One day during the siege of Sebastopol, Lieutenant Saussier said to his friend:—
"Gauthier, may I ask you a question?"
"Two questions, if you like."
"You won't think it mere curiosity?"
"Are we not friends, Saussier?"
"Yes, but perhaps this is a secret——"
"I have only one secret in the world, and as you do not know that and could not even have an idea of it, there is no fear, so you can speak out."
"Well, will you tell me what is the cause of your sadness, I might almost say bitterness? When we left Africa I thought you had left it behind you; but now in Russia it is worse than ever."
At this unexpected question Gauthier started, then trying to smile he answered:—
"It must be a kind of complaint born in me, and perhaps the change of climate aggravates it."