Zulma, whose countenance still preserved its paleness and expression of extreme gravity, replied that the times were indeed melancholy, but that she nevertheless hoped to enjoy a quiet Jour de l'An with her father and immediate neighbours, having made all the necessary preparations to that end.
"You have not heard then, my daughter?" said the priest.
"Heard what, sir?"
"Of the terrible events which took place this night while we were sleeping."
Zulma looked up with a movement of deep anxiety and asked:
"What has happened sir?"
"Two great battles have been fought."
"Is it possible?"
"Many killed, wounded, and prisoners."
"Who, where, how?" gasped Zulma in agony.