"Is that the new auxiliary post opened for contagious diseases?"
"It is just a little villa," said Odette simply. "It is large enough for me alone."
"And what are you doing there, good God?"
"I came here," said Odette, "that I might mourn for my husband in peace."
Mme. de Calouas assumed a suitable expression, but made no reply. Odette continued:
"He was killed in the end of September, at the head of his company, going out from the village——"
"Yes, I heard," said Mme. de Calouas. "I ought to have sent you a card; but in times like these——"
"You yourself are in mourning," observed Odette.
"Oh—I! I have lost my husband, my two brothers, my uncle the colonel, several cousins—" She waved her hand with a gesture which signified: "They are past counting!" Before leaving Odette she added:
"Come to see me at the hospital, from eight o'clock to noon, and from two to four. From four to six I have another service at the Red Cross, close by. I will show you things. Come."