Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 5.djvu/68

50 see how easy it is ; you have only to walk straight. Are you able to keep a straight line? "

"I think so, General."

Mademoiselle Ioulka then threw a handkerchief over my eyes and tied it tightly behind.

" You are in the middle of the room," she said ; " stretch out your hand. . . . That is right ! I wager that you will not touch the wall." "Forward, march! " called out the General.

There were only five or six steps to take. I advanced very cautiously, sure that I should encounter some cord or footstool treacherously placed in my path to trip me up, and I could hear stifled laughter, which increased my confusion. At length I believed I was quite close to the wall, when my outstretched finger suddenly went into something cold and sticky. I made a grimace and started back, which set all the onlookers laughing. I tore off my bandage, and saw Mademoiselle loulka standing near me holding a pot of honey, into which I had thrust my finger, thinking that I touched the wall. My only consolation was to watch the two aides-de-camp pass through the same ordeal, with no better result than I.

Throughout the evening Mademoiselle Ioulka never ceased to give vent to her frolicsome humour. Ever teasing, ever mischievous, she