The dressing went off very well. To make our task easier, Leglise suggested that he should hold on to the head of the bed with both hands and throw himself back on his shoulders, holding his stumps up in the air. It was a terrible, an unimaginable sight; but he began to laugh, and the spectacle became comic. We all laughed. But the dressing was easy and was quickly finished.
The stumps are healing healthily. In the afternoon, he sits up in bed. He begins to read and to smoke, chatting to his companions.
I explain to him how he will be able to walk with artificial legs. He jokes again:
"I was rather short before; but now I can be just the height I choose."
I bring him some cigarettes that had been sent me for him, some sweets and dainties. He makes a sign that he wants to whisper to me, and says very softly:
"I have far too many things. But Legrand is very badly off; his home is in the invaded district, and he has nothing, they can't send him anything."
I understand. I come back presently with a packet in which there are tobacco, some good cigarettes, and also a little note....
"Here is something for Legrand. You must give it to him. I'm off."
In the afternoon I find Leglise troubled and perplexed.
"I can't give all this to Legrand myself, he would be offended."