Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 5.djvu/62

44 prelude herself, without sitting down, to show the time.

" Come here, Count Michel I you are too much of a Lithuanian not to be able to dance the roussalka ; . . . but dance like a peasant, you understand."

Madam Dowghiello in vain tried to object. The Count and I insisted. He had his motives, for his part in the dance was extremely agree- able, as we soon saw. The governess, after several attempts, said she thought she could play that kind of waltz, strange though it was; so Mademoiselle loulka, after moving some chairs and a table that were in the way, took hold of her partner by the collar of his coat and led him into the centre of the room.

" You must know, Professor, that I am a roussalka, at your service." She made a low bow.

"A roussalka is a water nymph. There is one in each of the big pools of black water which adorn our forests. Do not go near! The roussalca comes out, lovelier even than I, if that be possible ; she carries you to the bottom, where, very likely, she gobbles you up. ..."

" A real siren," I cried.

" He," continued Mademoiselle Ioulka, pointing to Count Szémioth, "is a very foolish