Paul. I did not know. I only hoped.
Blanche. What did you hope?
Paul [very earnestly]. I have been told that stone can speak on Christmas Eve. And I want, oh, mademoiselle, I want to hear the blessed voice of our glorious Maid.
Blanche. Monsieur has sentiment.
Paul [pleadingly]. You think that she will speak to me?
Blanche [dropping all banter]. Monsieur, she speaks in stone to all of us. She stands erect, serene, like the unconquerable spirit of France and cries defiance at the Boche. They sent their shells like hail and ground our homes to powder and made a desolation of our streets, but they could not touch the statue of the Maid nor the church she guards.
Paul. And she speaks! She speaks!
Blanche. She is the soul of France, monsieur, defying tyranny, invincible and unafraid. She is a message to each one of us. As the shells fell all around and could not harm her, so must we stand unshaken for the France we love. She speaks of freedom and deliverance.
Paul. And she will speak to me?
Blanche [pityingly as she sees how literally he has taken her]. Perhaps.