And, with our arms around each other, we entered Mother Barrière's large corridor, where there was still the odor of good roasts, in spite of the blockade.
"Listen, Burguet," said I; "we are going to dine alone, and you shall choose whatever wines and dishes you like best; you know them better than I do."
I saw his eyes sparkle.
"Good! good!" said he, "it is understood."
In the large dining-hall the war-commissioner and two officers were dining together; they turned round, and we saluted them.
I sent for Mother Barrière, who came at once, her apron on her arm, as smiling and chubby as usual. Burguet whispered a couple of words in her ear, and she instantly opened the door at the right, and said:
"Walk in, gentlemen, walk in! You will not have to wait long."
We went into the square room at the corner of the square, a small, high room, with two large windows covered with muslin curtains, and the porcelain stove well heated, as it should be in winter.
A servant came to lay the table, while we warmed our hands upon the marble.
"I have a good appetite, Moses; my pleading is going to cost you dear," said Burguet, laughing.