“Well, I, mesdames, am a Suisse of the Salischamade company, and I shall do just the contrary of Laurent, for I shall leave you at the door.”
“Oh!” murmured the ladies, in terror and anger.
Then, making an effort over herself, the elder lady said, “My friend, I understand that you are obeying orders, and I do not quarrel with you for that—it is a soldier’s duty; only do me the favor to call Laurent—he cannot be far distant.”
“I cannot quit my post.”
“Then send some one.”
“I have no one to send.”
“For pity’s sake!”
“Oh, mon Dieu, sleep in the town, that is no great thing; if I were shut out of the barracks, I would soon find a bed.”
“Listen,” said the lady again; “you shall have twenty louis, if you open this door.”
“And twelve years at the galleys: no, thank you. Forty-eight francs a year is not sufficient pay for that.”