Eugenia was just about to leave her bedroom, Nicolete having gone downstairs half an hour before.
At these words the older girl turned and stood straight and severe with her shoulders braced1 against the wall as if for support.
"What do you mean?" she inquired slowly.
Barbara had not finished dressing2. Indeed, she was in the undignified attitude of sitting on one side of the bed putting on her stockings. Nevertheless, she gazed at Eugenia squarely.
"I mean just what I said," she answered. "That is, of course, I don't know the[Pg 158] name or the age or the identity of the man I saw by accident in the woods last night. But I realize that he must be the same person you have been concealing3 ever since you took this house. Naturally he must grow weary of the long confinement4 and be obliged to go outdoors now and then at night."
Eugenia had not replied, so Barbara went on thinking aloud.
"Or else some one may have been coming to the house with a message for the person in hiding. Of course, I don't know whether your refugee is a man or woman. But whoever he or she may be, goodness knows, I'll be grateful enough when the escape is over and this house left behind!"
Eugenia's face whitened at the younger girl's words. Nevertheless, she again turned as if she meant to leave the room without an answer.
Barbara was too quick for her.
She took hold of both her shoulders and pulled her gently around.
"I would rather you would say something,[Pg 159] Gene5. I have been doing all the talking ever since I arrived. One minute I can't decide whether I ought to try and find out who this person is you have in hiding, or what your reason is. Then I wonder if it is best I should leave you alone? But please, please don't run any risks. You know that if you are defying the German authorities and are found out, what your punishment may be. What could I possibly do to help you? I feel so powerless. I can't tell you how I have longed to confide6 my suspicion to Dick Thornton or the girls and ask their advice. But I have kept absolutely silent."
"Thank you," Eugenia said, and then waited another moment. "Sit down, please, Barbara," she added. "I suppose it is only fair that I offer you some explanation. You have been so good."
Barbara did as she was requested. But Eugenia continued to stand. Her level, dark brows were drawn7 close together and her face was pale. Otherwise she looked entirely8 self-possessed, sure of herself and her position.
[Pg 160]
"I am not going to tell you that I have any one in hiding here, Barbara. If questions are ever asked of you, you are to know absolutely nothing. But I want you to understand that I appreciate perfectly9 the danger of what I have undertaken and have done it with my eyes open. If I am punished, well, at least I have always faced the possibility. But after today, dear, if things go as we hope, you need no longer worry over me. So far I feel pretty sure the Germans in command of this part of the country have not suspected our house in the woods of being anything more than a shelter for defenseless Belgian children. And really that has been my chief motive10 in all that I have done."
Barbara sighed. "God keep us through the day," she murmured, quoting a childish prayer.
Then Eugenia went downstairs to her work and a short time later the younger girl followed her.
Barbara was to remain until after lunch. But at her friend's request she spent most[Pg 161] of the time in the yard with the children and Monsieur Bebé. Whatever went on inside the house neither she nor any of the others were to be allowed to know.
As a special pleasure the children were to be permitted to eat their luncheon11 under an old tree in the one-time garden. This garden now held no flowers except two or three old rosebushes and overgrown shrubs12.
The heat of yesterday had returned and with it even more sultriness. There were heavy clouds overhead, but no immediate13 sign of rain. It was one of those days that are always peculiarly hard to endure. The air was heavy and languid with a kind of brooding stillness that comes before the storm.
The nerves of everybody seemed to be on edge. Monsieur Bebé had lost his courage of yesterday and sat silent in his chair with his head resting in his hand. Was he dreaming of Provence before France was driven into war? Or was he hearing again the cracking of rifles, the booming of cannon14, all the noises of the past year of life in a trench15?
[Pg 162]
Several times Barbara did her best to distract his attention, but the French boy could do nothing more than try to be polite. It was evident that he hardly heard what she said to him. Nicolete was too engaged with her duties in the house to offer companionship. Nevertheless, she came back and forth16 into the yard. Now and then she would stop for a moment to speak to Monsieur Reney, who was Monsieur Bebé only to Barbara, who had so named him.
Nicolete was busy in arranging the outdoor luncheon for the children. For she it was who brought out the dishes and the chairs. Only once did she have any assistance and then the maid from the kitchen helped her with the luncheon table. Neither Eugenia nor the woman whom they called "Louise" was seen all morning.
So to Barbara fell the entire task of looking after the children. Perhaps it was the weather, perhaps they too were vaguely17 conscious that something unusual was going on about them, for they were extremely difficult.
Not once, but half a dozen times, each[Pg 163] child insisted upon going into the house to search for Eugenia. She could not be busy for so long a time that she could not come out to them, they protested. This had never happened before.
Jan and Bibo were particularly sulky, nevertheless Barbara continued firm. Jan had been made her especial charge. Whatever happened he must be kept away from all knowledge of what was transpiring18 in the big house only a few yards off.
This world is ever a double mask with the face of tragedy painted upon one side and of comedy upon the other.
So often Barbara thought of this during the long hours of the morning.
