"Let me
introduce you to my learned brother; he's very young and innocent, not
at all like me; what do you say, Jossa?"
The girls looked shyly at Theodore, who did not know which way to turn.
His brother's language appeared to him unutterably impudent.
On their way upstairs they met a dark-haired little girl, who had
evidently been crying; she looked quiet and modest and made a good
impression on Theodore.
The lieutenant did not kiss her, but he pulled out his handkerchief
and dried her eyes. Then he ordered an extravagant supper.
They were in a bright and pretty room, hung with mirrors and
containing a piano, a perfect room for banquetting. The lieutenant
opened the piano with his sword, and before Theodore knew where he
was, he was sitting on the music-stool, and his hands were resting on
the keyboard.
"Play us a waltz," commanded the lieutenant, and Theodore played a
waltz. The lieutenant took off his sword and danced with Jossa;
Theodore heard his spurs knocking against the legs of the chairs and
tables. Then he threw himself on the sofa and shouted:
"Come here, ye slaves, and fan me!"
Theodore began to play softly and presently he was absorbed in the
music of Gounod's _Faust. He did not dare to turn round.
Pages:
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60