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were here at all. At this point N., her fur coat covered with the stones and mud of the trench, murmured that even if it were true, which it was not, she felt no reason whatsoever for being thankful. The Signora S. up from the chicken coop, appeared on the scene and entreated us to go and calm her husband. We consented, and once in the room, the angry little man, wishing perhaps to excuse his own want of restraint, shouted that Antonio had insulted him and told him it were better had he left the house. We had heard nothing of the sort and it was most improbable, since Antonio was all for doing what he could for the Sfollati who were, in his opinion, the best we could hope to find. I was inclined to view the incident as humourous, so I met the Professor's angry glances with a smile and pointed out that it was all a 'sbaglio' (mistake) - Teresina's mistake. I might add that Teresina is the favourite of the Sfollati and all because she once spoke of the Germans as having 'la testa dura' (hard heads). This delighted them and ever since they have been biassed in her favour. However my smile had its effect for the overwrought Professor calmed down and was soon persuaded to take a much needed cup of tea served with biscuits of Antonio's special invention. We were about to leave when the Signora S. stopped us on the threshold with 'I have some very good news to tell you!' Now good news could mean to us only what concerned the war. We were all attention..... then 'Penex mes chères amies,