Sometimes she was whirling about with the children in a ring, singing at the top of her voice to keep their attention engaged. Yet at the same moment her thoughts were all concentrated upon what was going on in the house with Eugenia. Whom had she in hiding all these weeks, risking her own liberty for his or her safety? And how was it possible that any human being could escape from Belgium whom the Germans wished to detain?
[Pg 164]
Yet not a carriage nor a human being approached the house from the front. Of this Barbara was absolutely certain. Always when it was possible she had kept a watchful19 lookout20. Besides, there was Jan who had appointed himself sentinel.
The boy could not consciously have been expecting disaster. Not a human being had given him a hint of what was to take place. Yet he simply refused to play when the other children invited him.
When Barbara explained that Eugenia insisted he remain out of the house, he made no effort toward disobedience. He merely took up a position as far away as possible, but one where he could still see the house and at the same time keep a lookout ahead. For his quiet gray eyes would study the landscape beyond him sometimes for five minutes, then he would turn his head and gaze toward the house. Satisfied that he could discover nothing wrong there, he would again begin his former scrutiny21.
He was an interesting figure; Barbara studied him whenever she had a chance.[Pg 165] Here was a child whom the war had not so far injured physically22. Although ill some weeks before he had since recovered. Yet he would bear the scars that the war had made upon his spirit so long as he should live. Bibo's lameness23 was as nothing to this boy's hurt. There was a look of abnormal gravity in his eyes, of an understanding of sorrows that a child of ten should know nothing of. He was fearful and frightened and yet there was something indomitable in the child's watching.
He recalled the gallant25 army of children crusaders who, led by Stephen of France, went forth to wrest26 Jerusalem from the infidels. So their little sentinels must have waited wide-eyed and courageous27, yet sick with dread28, for the ravenous29 hosts to overpower them.
Another possibility worried Barbara and the children all morning. There was a prospect30 that rain might come and so spoil their luncheon party. Suppose they should be compelled to scamper31 for shelter just at the critical moment in Eugenia's plans?
The rain did not come. It must have[Pg 166] been just a little after twelve o'clock when Eugenia finally walked down the front steps into the yard. She did not look toward Barbara, but her appearance was enough. Whatever she had wished to accomplish was now over.
Although at the moment she was engaged in learning a new Belgian game, Barbara had to suggest that she be allowed to sit down for a time. Eugenia might be able to look as calm as an inland lake, but she felt uncomfortably agitated32.
First Eugenia spoke33 to Monsieur Bebé. Then she walked down to where Jan was standing24. She said nothing to the boy, but put her arm on his shoulder. Afterwards they walked back together toward the other children. But Jan's expression had entirely changed. He was smiling now and his cheeks were happily flushed, yet he kept his hand tightly clutched in his friend's.
Soon after Nicolete came out of the house with a great tray of sandwiches. There was real ham between some of them and peanut butter between the others. Moreover, there was an enormous dish of[Pg 167] baked potatoes and another of beans. For some reason the children did not understand, for it was neither Sunday nor a saint's day, they were to have a feast.
The table, which had been easy enough to arrange, since it was only a couple of boards laid upon carpenter's horses, was set in the middle of the garden, partly shaded by an old elm tree. The garden was just a few yards to the left of the house and in plain view of any one approaching.
Naturally Eugenia took her place at the head of the table, with Nicolete at the other end. Barbara was on Eugenia's right, with her eyes on the scene ahead. She could see the edge of the woods with the path that connected the house with the outside world. Jan was next her with the same outlook upon the surroundings.
It was Jan who saw the two German officers approaching with a guard of eight soldiers behind them a few moments later.
The boy had just lifted a sandwich to his lips when something in his rigid34 attitude first attracted Barbara's attention. She then let her knife drop onto the table.
[Pg 168]
The noise startled Eugenia, for she too looked up. Instantly Barbara explained what was happening.
"Don't stir and please don't appear to be frightened before the children," Eugenia ordered. "I must go and meet the officers, but I'll wait until they are nearer."
So the German soldiers had a clear vision of Eugenia and the children as they approached. The rough board table had no cover, but in the center was a bunch of wild flowers that the children had gathered in the neglected fields.
In order to keep them from seeing too soon what must inevitably35 happen, Eugenia started the singing of a Belgian translation of the Russian "Prayer for Peace."
It was perhaps the song that came most from her heart at the moment, although she and her little companions had been trying to learn it for several weeks past.
"God the All Righteous One! Man hath defied Thee,
Yet to eternity36 sure standeth Thy word;
Falsehood and wrong shall not tarry beside Thee,
Give to us peace in our time, O Lord!"
[Pg 169]
Then when the German officers were within a few yards of her, Eugenia got up and walked quietly forward. She did not go alone though, because Jan held on to her skirts so tightly that there was no possibility of tearing him loose.
"Will you wait a moment, please, until the children can be taken to another part of the yard?" Eugenia asked quietly. "Some of them are very young and will only be terrified and confused by our conversation. I think most of them are afraid of soldiers."
There was no reproach in the girl's tone as she said this. But the sting was inevitably there.
However, the older of the two officers bowed his head and Nicolete led the reluctant children away.
