human
So? That is good! she exclaimed.
gpt
Very good! But we must not seem too pleased, must we, Herr Hegner?
human
No, to be _too_ pleased would not be grateful, he said,
gpt
It makes me sad to think of all the deaths, whether they are German or English, went on Anna sadly.
human
I do not feel the same about the Russians or the French naturally.
gpt
Ach! How much I agree with you, he said feelingly.
human
The poor English! Truly do I pity them. I am quite of your mind, Frau Bauer; though every Russian and most Frenchmen are a good riddance, I do not rejoice to think of any Englishman, however lazy, tiresome, and pigheaded, being killed.
gpt
But very few Englishmen will be killed by our brave fellows. You will have to shed no tears for any one you know in Witanbury, Frau Bauer. The English are not a fighting people. Most of their sailors will be drowned, no doubt, but at that one must not after all repine.
human
Yet the English are sending an army to Belgium,
gpt
What makes you think that? He stopped in the work on which he was engaged, that of cutting a large sausage into slices.
human
Have you learnt it on good authority, Frau Bauer? Has this news been told you by the young gentleman official from London who is connected with the Government--I mean he who is courting your young lady?
gpt
How they do gossip in this town! she exclaimed, frowning.
human
Courting my young lady, indeed! No, Mr. Hegner, it was not Mr. Hayley who told this. Mr. Hayley is one of those who talk a great deal without saying anything.
gpt
Then on whose authority do you speak?
human
I know because Major Guthrie started for Belgium on Friday last, at two o'clock. By now he must be there, fighting our folk.
gpt
Major Guthrie? He looked puzzled.
human
Is he a gentleman of the garrison?--surely not?
gpt
No, no. He has nothing to do with the garrison! exclaimed Anna.
human
But you must have very often seen him, for he is constantly in the town. And he speaks German, Mr. Hegner. I should have thought he would have been in to see you.
gpt
You mean the son of the old lady who lives at Dorycote? They have never dealt at my Stores --there was a tone of disappointment, of contempt, in Mr. Hegner's voice.
human
But that gentleman has retired from the Army, Frau Bauer; it is not he, surely, whom they would call out to fight?
gpt
Still, all the same, he is going to Belgium. To France first, and then to Belgium.
human
I daresay this Major has gone back to his old regiment, for the English have mobilised their army--such as it is. But that does not mean that they are sending troops to the Continent.
gpt
But I even know where the Major is going to land in France.
human
Ach! he said.
gpt
That is _really_ interesting! Do you indeed? And what is the name of the place?
human
Boulogne,
gpt
But how do you know all this?
human
Mrs. Otway told me. This Major is a great friend of my ladies. But though it was she who told me about Boulogne, I heard the good-byes said in the hall. Everything can be heard from my kitchen, you see.
gpt
Try and remember exactly what it was that this Major said. It may be of special interest to me.
human
He said --she hesitated a moment, and then, in English, quoted the words:
gpt
He said, 'I shall be very busy seeing about my kit before I leave England.'
human
Before I leave England? _ he repeated meditatively.
gpt
Yes, if you did indeed hear him say those words they are proof positive, Frau Bauer.
human
Of course they are!