The two soldiers took their glasses, mechanically touched them to Canolles', and drank without reciprocating his toast.
"They are not very polite," thought Canolles, "but they drink well; one cannot have everything."
He continued his supper, and brought it triumphantly to a close. When he had finished he rose, and the soldiers removed the table.
The officer returned.
"Pardieu! monsieur," said Canolles, "you should have supped with me; the supper was excellent."
"I could not enjoy that honor, monsieur, for I have just left the table myself. I return—"
"To bear me company?" said Canolles. "If so, accept my warmest thanks, monsieur, for it is very kind of you."
"No, monsieur, my errand is less agreeable. I come to inform you that there is no minister in the prison, and that the chaplain is a Catholic; I know you to be a Protestant, and this fact may annoy you somewhat—"
"Annoy me, monsieur? how so?" demanded Canolles, innocently.
"Why," said the embarrassed officer, "in the matter of your devotions."