That night the soldiers in their new pajamas were carried joyously into the concert tent, the envy of all those who were less fortunate in drawing lots.
Venna looked on with a smile on her face and sadness in her heart.
"After all, these brave men are boys at heart!"
Later on in the evening, when the moon was full up, Venna walked out alone. She felt that she must calm her perturbed thoughts.
Where was her husband? Her anxiety was getting beyond her endurance.
For ten minutes she walked and prayed.
Suddenly, like a huge beetle, a boche airplane swooped low over Noyon! Then came an awful crash!
Venna stood fascinated, gazing up at this awful bird of destruction. The search-lights were in full play. Venna could plainly see the cross on the under side of the wings. What a hideous mockery!
A soldier sprang to Venna's side.
"Madam! The shrapnel! Come back against this house!"