“Poor fellows!” said a young woman: “they have sisters and mothers who weep for them.”
“Yes, and mistresses too,” added a man whose features were marked by the ravages of the smallpox.
The young woman turned towards the speaker, and, after looking at him fixedly, responded,—
“Yes, monsieur, they have mistresses.”
“Poor fellows! they may never see their country again.”
“Life is long.”
“While they live there is hope.”
Eusebe was exceedingly curious. He did not comprehend a word of this conversation, and dared not question anybody. His neighbor, however, a man of rough and swarthy aspect, came to his relief, saying,—
“These people indulge in very absurd reflections.”
“I know not what they have said,” responded the provincial.