General Matthieu looked at the pile of correspondence before him. It sat in separate piles, sorted by his secretary. The official correspondence was opened and sorted in order of priority, from the highest echelon of command down to the lowest. Personal letters remained in their envelopes.

He flipped through the latter. Where he recognized the handwriting, he would put them aside to consider at his leisure, and reply when he could.

He paused when he came upon a faire-part. These were nothing new, especially during the war, but it bore a Canadian stamp, and he had seen the handwriting very recently. It was that of Madame Johnson. He hurriedly tore it open. Unlike John, the General's eye first fell on the faire-part, and only then on the letter. It was brief, and merely asked him to give John any assistance that he might ask for. It was signed "Jeanne".

Pushing aside the other mail, the General reached for pen and paper.

Chère Madame,

Permit me to convey my deepest condolences on your loss. If there is any way I may be of service to you, I am yours to command.

I have not yet heard from your son's commander, as to his transfer. It may well be , as you said, that he has his own ideas.

May I hope that when this war is over you will be visiting your family again?

His mind, however, raced with the possibilities. Maybe one did get another chance.