“It’s the coiffure of a lady.. They are cutting her hair.”
I was mystified.
“Cutting her hair?”
A woman spoke to me, by way of explanation, laughing like the man.
“Shaving her head, monsieur. She was one of those who were too complaisant with German officers. You understand? There were many of them. They ought to have their heads cut off as well as their hair.”
Another man spoke gruffly.
“There would be a good many headless corpses if that were so. To their shame be it said. It was abominable. No pride. No decency.”
“But the worst will escape,” said another. “In private houses. The well-dressed demoiselles!”
“Tuez-les!” cried a woman. “Tuez-les!”
It was a cry for killing, such as women had screamed when pretty aristocrats were caught by the mobs of the French Revolution.