Oberst:  “But we are in agreement, you and I!  This is splendid.  But now we must be praktisch.  We are at war, though we hope here for a peaceful occupation of Belgium.  You will see how the Flaemisch—­Ah, you say the Fleming?—­the Flemish part of Belgium will receive us with such pleasure.  It is only with the Waelsch, the Wallon part we disagree....  But there is so much for me to do—­we must talk of all these things some other time.  Let us begin our business.  I must first introduce myself.  I am Oberst Gottlieb von Giesselin of the Saxon Army. (He rose, clicked heels, bowed, and sat down.) I see you have three heavy bags you look at often.  What is it?”

Vivie (taking courage):  “It is my mother’s jewellery and some plate.  She fears—­”

Von G.:  “I understand!  We have a dr-r-eadful reputation, we poor Germans!  The French stuff you up with lies.  But we are better than you think.  You shall take them in two—­three days to Brussels when things are quiet, and put them in some bank.  Here I fear I must stay.  I must intrude myself on your hospitality.  But better for you perhaps if I stay here at present.  I will put a few of my men in your—­your—­buildings.  Most of them shall go with their officers to Tervueren for billet.” (Turning to Mrs. Warren.) “Madam, you must cheer up.  I foresee your daughter and I will be great friends.  Let us now look through the rooms and see what disposition we can make.  I think I will have to take this room for my writing, for my work.  I see you have telephone here. Gut!”

Leaving Mrs. Warren still seated, but a little less stertorous in breathing, a little reassured, Vivie and Oberst von Giesselin then went over the Villa, apportioning the rooms.  The Colonel and his orderly would be lodged in two of the bedrooms.  Vivie and her mother would share Mrs. Warren’s large bedroom and retain the salon for their exclusive occupation.  They would use the dining-room in common with their guest.

Vivie looking out of the windows occasionally, as they passed from room to room, saw the remainder of the soldiery strolling off to be lodged at their nearest neighbour’s, the farmer who had driven them in to Brussels that morning.  There were perhaps thirty, accompanying a young lieutenant.  How would he find room for them, poor man?  They were more fortunate in being asked only to lodge six or seven in addition to the Colonel’s orderly and soldier-clerk.  Before sunset, the Villa Beau-sejour was clear of soldiers, except the few that had gone to the barn and the outhouses.  The morning room had been fitted up with a typewriter at which the military clerk sat tapping.  The Colonel’s personal luggage had been placed in his bedroom.  A soldier was even sweeping up all traces of the invasion of armed men and making everything tidy.  It all seemed like a horrid dream that was going to end up happily after all.  Presently Vivie would wake up completely and there would even be no Oberst, no