Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 1.djvu/258

180 "For what?"

"For several days I have been making plans," he continued with affected cheerfulness. "I am trying to be converted, and I would like to do some pious act, but am embarrassed how to begin it."

Madame de Piennes glanced at him a little severely.

"This is my position," he continued. "I am very sorry that I am not versed in military practice, but that can be learned—and, even as I have the honour of telling you, I have an extraordinary desire to go to Greece and there strive to kill a few Turks for the highest glory of the Cross."

"To Greece!" cried Madame de Piennes, dropping her ball.

"To Greece. Here, I am doing nothing; I am weary of everything; I am good for nothing, I can do nothing of any use; there is nobody in the world to whom I am of any account. Why should I not go to reap laurels or sacrifice my life for a good cause? Moreover, I scarcely see any other means of winning glory and having my name inscribed in the Temple of Fame, as I so much desire. Picture to yourself, madam, what an honour for me when you read in the paper: 'Word is received from Tripoli