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refuge though no proof against the bombs falling directly on us, do protect us against air-pressure. 
[[underlined]] January 19th. [[/underlined]] Natalie went down alone to see the Countess. I had to remain in bed because of pains in my leg. The Countess said no bombs fell on the Cascino near where she lives. She lamented that sleep had deserted her since the last terrible bombing of Berlin. Her flat there was in all probability destroyed along with entire streets and blocks of houses. She is without news of her place. It would seem that the bombing of Berlin came as a surprise. But why a surprise? Are we not assisting at a diabolic game of retaliation? and what abiut Germany's new aircraft defences? D.di D. told of the expanse rockets to be let loose over England in the spring. But, one asks, will the most terrific of expanse rockets ever break down British obstinacy and endurance, the prerogatives of England's rulers? It would seem that all rulers of the world have made so sure of their own personal safety that they can substitute the 'Apres moi le deluge' attitude for an even more presumptuous 'moi avant et apres, malgre le deluge'. Every evening Jean Garold Paquis ends his 'Chronique de la Guerre with 'Comme Carthage l'Angleterre doit etre detruite!' 
[[underlined]] February 4th. [[/underlined]] I have not written for some time: so engrossing is the moment, so great is the tension. The battle of Neptuna is being fought and they say it will be decided in twenty-four hours. A bridge-head has been successfully erected in the very rear