Page:Storm Over Paris.pdf/255

Gertrude gazed at her suspiciously. "That's no answer t0 my question," she said.

Anna raised her eyes and looked at Gertrude with a pitying smile.

"Unfortunately," she said, "it isn't a secret any more. Does it matter how I know it? The important thing now is to avoid spreading panic. But that isn't the immediate problem for you and me. Gertrude, we have to take things into our own hands and save the children from terror and God knows what sufferings. I know it's hard, but there's no other way out for us."

Pacing back and forth in the dimly lit room, Anna avoided Gertrude's pitiful eyes. "And we haven't any time to think things over or to postpone action. There are only a few hour left. At six o'clock someone I know is going to have his automobile ready for us. I've arranged everything. And you must understand, Gertrude, that it's almost a miracle, because to get out of Paris is next to impossible."

She stopped and looked Gertrude squarely in the face. "You must understand too, that you're not the only one in this position. And as far as the children are concerned, I can guarantee with my life that no harm will come to them. But as for you, darling,-you must stay here. You must stay here and wait for Morris' return. You must be here for your husband. You can't rely on receiving any more letters from him; all the mails will be shut down. And it may happen that he'll come back without warning."

She put both her hands on Gertrude's shoulders. "You must be brave, Gertrude. There's no more time for fear. It may be that the water supply will give out in the city, and food will be hard to get. One person alone can somehow manage to find a way. So remember what I say, my darling.