“Whether we conquer or are conquered, war is in itself dreadful altogether. Would it not be better if there could be nothing of the kind?”
“Then what would be the good of soldiers?”
“What, indeed!” I assented; “then there would be none——”
“What nonsense you are talking. That would be a nice state of things; nothing but civilians! It makes me shudder. Happily that is impossible.”
“Impossible? Yes, you must be right. I will believe so, or else I could not conceive that it would not long since have happened.”
“What happened?”
“The abolition of war. But, no; I might as well talk of the abolition of earthquakes.”
“I don’t know what you mean. As far as I am concerned I am glad this war has broken out, because I hope that my Louis will distinguish himself. And for my brothers, too, it is a good thing. Promotion has been going on so slowly; now they have at least a chance.”
“Have you had any news lately?” I interrupted. “Are your relatives all well?”
“No, not for a pretty long time now. But, you know, the postal service is often interrupted, and when people are tired out with a hot march or a battle, they have not much taste for writing. I am quite easy. Both Louis and my brothers wear blessed amulets. Mamma hung them on herself.”