Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 5.djvu/315

 THE HUSSAR WITH his currycomb in hand, while grooming his horse, he muttered crossly below his breath:

"It is the devil himself who has given me this damn billet! Here they watch you as closely as if you were under sentence to be shot. They only give you cabbage soup, and as for liquor, well, there is no use expecting any—you can go and drink water.

"The master is like a tiger watching his prey, and the mistress . . . well, you just try to be attentive to her . . . and you'll see. Nothing has any effect on her, neither sentiment nor blows.

"Let me tell you about Kief! oh! that is a country for you! The pies just rain down on you, steaming hot; are you thirsty, why, here is the wine! And the women. . . Oh! the little rogues!

"Zounds! you would sell your soul for a look from one of those dark-eyed beauties. But they have one little fault, only one. . . ."