She appeared to tear herself away from these recollections, impelled
by a tenacious obsession which had slipped from her mind in the first
moments of their meeting.
"Do you know much about what's happening? Tell me all. People talk so
much. . . . Do you really believe that there will be war? Don't you
think that it will all end in some kind of settlement?"
Desnoyers comforted her with his optimism. He did not believe in the
possibility of a war. That was ridiculous.
"I say so, too! Ours is not the epoch of savages. I have known some
Germans, chic and well-educated persons who surely must think exactly as
we do. An old professor who comes to the house was explaining yesterday
to mama that wars are no longer possible in these progressive times. In
two months' time, there would scarcely be any men left, in three, the
world would find itself without money to continue the struggle. I do not
recall exactly how it was, but he explained it all very clearly, in a
manner most delightful to hear."
She reflected in silence, trying to co-ordinate her confused
recollections, but dismayed by the effort required, added on her own
account.
"Just imagine what war would mean--how horrible! Society life paralyzed.
No more parties, nor clothes, nor theatres! Why, it is even possible
that they might not design any more fashions! All the women in mourning.
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