armchair of carved oak, with a marvelously high back that looked as old as the days of Henry IV.     

       "Garçon," said I, "do you happen to know who that officer is?"     

       "That is Colonel Gaillarde, Monsieur."     

       "Has he been often here?"     

       "Once before, Monsieur, for a week; it is a year since."     

       "He is the palest man I ever saw."     

       "That is true, Monsieur; he has been often taken for a revenant."     

       "Can you give me a bottle of really good Burgundy?"     

       "The best in France, Monsieur."     

       "Place it, and a glass by my side, on this table, if you please. I may sit here for half-an-hour."     

       "Certainly, Monsieur."     

       I was very comfortable, the wine excellent, and my thoughts glowing and serene. "Beautiful Countess! Beautiful Countess! shall we ever be better acquainted?"     

            

            

            

            

 

       Chapter VI     

       A man who has been posting all day long, and changing the air he breathes every half hour, who is well pleased with himself, and has nothing on earth to trouble him, and who sits alone by a fire in a comfortable chair after having eaten a hearty supper, may be pardoned if he takes an accidental nap.     

       I had filled my fourth glass when I fell asleep. My head, I daresay, hung uncomfortably; and it is admitted that a 

 Prev. P 25/127 next