things about her; and as I was a chef-de-bataillon, with good pay, my legion of honor pension, and the Napoleon month, the pay of which was double in those times, I was always well off, and she gave me no trouble. On the contrary, her pretty childish ways often amused the officers of the light 7th."
He then approached her, and slapped her gently on the shoulder, as he would have done to his little mule.
"Well, now, my daughter, talk a little to the lieutenant. Come—let's see—a little sign of the head!"
She busied herself anew with her dominoes.
"Oh!" said he, "she is a little cross to-day, because it rains. However, she never takes cold. Crazy people never get sick, you know; it's very convenient in that respect. At the Beresina, and through all the retreat from Moscow, she went bare-headed. Come, my dear child, play on, play on—don't let us disturb you; take your own way, then, Laurette."
She took hold of the coarse, black hand which he rested on her shoulder, and carried it timidly to her lips, like a poor slave. I felt my heart sink at that kiss, and turned my bridle quickly away.
"Shall we not resume our march, commandant?" said I, "it will be night before we reach Bcthune."
