Finally his turn came for the front. One of his comrades was a youth
named Gaston.
“The dear boy has become very much attached to me. He believes that
I am a strong support for him! Must I weep at this, or laugh? Gaston
has told me in great confidence that he gets occasional attacks of
cowardice. And he asked me whether I did not despise him. He is
terribly afraid that the fellows will notice it, but he did not mind
confiding in me. Why in me? He says it is because he admires my
imperturbable calmness so much. What could I reply? It seemed best not
to tell him how things stood with me. Apart from the difficulties such
a confession would cause me, I concluded that it would also be better
for him to believe in my courage.”