“Oh, yes!” she replied warmly.
“So much the better!” I said, “for I want this old prefect to think me pretty. There are so many things I must ask him for.”
On entering his room, what was my surprise to recognize in him the lieutenant I knew. He had become captain and then prefect of the Seine. When my name was announced by the usher, he sprang up from his chair and came forward with his face beaming and both hands stretched out.
“Ah, you had forgotten me!” he said; and then he turned to greet Mme. Guérard in a friendly way.
“But I never thought I was coming to see you,” I replied; “and I am delighted,” I continued, “for you will let me have everything I ask for.”
“Only that!” he remarked, with a short burst of laughter. “Well, will you give your orders, madame?” he continued.
“Yes, I want bread, milk, meat, vegetables, sugar, wine, brandy, potatoes, eggs, coffee,” I said in one breath.
“Oh, let me get my breath!” exclaimed the count-prefect. “You speak so quickly that I am gasping.”
I was quiet a moment, and then I continued:
“I have started an ambulance at the Odéon, but as it is a military ambulance, the municipal authorities refuse me food. I have five wounded men already, and I can manage for them, but other wounded men are being sent to me, and I shall have to give them food.”