I made some inquiries about other matters I had to attend to, and then the doctor returned from visiting his patient, and we drove towards the village in which the soldier’s wife lived. But before we were out of the first village, a girl of about twelve came quickly across the road towards us.

“I suppose you’re wanted?” I said to the doctor.

“No, it’s your Honour I want,” said the girl to me.

“What is it?”

“I’ve come to your Honour, as mother is dead, and we are left orphans⁠—five of us. Help us!⁠ ⁠… Think of our needs!”

“Where do you come from?”

The girl pointed to a brick house, not badly built.

“From here⁠ ⁠… that is our house. Come and see for yourself!”