We are French officers! Let us drink Madame's health!"
Burle, with his eyes fixed on his glass, smiled in an embarrassed way.
The two officers, shocked at the proceedings, had already tried to get
off. Fortunately the cafe was deserted, save that the domino players
were having their afternoon game. At every fresh oath which came from
the major they glanced around, scandalized by such an unusual accession
of customers and ready to threaten Melanie that they would leave her for
the Cafe de la Gare if the soldiery was going to invade her place like
flies that buzzed about, attracted by the stickiness of the tables which
Phrosine scoured only on Saturdays. She was now reclining behind the
counter, already reading a novel again.
"How's this--you are not drinking with Madame?" roughly said the major
to Burle. "Be civil at least!"
Then as Doucet and Morandot were again preparing to leave, he stopped
them.
"Why can't you wait? We'll go together. It is only this brute who never
knows how to behave himself."
The two officers looked surprised at the major's sudden bad temper.
Melanie attempted to restore peace and with a light laugh placed her
hands on the arms of both men. However, Laguitte disengaged himself.
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