“She did not look at me once until, the evening, and she did not say a single word.
“Toward the middle of the night I entered the bridal chamber with the full intention of letting her know my resolutions, for I was now master. I found her sitting in an armchair, fully dressed, pale and with red eyes. As soon as I entered she rose and came slowly toward me saying: 'Monsieur, I am ready to do whatever you may command. I will kill myself if you so desire.'
“The colonel's daughter was as pretty as she could be in this heroic role. I kissed her; it was my privilege.
“I soon saw that I had not got a bad bargain. I have now been married five years. I do not regret it in the least.”
Pierre Letoile was silent. His companions were laughing. One of them said: “Marriage is indeed a lottery; you must never choose your numbers. The haphazard ones are the best.”
Another added by way of conclusion: “Yes, but do not forget that the god of drunkards chose for Pierre.”
THE UNKNOWN
We were speaking of adventures, and each one of us was relating his story of delightful experiences, surprising meetings, on the train, in a hotel, at the seashore. According to Roger des Annettes, the seashore was particularly favorable to the little blind god.
Gontran, who was keeping mum, was asked what he thought of it.