They opened up other veins of memory, talked of Lady Feenix, of the musical parties at the Parrys, of Emily Daymond's playing, of this, that and the other hostess, of such-and-such an actress or singer.
The Colonel of course was often absent all day on military duties.
He advised Vivie strongly on such occasions not to go far from Mrs.
Warren's little domain.

"I am obliged to remind you, dear young lady, that you and your mother are my prisoners in a sense.

Many bad things are going on--things we cannot help in war--outside this quiet place..." In November, however, there was a change of scene, which in many ways came to Vivie and her mother with a sense of great relief.
Colonel von Giesselin told them one morning he had been appointed Secretary to the German Governor of Brussels, and must reside in the town not far from the Rue de la Loi.

He proposed that the ladies should move into Brussels likewise; in fact he delicately insisted on it.

Their pleasant relations could thus continue--perhaps--who knows ?--to the end of this War, "to that peace which will make us friends once more ?" It would in any case be most unsafe if, without his protection, they continued to reside at this secluded farm, on the edge of the great woods.