But we were excused enforced service, and exempted from prison. A greater misfortune spared us these troubles. One morning I met in the passage two callers who did not ask for Jackdaw's Legs. One of them, very tall, very thin, and very stiff, with Japanese-like features, bent himself down with a low bow. His companion, smaller but just as thin and stiff, copied him hastily. "Madam," lisped the former in a faint voice, "I should like to see the owner of this house." I showed both men in, and rushed into my mother-in-law's bedroom. Everybody was in a stir. "What do they want? This visit foretells no good, of course." "It is the general's son," Colette said. "I had him pointed out to me a few days ago." Mme. Valaine walked into the dining-room, where the visitors were waiting. On tip-toe we went into the passage, and holding our breaths anxiously listened from behind the door. As soon as my mother-in-law entered the room, the officers got up, and bowed themselves at right angles. Then the lisping voice began: "Madam, I am a staff officer. I have been ordered to inform you of a decision that concerns you nearly...." "Ah!..." Behind the door left ajar we strained uneasy ears; the speaker went on with his speech: "You are not ignorant, madam, of the painful necessities of the war, and I am sorry to have to tell you that we are in need of your house...." "Oh!" It was Geneviève who uttered this stifled cry. Mme. Valaine had no voice to answer. The orator continued: "... We are in need of your house for a printing office. It corresponds exactly with our wishes." "But it is my own house; I live in it with my family. I have a right to stay in it...." "Madam, I am very sorry, but we want it. To-day is Thursday; I think we can wait till Monday next to take possession of the place." "But it is impossible ... my furniture...." "Oh, the house must remain furnished. But you may take away such pieces of furniture as the officers do not want." "But, sir, it is a disgrace!" Geneviève, unable to control her indignation any longer, had pushed the door open, thus unmasking our group, and had entered the lists. Her invasion slightly disturbed the officer. "It is a disgrace! You pretend that you don't make war upon civilians, and you turn five women out of doors at the beginning of the winter! You offend against the law of nations. But it is your habit. I know you by your handiwork!" Wholly unmoved, the executioner replied: "I see you are excited, and I shall not repeat what I have just heard." "What! Indeed! You may repeat it if you like. I should not be afraid to say so to anybody." Always calm and stiff and lisping, the Japanese blond went back to what he was saying: