The meal progressed as all meals do when young American soldiers are eating in a French home, with much misunderstanding as to the exact meaning of the things that are said in the French and English languages. Gabrielle laughed over their funny way of talking her native language and tried to help matters by using her only stock and store of English, which was represented by the words “yes” and “finish.”
“I want some water myself,” admitted Jimmy, after finishing his meal, “but I’m scared to ask for it after last night.”
“I’ll ask her,” volunteered Neil.
“Gabrielle,” he called.
She answered with a big, wonderful smile and came over to him.
“Donnay mwa glass de low,” was Neil’s way of telling her his want.
Gabrielle looked helplessly at the empty dishes. A little frown of perplexity showed on her forehead. Gradually the frown was camouflaged by a spreading smile of understanding light.
“Oh, finish?” she asked him.
“Great Lord, ’ain’t she got wonderful blue eyes!” ejaculated Neil. “Some of these peasant girls are sure the darb. Wish I could parley her talk.”
“I’ll get that water myself,” said Jimmy, rising. He found a glass and went outside to look for a pump. Gabrielle watched him smilingly, wishing that she could comprehend the wants of the big, good-natured American boys with whom she found it so easy to make friends.