"
Captain Doucet winked and asked archly: "Do you belong to the divan,
Major?"
Laguitte chuckled but did not answer. Then the others began to chaff
him about Melanie, and he took their remarks good-naturedly, simply
shrugging his shoulders. The widow was undoubtedly a fine woman, however
much people might talk. Some of those who disparaged her would, in
reality, be only too pleased to win her good graces. Then turning to the
little counter and assuming an engaging air, he shouted:
"Three more glasses, madame."
Melanie was so taken aback that she rose and brought the beer herself.
The major detained her at the table and forgot himself so far as to
softly pat the hand which she had carelessly placed on the back of
a chair. Used as she was to alternate brutality and flattery, she
immediately became confident, believing in a sudden whim of gallantry
on the part of the "old wreck," as she was wont to style the major
when talking with Phrosine. Doucet and Morandot looked at each other in
surprise. Was the major actually stepping into Petticoat Burle's shoes?
The regiment would be convulsed if that were the case.
Suddenly, however, Laguitte, who kept his eye on the square, gave a
start.
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