"Or me," he rejoined with a light laugh. "So we shall have to be very discreet and go cautiously about our sport. And it ought to be great fun, Maryette, to sail balloons out over the German trenches. We'll tie a message to every one! Shall we, little comrade?"
She clapped her hands.
"That will enrage the Boches!" she cried, "You won't forget to bring the balloons?"
"After the carillon," he nodded, staring at her intently.
"Half past ten," she said; "not one minute[pg 337] earlier. I cannot be disturbed when playing. Do you understand? Do you promise?"
"Yes," he said, "I promise not to bother you before half past ten."
"Very well. Now let me do my washing here in peace."
She was still scrubbing her linen when he went reluctantly away across the meadow toward Sainte Lesse. And when she finally stood up, swung the basket to her head, and left the meadow, the sun hung low behind Sainte Lesse Wood and a rose and violet glow possessed the world.
At the White Doe Inn she flew feverishly about her duties, aiding the ancient peasant woman with the simple preparations for dinner, giving her father his soup and helping him to bed, swallowing a mouthful herself as she hastened to finish her household tasks.