body of the masculine troop would be left to themselves on these great days of battle, when every regiment is under fire at once. But I have never heard that this has happened. The riddle remains unsolved. I have asked again and again, but I have never received an answer.
I enjoyed my liberty, as well as a man can in a virtuous town. I have no reason to complain.
There was no need to advertise my liberty. The rumour was soon abroad. For a long time my staircase had been quiet. Now there was a pitter-patter of old friends and new, all coming affectionately to ask how the man with the newly-won liberty was getting on. And there were rejoicings day and night—in honour of my freedom.
XXVIII don't mention these rejoicings out of conceit, but because they are an important factor in this legend of Marie.
An author less honest and less conscientious would draw the curtain over the events of this period. I know some dear comrades who in a like case have not hesitated to pretend that their infidelities were but desperate attempts at finding forgetfulness in dissipation.
I did not wish to forget—I had forgotten.
Where was Marie? How should I know? Weeks had gone and I had neither seen nor heard of her. I confess I had expected a letter. Experience has taught me that one's lost loves, even when they have said the last definite good-bye,
