FRANÇOIS
Painfully trying to catch the sounds.
I hear, I hear; are they killing?
EMIL GRELIEU
Yes, they are killing. The Prussians have entered Belgium. Where is Maurice?
FRANÇOIS
But, Monsieur Emil—but, Monsieur, what Prussians? Pardon me; I am seventy years old, and I lost my sense of hearing long ago.
Weeps.
Is it really a war?
EMIL GRELIEU