like. I found her stewing up old
newspapers in a greasy liquid, preparing thus a kind of briquette, the
only means of heating which she could afford. Yet the prospect of a
Winter without coal, possibly without bread, did not prevent her from
welcoming me with a smile, and explaining her case with grace and
distinction, which denoted the most exquisite breeding. Her maid, she
apologised as she bowed me out, was ill of rheumatism contracted during
the preceding Winter.

The top apartment was occupied by a government functionary and his
family. As captain in the infantry he has been at the front since the
very beginning. His wife's family are from Lille, and like most
pre-nuptial arrangements when the father is in business, the daughter
received but the income of her dowry, which joined to her husband's
salary permitted a cheerful, pleasant home, and the prospect of an
excellent education for the children.

The salary ceased with the Captain's departure to the front; the wife's
income stopped when the Germans entered Lille a few weeks later. They
now have but his officer's pay, approximately eighty dollars per month,
as entire financial resource. Add to this the death of a mother and
four splendid brothers, the constant menace of becoming a widow, and I
feel certain that the case will give food for reflection.

All these unfortunate women know each other; have guessed their mutual
misfortunes, though, of course, they never mention them. Gathered
about a single open fire-place whose welcome blaze is the result of
their united economy, they patiently ply their needles at whatever
handiwork they are most deft, beading bags, making filet and mesh
laces, needle-work tapestry and the like, utilising every spare moment,
in the hope of adding another slice of bread to the already too frugal
meals.

But orders are rare, and openings for such work almost nil. To obtain
a market would demand business training which has not been part of
their tradition, which while it tempts, both intimidates and revolts
them. Certain desperate ones would branch out in spite of all--but
they do not know how, dare not seem so bold.

And so Winter will come anew--Winter with bread and sugar rations at a
maximum; Winter with meat prices soaring far above their humble pocket
books.

Soup and vegetable stews quickly become the main article of diet. Each
succeeding year the little mothers have grown paler, and more frail.
The children ha