We knocked at the door she had pointed out to us a couple of houses farther on, and were received as though we had been expected.
"It's some artillerymen, mother," said a young woman, who was nursing a child in her arms. "They want some milk."
Her mother came out of the next room.
"I'll go and milk the cow," said she. "Good evening, messieurs; please sit down; you must be tired."
Lucas had somehow managed to find some eggs.
"Shall we make you an omelette with bacon?" asked the daughter. "It won't take long. But do sit down. I'm sure you've been standing about enough to-day!"
Almost immediately the fat began to sizzle in the pan.
At every moment infantrymen and Chasseurs knocked at the door, and the two women distributed the milk from their cow, refusing all payment. When there was no more left they were quite wretched at having to disappoint the men who continually arrived on various quests.
"We've given all we had. I'm so sorry!" they said. "We've only a small bowl left for the baby. You see, we've only one cow!"