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.