I remembered that outburst, months back, when Hélène had desired the death of many German babies.
"Hélène loves me," said Pierre simply. "We do not talk politics."
On our way to the Avenue Victor Hugo I ventured to ask him a question which had been a long time in my mind.
"Your sister, Marthe? She is well?"
Even in the pearly twilight of the Champs Élysées I was aware of Pierre's sudden change of colour. I had touched a nerve that still jumped.
"She is well and happy," he answered gravely. "She is now a religieuse, a nun, in the convent at Lille. They tell me she is a saint. Her name in religion is Soeur Angélique."
"I called on Madame Chéri and her daughter with Pierre Nesle. They seemed delighted to see me, and Hélène greeted me like an old and trusted friend, giving me the privilege of kissing her cheek. She had grown taller, and beautiful, and there was a softness in her eyes when she looked at Pierre which made me sure of his splendid luck.
Madame Chéri had aged, and some of her fire had burnt out. I guessed that it was due to Edouard's death. She spoke of that, and wept a little, and deplored the mildness of the Peace Treaty which had not punished the evil race who had killed her husband and her boy and the flower of France.
"There are many German dead," said Pierre. "They have been punished."
"Not enough!" cried Madame Chéri. "They should all be dead."
Hélène kissed her hand and snuggled down to her as once I had seen in Lille.
