"I thought you Germans were all daughters or sweethearts of soldiers." "Ay, and most of us women would make as good soldiers as they have here; but I was speaking because you gave a shock to madame." Stepping aside, Antonino discovered Madame Clemenceau, who smiled softly.
"Oh, madame!" ejaculated Antonino, at the height of astonishment, not unmixed with gladness.

"I beg your pardon; I am very sorry--I mean glad--that is, I was not aware--if I had had any idea you were home--" "You could not have known," she answered in a gentle voice.

"I was too eager to get back, to delay to send a line.

As for the noise, another time it might not matter, but I came here by an early morning train and I had no rest before I started.

I am very fatigued and nervous, and the shot so sudden, surprised me.