There was no need for pressing, and in a couple of minutes the basin was empty.
The good woman looked on with pleasure, and George said to her: "We have not had such a meal for a week."
"So much the better! I am glad to have done you any service! And now go. I wish I could give you some money; but I have none."
"You have saved our lives," I said. "God grant you may see your son again. But I have another request to make before we go."
"What is it, then?"
"Leave to give you a kiss."
"Ah, gladly, my poor Alsacians, with all my heart! I am not pretty as I used to be; but it is all the same."
And we kissed her as we would a mother.
When we went to the door, the daylight was breaking.
"Before you lies the road to Dun-sur-Meuse," she said, "don't take that; that is the road the Prussians have taken: no doubt the commander has given a description of you in the next village. But here is the road to Metz by Damvillers and Etain; follow that. If you are stopped say that your horses were worked to death, and you were released."