A Woman's Experiences in the Great War

by Louise Mack

Then she hurries on, at a run now, to find a spot where she can hide or bury her beloved before the Germans are all over the city.

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CHAPTER XXXIX

THE RECEPTION

A singular change now comes over the silent, deserted city.

First, a few stray Belgians shew on the side-paths. Then more appear, and more still, and as the procession of the Germans comes onwards through the town I discover little groups of men and women sprung out of the very earth it seems to me.

All along the Avenue de Commerce, gathered in the heavy greyness on the side-paths, are little straggling groups of Anversois.

As I look at them, I suddenly experience a sensation of suffocation.

Am I dreaming?

Or are they really smiling, those people, smiling to the Germans!