Yes, that was the name: Lieutenant Hilmer. So it’s true then? I wouldn’t believe it. Did the Burgomaster’s daughter marry a German?
The Secretary
Of course she did; why not? We were not very fond of the Germans here; but, after all, they did us no harm; on the contrary.... It was before the war, when nobody thought of these things. As luck would have it, poor Madame van Belle, the master’s wife, died a year before the wedding. It would never have happened had she been alive, for she loathed the Prussians; and if she could see what they are doing to-day! But what a blow it will be to the master! Is Lieutenant Otto likely to be coming here?
Jean Gilson
Sure to. At least, so he told the Burgomaster at Winkel.... But how did that marriage come about?
The Secretary
In the most natural way. How was one to know that some fine day the Germans would come and massacre us and do all the dreadful things that people are talking about ... if they’re true?
Jean Gilson
They’re true enough; and what you’ve heard isn’t the worst.
The Secretary