Page:Crainquebille, Putois, Riquet and other profitable tales, 1915.djvu/211

 waters of the primitive ocean had eyes constructed like a telescope...."

Instead of listening to me, he went up to a reading-desk, which was there in the field, opened an and began to crow like a cock.

Out of all patience, I turned my back on him and jumped into a tram that was passing. Inside I found a vast dining-hall, like those in great hotels or on board Atlantic liners. It was all flowers and glass. As far as one could see there were seated at table women in low frocks and men in evening dress in front of candelabra and crystal chandeliers forming an infinite vista of light. A steward came round with meat to which I helped myself. But it emitted a disgusting odour and it made me feel sick before I tasted it. Besides I was not hungry. The diners left the table before I had swallowed a mouthful. While the servants were taking away the candles, Vernaux came up to me and said: "You did not notice the lady in the low-necked dress who was sitting next you. It was Mélanie. Look."

And through the door he pointed to shoulders flooded with a white light, out in the darkness under the trees. I leapt out, I rushed in pursuit of the charming form. This time I caught it up, I touched it. For one moment I felt a delicious throbbing