"Oh, at first, with all the noise and the roaring of the cannons; but afterward I only thought of you and of Mamma Lefèvre."
Master Jean-Claude grew silent again.
"I knew," thought he, "that she was a brave girl. She has everything in her favor."
Louise taking him by the hand, then led him to a regiment of pans around the fire, and showed him with delight her kitchen.
"Here is the beef and roast mutton, here is General Jean-Claude's supper, and here is the soup for our wounded. Haven't we been busy! Lesselé and Katel would tell you so. And here is our bread," said she, pointing to a long row of loaves arranged on the table. "Mamma Lefèvre and I mixed up the flour."
Hullin looked on astonished.
"But that is not all," said she; "come over here."
She took off the lid of a saucepan, and the kitchen was immediately filled with a savory odor which would have rejoiced the heart of a gourmand.
Jean-Claude was deeply touched by all these proofs of attention to the wants of his men.
Just then Mother Lefèvre came in.