As we passed out of the entrance door, a superior officer stopped Dr. Masbrennier and though I advanced out of earshot the words, "evacuation" and "to-night" were distinctly audible. A second later my companion caught up with me.
"So sorry I can't accompany you, but the whole hospital goes to Orleans immediately. Must make room for the new-comers! I'll 'phone home. The gouvernante will make you comfortable." And he continued to give me explicit directions how to reach his house.
"You'd better come to Orleans where we can look after you."
"Sorry, but I've gone far enough south."
"Alors au revoir et grand merci."
"Au revoir."
And a second later I found myself outside in the chilly darkness.
For the first time in my life I had the sensation of being utterly alone. No one on earth knew where I was and if I had not had faith in Dr. Masbrennier's promise of a warm dinner, I should gladly have indulged in a little fit of despair. And so I wandered on down the dingy, black streets of Melun, where not a lamp post nor shop window was lighted, not a human being seemed astir. Where was my little troupe? How and when would we all meet?
Thus ruminating I came to a bridge. A sentry flashed a pocket lamp in my face.
"On ne passe pas!"