"It will be understood that few events of interest occur from day to day when a Battalion remains billeted in the same area for a long space of time. There is a regular routine, embracing drill, physical training and educational classes, which is varied occasionally by a special lecture. Dances and concerts are frequent. As the month wore on to the middle Demobilization naturally figured largely in all matters pertaining to the Battalion."

War Diary 102nd Battalion April 1, 1919

His week's leave long over, John was back with the 102nd at Boitsfort. He was itching to get his discharge. Despite the make work nature of the daily routine, he had been unable to get another leave.

Each day he looked for a letter from Marie, who was never a prolific writer.

And so once again he listened attentitively for his name at mail call. At last:

"Sergeant Johnson! Your wife, Sarge?"

He hurriedly tore the letter open. He scanned it quickly, started, then grinned broadly.

Other men were discussing their letters from home, good news and bad.

John thought to himself: "They don't know."

Marie had written to tell him that the General's Médecin-Major (a gynocologist before the war) had confirmed her suspicions. She was pregnant, and possibly carrying twins.