Half an hour passed and in the interval no one had entered the room. Marshal Foch's secretary arose and approached his commander.
"I shall send a messenger to General Marcel now, your excellency," he said.
Marshal Foch nodded, but did not raise his head from his work.
The secretary left the room. He returned five minutes later and resumed his seat without a word.
Another half an hour passed.
Then an officer in full general's regalia entered and approached Marshal Foch.
"I am here, sir," he said, saluting.
The French commander looked up.
"Ah, General Marcel," he exclaimed. "And what have you to report, sir?"
"Nothing, your excellency."