Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 5.djvu/250

228 "In the Engineers?"

"'No, in the Horse Guards. What made you think he was in the Engineers?"

The young girl smiled, but did not answer.

"Paul," cried the Countess from behind the screen, "send me a new novel, anything, only be sure it is not in the modern style."

"How must it be then. Grandmamma?"

"A novel in which the hero does not strangle either his father or mother, and where no one gets drowned. Nothing terrifies me more than drowning people."

"Where do you suppose I can find a novel of that kind? Would you like a Russian novel?"

"Pshaw! Are there Russian novels? Then send me one; you will not forget, will you?"

"I will be sure to remember. Good-bye, Grandmamma, I am in a great hurry. Goodbye, Lisabeta Ivanovna. What made you think Naroumof was in the Engineers?" And with that he went out.

Lisabeta Ivanovna, being left alone, went back to her sewing near the window. She was no sooner seated than there appeared at the corner of the street a young officer. His presence made the girl blush; she lowered her eyes and pretended to be very busy with her work. The