But Anatole Kahn had larger ideas than this
making of what he considered mere trifles. Why not
visit the convalescent home and offer to work for the
patriotic lady? Through her he might hear of other
such homes, having first obtained her recommendation.
So what must he do but tramp off to the chateau, and
having arrived there become so insistent that the lady
he sought hurried into the hall, demanding the cause
of such loud conversation.
'Ah, Madame/ explained Kahn, CI am here to
entreat that you will accord me a brief interview.'
And he handed her one of the battered old cards that
Jouse had used upon rare occasions.
'Benedit . . .' she said thoughtfully; 'Benedit. Mais
oui, I think I have heard about him. Surely his
case is terribly sad? Did I not hear that he was
paralysed?' And her face became very solicitous, for
she was kind-hearted as well as patriotic.
Kahn sighed: 'Paralysed, as you say, Madame;
paralysed, with a wife and two children to keep.'
Then he quickly explained how essential it was that
for Jouse's sake she should give him employment:
eAlready one child is so fragile,5 he went on, 'that a
puff of wind would blow him to heaven; he cannot
digest our coarse peasant food, a mere mouthful and
he immediately vomits, yet how gentle, how patient,
how resigned he is. . . .'
'But what sort of work can you do?5 she asked.
'Almost anything Madame requires,' he said boldly.
*I make back-rests for those who need such supports,
and cradles for those who have injured legs, and strong
little tables that take the place of trays — very useful
when a man must have meals in bed. Yes, all manner
of comforts I make for our heroes. Perhaps, also,
Madame would consider a shelter, a charming shelter
out there in the sunshine. Ah, Madame, what a haven
of peace that would bef
388