Page:Memoirs of Vidocq, Volume 2.djvu/59

 "'You see,' said the husband, 'I did not make her say so.'

"'The farce was thus performed. M. Belle-Rose offered us the refreshment of a glass of rum: we drank to his wife, and she drank to our good voyage. 'For I suppose,' she added, 'that these gentlemen are ours. My dear fellow,' said she to Fanfan, 'you have the face they like in those parts; square shoulders, wide chest, well-made leg, nose à la Bourbon.' Then turning to me, 'And you too; oh! you are well-limbed fellows.'—'And lads too, who will not allow themselves to be trampled on,' added Belle-Rose; 'this gentleman has been at it already this morning.' 'What, already! I congratulate him. Come here, my dear sir, and let me kiss you; I always liked young fellows, that is my taste: every one has their inclination. Do not be jealous, Belle-Rose.'—'Jealous of what? My friend behaved like a second Bayard, as I shall tell the regiment; the colonel shall know it, and advancement must follow—corporal at least, if not an officer. Ah, when you have the epaulette on your shoulders you will be a noted brave man!' Fanfan jumped for joy. As for me, sure that I was no less brave than him, I said to myself, 'If he advances, I shall not hang back.' We were both very happy.

"'I ought to tell you one thing,' pursued the recruiter: 'recommended as you are, you must excite jealousy; there are envious people everywhere, in regiments as well as elsewhere; but remember that if they use a word of abuse I shall take it up—once under my protection—enough. Write to me.'—'What!' said Fanfan, 'do not you go with us?'—'No,' replied Belle-Rose, 'to my great regret: the minister has need of me. I shall join you at Brest. Tomorrow at eight o'clock I expect you here, not later: today I have no leisure to remain longer with you; duty must be done. Adieu till tomorrow.'

We took leave of madame Belle-Rose, who embraced us. Next day we were, at half-past seven,