We want to see the officer in command." The soldier knew no English, but likewise guessed at their meaning.

He ordered them to wait where they were.

Presently he came out of the Villa and said the Herr Oberst would see them.

Vivie led her mother into the gay little hall--how pleasant and cool it had looked in the early morning! It was now full of surly-looking soldiers.

Without hesitating she took a chair from one soldier and placed her mother in it.