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the Germans coming right through that gap in the forest, madame. If the Maginot Line does not hold them, there is no reason why they should not come through again. That wasn't the first time in history that the Germans have come through that gap. This house has been invaded and occupied by invaders four times since it was built. In the First World War it was not torn down, but it was ruined. My wife and I, in these years since I inherited it, have made it over, have cleaned it up, have bought furniture, books, have restored things that were stolen, have made it habitable again. But see how young these trees are. They were cut down. There were huge, great, beautiful shading oaks, and were so meant to be in the original design of the place. So I do not know. I feel very uneasy about the Germans. I never can believe we are safe from them! I am not a military man, but neither is the Prince de Broglie a military man. Do not believe him either.”
I think that the de La Rochefoucaulds had doubts at that time about the strength of France. However, I never shall know how much they really knew. At any rate, Bullitt kept assuring me that all was well.
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