Pierre Nesle stammered something. He was not sure. He had heard that the Commandant Chéri was wounded at Verdun.
The girl understood perfectly.
“He is dead, then? Maman will be very sorry.”
She did not cry. There was not even a quiver of her lips. She shook hands with Brand and said: “I must go and tell maman. Will you come and see us one day?”
“With pleasure,” said Brand.
“Promise?”
The girl laughed as she raised her finger.
“I promise,” said Brand solemnly.
The girl “collected” the small boy and girl, holding their heads close to her waist.
“Is father dead?” said the small boy.