The housewife served her coffee and a roll with which to break her fast, being likewise glad to talk to the mademoiselle who had come so far to nurse the poor poilus. Her husband—"mon brave"—the woman declared, was fighting somewhere for France—she knew not where.
"He has promised me not to get killed," she said cheerfully. "Of course I would not have him an embusqué—no Frenchman may show the white feather at this time. But some of these men are so reckless! They think more of a smoke than they do of their lives—and we poor women at home suffering agonies of fear for them! Ça y est! That is what we are here for, n'est-ce pas, Mademoiselle?"
As early as possible the nurse sought an interview with the major. He was a big, hairy man, with twinkling blue eyes behind his eye-glasses. He was young, but very decisive.
"You are very welcome, Mademoiselle," he said in English, although Belinda had addressed him in his own tongue. "Do you speak German, too?"
"I am part German and part French by ancestry," she told him. "I speak both languages."
"But you are American born," he responded with satisfaction. "That is a saving grace—at this time," and he smiled. "I know your hospital in New York. Is Doctor Herschall still on its staff?"
"Yes."
"His name is known, Mademoiselle. Many of these German surgeons are quite wonderful fellows—masters in their art. But it has been remarked—and wondered at—that Herschall has not returned to his own country. He is in sympathy with his people, is he not?"
"I know very little about the Herr Doktor's opinions," said Belinda cautiously. "From some of his speeches, however, I should think him quite favorably disposed toward his Government. Prussians generally are, I believe."
The French surgeon nodded. "Now for you, Mademoiselle," he said. "With your evident knowledge and experience you will be very helpful in the place I shall send you to. 'Let nothing you dismay,' as the English marriage service puts it. As you Americans say, 'Tackle any job.' Remember that in all probability there will be nobody near who knows any more than you do, or who can do the task any better."