Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 5.djvu/70

52 travels, and I laughed a little at the Count's exclamations upon the barbarous customs of his compatriots. A servant came to take off our boots and to bring us dressing-gowns and slippers. When the Count had taken off his coat, he walked up and down awhile in silence, then he stopped in front of the couch, upon which I had already stretched myself.

"What do you think of Ioulka? " he said.

"I think she is bewitching."

"Yes, but such a flirt! . . . Do you believe she has any liking for that fair-haired little captain? "

"The aide-de-camp? . t. . How should I tell? "

"He is a fop ! . . . So he ought to please women."

"I deny your conclusion, Count. Do you wish me to tell you the truth? Mademoiselle Ioulka thinks far more how to please Count Szémioth than to please all the aides-de-camp in the army."

He blushed without replying; but I saw that my words had given him great pleasure. He walked about again for some time without speaking; then, after looking at his watch, he said—

"Good gracious! we must really go to sleep; it is very late."