The hotel would be required for some undefined need of the German Government and he had been told no one could be lodged there who was not furnished with a permit from the Kommandantur.
For three weeks Vivie sought in vain for rooms.

Every suitable place was either full or else for reasons not given they were refused.

She was reduced to eating humble pie, to writing once more to Graefin von Stachelberg and imparting the dilemma in which they were placed.

Did this kind lady know where a lodging could be obtained?
She herself could put up with any discomfort, but her mother was ill.

If she could help them, Vivie would humbly beg her pardon for her angry letter of three weeks ago and resume her hospital work.