"But still, though we have lost so many, we have not lost courage. In the midst of our ruined cities and our burnt and ruined crops, higher than our burnt towers, higher than the cruel deeds, stands our hope, and higher than the ignominy our proud independence, our love for the King and our land. Not for one instant has the Belgian spirit regretted the call of honour that has caused us such calamities, and tomorrow she would still refuse, even at the same price and at the cost of the same martyrdom! "Sir Edward Grey saluted the Comte de Lalaing (Minister Plenipotentiary at London) with the title of Ambassador, of which Belgium is worthy. [Illustration: THE BELGIAN ARMY.] "If you could only hear our injured and wounded speak of the King. When an officer fell the King took his place, crying out, 'Come, my children, shoot now, like this, all together.' And you should see how they killed their enemies! Today is the fête-day of our poor little Queen; what an anniversary! At the Palace Hotel they give the wounded wine in her honour, and they sing the 'Brabançonne,' and 'Vers l'Avenir.'" I give two verses of the "Brabançonne":-- "Fled the years of servile shame, Belgium, 'tis thine hour at last, Wear again thy ancient name, Spread thy banner on the blast. Sovereign people, in thy might Steadfast yet and valiant be, On thy ancient standard write-- Land and Law and Liberty! "Belgium, Mother, hear us vow, Never will our love abate, Thou our hope, our refuge thou, Hearts and blood are consecrate. Grave, we pray, upon thy shield This device eternally, Weal or woe, at home, a-field, Land and law and liberty." From Countess ----: "BRUSSELS--October. "Food is easy to get if not plentiful and the bread eatable in Brussels. V. got out of Belgium this time without being caught. We are full of hope. We are well and busy. Every one is trying to help those in need. There is much to do. Those who still remain here see each other often. We meet at each other's houses for tea and bring information. A. was wounded in the head and has been taken prisoner. Mr. Whitlock's untiring devotion to his work is more than appreciated by every class. He is just the man for the place. The Spanish Minister is a great help. We have had no letter since August. I knit madly to keep calm. I hope the day may come when I may say all that is in my heart. It is a suffocating feeling to have a foreign occupation. We have such a time getting the papers. One sheet appears a day, and all we want to know is carefully left out by the Germans." In October there comes a moan from Luxembourg. "LUXEMBOURG.