sincere friendship and camaraderie. They opened up other veins of
memory, talked of Lady Feenix, of the musical parties at the Parrys,
of Emily Daymond's playing, of this, that and the other hostess, of
such-and-such an actress or singer.

The Colonel of course was often absent all day on military duties.
He advised Vivie strongly on such occasions not to go far from Mrs.
Warren's little domain. "I am obliged to remind you, dear young
lady, that you and your mother are my prisoners in a sense. Many bad
things are going on--things we cannot help in war--outside this
quiet place..."

In November, however, there was a change of scene, which in many
ways came to Vivie and her mother with a sense of great relief.
Colonel von Giesselin told them one morning he had been appointed
Secretary to the German Governor of Brussels, and must reside in the
town not far from the Rue de la Loi. He proposed that the ladies
should move into Brussels likewise; in fact he delicately insisted
on it. Their pleasant relations could thus continue--perhaps--who
knows?--to the end of this War, "to that peace which will make us
friends once more?" It would in any case be most unsafe if, without
his protection, they continued to reside at this secluded farm, on
the edge of the great woods. In fact it could not be thought of, and
another officer was coming here in his place with a considerable
suite. Eventually compensation would be paid to Mrs. Warren for any
damage done to her property.

The two women readily agreed. In the curtailment of their movements
and the absence of normal means of communication their life at Villa
Beau-sejour was belying its name. Their supply of money was coming
to an end; attempts must be made to regularize that position by
drawing on Mrs. Warren's German investments and the capital she
still had in Belgian stock--if that were negotiable at all.

Where should they go? Mrs. Warren still had some lien on the Hotel
Edouard-Sept (the name, out of deference to the Germans, had been
changed to Hotel Imperial). With the influence of the Government
Secretary behind her she might turn out some of its occupants and
regain the use of the old "appartement." This would accommodate
Vivie too. And there was no reason why their friend should not place
his own lodging and office at the same hotel, which was situated
conveniently on the Rue Royale not far from the Governor's residence
in the Rue de la Loi.

So this plan was carrie