By this time Barbara had placed herself at one side her friend next to little Jan. And poor Monsieur Bebé, hearing the voices, had crept blindly forward to within a few feet of the little company.
In the meantime the soldiers had divided: two of them stood before the front door[Pg 170] and two had retired37 to the rear of the house. The other four guarded either side.
"You are under arrest, Fraulein," the German officer began. He was stern, but rigidly38 polite.
"Very well," Eugenia answered. "In five minutes I can be ready to go with you. But tell me, please, of what I am accused."
"You are accused of harboring a Belgian spy, a Colonel Carton, who got back through the lines, disguised as a German soldier and into his wife's home in Brussels. His effort was to obtain certain papers and information and then return to King Albert and the British Allies. We have reason to believe Colonel Carton is still in your house." The officer at this instant drew a pair of handcuffs from his pocket.
Naturally Eugenia flinched39, yet she held out her hands.
"Your intention is to search my house. You will, of course, do what you wish. But remember that I am an American citizen and under the protection of the United States flag."
[Pg 171]
Then one of the officers remained in the yard while the other led his soldiers into the house.
Ten, fifteen minutes passed. Eugenia talked quietly to Barbara. She begged her to ask permission of the hospital authorities to allow her to stay with the children. She told her where she might obtain the money for keeping up their expenses. Some time before she had written a letter giving Barbara her power of attorney. Almost every detail had been arranged.
Of course, Eugenia was frightened. She was not unlike other people, only that she had a stronger will and sometimes a finer determination.
Finally the German officer and his soldiers returned.
"We can find no trace of Colonel Carton or his wife," the younger officer reported. "However, a servant from their household in Brussels is here and I have reason to believe the two children of Madame and Colonel Carton."
Still Jan, who had never let go his hold[Pg 172] on Eugenia, did not flinch40. Not once did he even glance up toward one of the German soldiers, nor give a sign that might betray him or his protector.
"I am sorry, but you must go with us until the circumstances can be more thoroughly41 investigated," the older officer commanded.
A short time afterwards Eugenia went quietly away. One of the soldiers carried her suitcase. Since she marched between them and showed no intention of giving trouble, the officer had taken off the handcuffs. Evidently he meant to be as courteous42 as possible under the circumstances. Moreover, Eugenia's dignity was impressive.
All through the interview Barbara had felt her knees trembling so beneath her that she felt unable to stand. Her hands were like ice and her cheeks on fire; moreover, there was a lump in her throat which made her totally unable to speak.
Nevertheless, she did speak whenever a question was asked of her, nor did she shed a tear until Eugenia had gone.
It was curious, but no one broke down,[Pg 173] not even Jan. He merely kept his hold on Eugenia's skirt until she started to leave.
Then Eugenia herself unloosed his hands. He had been on his knees before and he made no effort to get up afterwards.
Finally, when Barbara lifted the boy in her arms she found it was because he was too weak to stand.
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
braced
|
|
| adj.拉牢的v.支住( brace的过去式和过去分词 )；撑牢；使自己站稳；振作起来 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
dressing
|
|
| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
concealing
|
|
| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
confinement
|
|
| n.幽禁，拘留，监禁；分娩；限制，局限 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
gene
|
|
| n.遗传因子，基因 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
confide
|
|
| v.向某人吐露秘密 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
drawn
|
|
| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
entirely
|
|
| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
perfectly
|
|
| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
motive
|
|
| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
luncheon
|
|
| n.午宴，午餐，便宴 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
shrubs
|
|
| 灌木( shrub的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
immediate
|
|
| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
cannon
|
|
| n.大炮，火炮；飞机上的机关炮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
trench
|
|
| n./v.(挖)沟，(挖)战壕 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
forth
|
|
| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
vaguely
|
|
| adv.含糊地，暖昧地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
transpiring
|
|
| （事实，秘密等）被人知道( transpire的现在分词 )； 泄露； 显露； 发生 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
watchful
|
|
| adj.注意的，警惕的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
lookout
|
|
| n.注意，前途，瞭望台 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
scrutiny
|
|
| n.详细检查，仔细观察 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
physically
|
|
| adj.物质上，体格上，身体上，按自然规律 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
lameness
|
|
| n. 跛, 瘸, 残废 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
standing
|
|
| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
gallant
|
|
| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
wrest
|
|
| n.扭，拧，猛夺；v.夺取，猛扭，歪曲 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
courageous
|
|
| adj.勇敢的，有胆量的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
dread
|
|
| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
ravenous
|
|
| adj.极饿的，贪婪的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
prospect
|
|
| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
scamper
|
|
| v.奔跑，快跑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
agitated
|
|
| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
spoke
|
|
| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
rigid
|
|
| adj.严格的，死板的；刚硬的，僵硬的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
inevitably
|
|
| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
eternity
|
|
| n.不朽，来世；永恒，无穷 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
retired
|
|
| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
rigidly
|
|
| adv.刻板地，僵化地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
flinched
|
|
| v.（因危险和痛苦）退缩，畏惧( flinch的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
flinch
|
|
| v.畏缩，退缩 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
thoroughly
|
|
| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
courteous
|
|
| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |