From the diary of Mademoiselle Marie Louise Osmont, whose house in Normandy was occupied by the Germans.
"February 13, 1944
We are navigating towards chaos. We are headed towards a terrible and imminent future such that the conservation of ancient furniture, of rare tapestries, of fragile ornaments, it all seems so devoid of meaning. I will fight for the memory of the dead. I will fight for sentimental reasons, but without convictions, and that is perhaps what saddens me the most: no enthusiasm, no faith in the future . . . . Where are we going?"
