y those ladies are. I wonder if you would be permitted to visit
them?"

I consoled M. Forain by pointing out that surely as chief Camoufler
(disguiser) of the French Army, he could disguise himself as a
model of virtue (de se camoufler en bon garcon). Certainly this son
of France, who has turned his brilliant intellect and his art to the
saving of men's lives, would be welcome anywhere and everywhere.
I hastened to assure him that I was only teasing him, and added
that I only teased the people I admired and liked. General Petain
immediately turned to the Commandant de Pulligny--"Please remark
that she has not yet teased me." "Probably because she fears
to do it, and has too much respect for you," replied the Commandant.
"Fears! I do not think we need talk of that just now, when she
dares to go to Verdun."

Whilst at coffee after lunch the news came of the continued
advance of the British troops. General Petain turned to me and
said, "You must indeed be proud in England of your new army.
Please tell your English people of our admiration of the magnificent
effort of England. The raising and equipping of your giant army in
such a short time was indeed a colossal task. How well it was
carried out all the world now knows and we are reaping the
harvest."

The General's Chief of Staff added: "Lord Kitchener was right
when he said the war would last three years"--"the first year
preparation, the second year defence, and the third year cela sera
rigolo (it will be huge sport)." He quoted the phrase as Lord
Kitchener's own.

Before we left the General signed for me the menu of the lunch,
pointing out to me, however, that if I were at any time to show the
menu to the village policeman I must assure him that the hare
which figured thereon had been run over at night by a motor car
and lost its life owing to an accident, otherwise he might, he
feared, be fined for killing game out of season!

I shall always remember the picture of General Petain seeing us
into our car with his parting words, "You are about to do the most
dangerous thing you have ever done or will ever do in your life. As
for Verdun, tell them in England that I am smiling and I am sure
that when you see General Nivelle you will find him smiling too.
That is the best answer I can give you as to how things are going
with us at Verdun." Then with a friendly wave of his hand we
passed on our way.

After leaving the Headquarters of General Petain we were held up