Splendid of him, the way he demanded his share. The Major replied that he would lose nothing by waiting. Say what you will, there are good men left in the world. (_Looking at the clock._) Half-past five. We have an hour and a half before us. But you have no time to lose, my dear Pierre; go and see to your affairs. I will wait here with my children until Otto returns. By the way, what has become of our wounded soldier, your friend Gilson? We have been forgetting him. THE SECRETARY Firmin put him in the chauffeur’s room. I looked in there a moment ago. He was sleeping soundly, like a child, and he knows nothing. THE BURGOMASTER So much the better. Be sure and keep an eye on him when I am gone, for he might commit some imprudence. THE SECRETARY Make your mind easy; I’ll see to it. _Au revoir_, Mr. Burgomaster. THE BURGOMASTER (_Shaking hands with him._) _Au revoir._ Yes, perhaps we shall see each other again. (_Exit the_ SECRETARY.) Otto has gone to make a last appeal to the Major. I have no great hope of his succeeding. I shall be leaving you soon, my dears, and I want to give you my last injunctions. (ISABELLE _and_ FLORIS _fling themselves into their father’s arms._) ISABELLE Father! FLORIS Dad! THE BURGOMASTER (_Caressing them tenderly._) Don’t cry, dears; the time has not yet come. But we must provide for everything. My will is with Van Overloop, the solicitor. I have added certain safeguards against Otto, who, after all, is not a member of the family. You will find in the safe, over and above the fifty thousand francs put aside for the payment of the fine, ten thousand francs in ready money, which will enable you to live till better times come. Here, Isabelle, is the key. Don’t mention those ten thousand francs, either of you, to Otto. Isabelle’s position will be very difficult after the war. Flemish people have long memories and the national hatred will be so great that Otto will not be able to show his face here again. FLORIS I should hope not! THE BURGOMASTER Hold your tongue, Floris; show some pity for your sister; and, whatever happens, always remember that she is your sister.... But here comes Otto; he will tell us the latest. (_Enter_ OTTO.) ISABELLE (_Running towards him._) Well? Did you succeed? Have you done it? Did you make him understand? OTTO Not a thing! I begged, entreated, dragged myself at his feet, did and said what not another German officer would have done. Not a thing, not a thing! He ended by commanding my silence in such a tone that it was impossible to insist. ISABELLE