The snow had ceased to fall.
The moon shone in the sky, the cold was becoming more and more intense. Jacques felt it keenly, for he had just swallowed two glasses of brandy, and for a few moments he seemed bewildered, walking directly before him across the lawn, instead of following the walk which led to the gate.
Bridou saw the distraction of his friend and said to him:
"Jacques, Jacques, where in the devil are you going?"
"Sure enough," responded the Hercules, stopping short and balancing himself on his legs. "Sure enough, old fellow," said he. "I do not know what is the matter with me; I am besotted this morning. I go to the right when I mean to go to the left. It is the cold which pinches me so when I come out of the house."
"It is enough to pinch one!" replied Bridou, shivering. "I have a hood and a comforter, and I am frozen."
"You chilly fellow, go on!"
"That is very easy for you to say."
"Come, Bridou, do you want my skin?"
"What! your skin?"