and furthermore after darting from where he sat a few invigorating glances over the river-meadows to the blue mountains beyond; Pierre made a masonic sort of mysterious motion to the excellent Dates, who in automaton obedience thereto, brought from a certain agreeable little side-stand, a very prominent-looking cold pasty; which, on careful inspection with the knife, proved to be the embossed savoury nest of a few uncommonly tender pigeons of Pierre's own shooting.
'Sister Mary,' said he, lifting on his silver trident one of the choicest of the many fine pigeon morsels; 'Sister Mary,' said he, 'in shooting these pigeons, I was very careful to bring down one in such a manner that the breast is entirely unmarred. It was intended for you! and here it is. Now, Sergeant Dates, help hither your mistress' plate. No?—nothing but the crumbs of French rolls, and a few peeps into a coffee-cup—is that a breakfast for the daughter of yonder bold General?'—pointing to a full-length of his gold-laced grandfather on the opposite wall. 'Well, pitiable is my case when I have to breakfast for two. Dates!'
'Sir.'
'Remove that toast-rack, Dates; and this plate of tongue, and bring the rolls nearer, and wheel the stand farther off, good Dates.'
Having thus made generous room for himself, Pierre commenced operations, interrupting his mouthfuls by many sallies of mirthfulness.
'You seem to be in prodigious fine spirits this morning, brother Pierre,' said his mother.
'Yes, very tolerable; at least I can't say, that I am low-spirited exactly, sister Mary;—Dates, my fine fellow, bring me three bowls of milk.'
'One bowl, sir, you mean,' said Dates, gravely and imperturbably.
