"No, captain, they treated me like a slacker. They said, 'What! not wounded or killed—you're not a real poilu!'"
"But, mon petit, you should have said you came from Eparges, the wickedest sector along the front."
"No chance to talk with those people. Our conversation ended in blows."
"At least, you have done your bit for France by giving her 'little St. André's,' poilus and sturdy like yourself?"
"Yes, captain, I'm not married—but I've got two sons."
"You are not married? You are going to marry her right away, my boy. You could easily have an accident here, and you would not embarrass your little friend——"
"That's true, captain——"
"I am going to give you two days' vacation so you can marry her, but I will have to get the certificate from the mayor."
"Captain—I want to tell you—I would rather marry by proxy."
"By proxy! That's a strange idea—and why?"