The reception hall in Emil Grelieu's villa. Plenty of air, light, and flowers. Large, windows overlooking the garden in bloom. One small window is almost entirely covered with the leaves of vines.
In the room are Emil Grelieu and his elder son, Pierre, a handsome, pale, and frail-looking young man. He is dressed in military uniform. They pace up and down the room slowly. It is evident that Pierre is anxious to walk faster, but out of respect for his father he slackens his pace.
EMIL GRELIEU
How many kilometers?
PIERRE
Twenty-five or thirty kilometers to Tirlemont—and here—
EMIL GRELIEU
Seventy-four or five—
PIERRE
Seventy-five—yes, about a hundred kilometers. It's not far, father.