But they were terribly naughty little girls.
Whenever I spoke they repeated my words in loud, mocking voices.
Their sharp little ears told them of my foreign accent, and they plucked at every strange note in my voice, and repeated it loud and shrill, but the grandmother smacked them into silence and pulled the bedclothes up over their faces.
Then a gentle tap, and Madame X. and the Danish Doctor came stealing in.
Ah! how piercing and pathetic was the look I cast on that tall stranger. I saw a young fair-haired man in grey clothes, with blue eyes, and an honest English look, quiet, kind, sincere, wearing the Red Cross badge on his arm! I looked and looked. Then I told myself he was to be trusted.
In English he said, "I heard there was an English lady here who wants to get away from Antwerp?"
I interrupted sharply.
"Please don't speak English! The Germans are always going up and down the corridor. They may hear!"
He smiled at my fears, but immediately changed into French to reassure me.
"No, no, Madame! You mustn't be alarmed. The Germans are too busy with themselves to think of anything else just now. And I want to help you. Your Queen Alexandra is a Dane. She is of my country, and she has kept the bonds very close and strong between Denmark and England. Yes, if only for the sake of Queen Alexandra I want to help you now. And I think I can do so. If you will pass as my sister I can get a pass for you from the Danish Consul, and that will enable you to leave Antwerp in safety."