She had evidently gone back to the Villa Beau-sejour while she could.

It was too late for any tram in the direction of Tervueren.

There were no taxis owing to the drivers being called up.

Leaving most of her luggage at the cloak-room--it took her about three-quarters of an hour even to approach the receiving counter--Vivie walked across to the _Palace Hotel_ and asked the night porter to get her a room.

But every room was occupied, they said--Americans, British, wealthy war refugees from southern Belgium, military officers of the Allies.