiece. I rose also. "I was given some instructions as to the ceremonial of this audience," I said. "I am afraid I have not followed them!" "What were you told to do?" said His Majesty, evidently amused. Then, without waiting for a reply;