It was useless to hope they would be able to return to Villa Beau-sejour so long as the German occupation lasted, or during that time receive a penny in compensation for the sequestration of the property.
The notes for the hundred thousand francs therefore were carefully concealed in Mrs.Warren's bedroom at the Hotel Imperial and Vivie for a few months afterwards felt slightly easier in her mind as to the immediate future; for, as a further resource, there were also the jewels and plate at the bank.
They dared hope for nothing from Villa Beau-sejour.

Von Giesselin, after more entreaty than Vivie cared to make, had allowed them with a special pass and his orderly as escort to go in a military motor to the Villa in the month of April in order that they might bring away the rest of their clothes and personal effects of an easily transportable nature.

But the visit was a heart-breaking disappointment.

Their reception was surly; the place was little else than a barrack of disorderly soldiers and insolent officers.

Any search for clothes or books was a mockery.