s had sprung up with
regard to Boule de Suif, for the night--which brings counsel--had
somewhat modified the heat of their opinions. They were almost vexed
with the girl now for not having gone to the Prussian secretly, and thus
prepared a pleasant surprise for her companions in the morning. What
could be simpler, and, after all, who would have been any the wiser? She
might have saved appearances by telling the officer that she could not
bear to see their distress any longer. It could make so very little
difference to her one way or another!

But, as yet, nobody confessed to these thoughts.

In the afternoon, as they were feeling bored to extinction, the Count
proposed a walk round the village. Everybody wrapped up carefully and
the little party started, with the exception of Cornudet, who preferred
sitting by the fire, and the two Sisters, who passed their days in the
church or with the cure.

The cold--grown more intense each day--nipped their noses and ears
viciously, and the feet became so painful that every step was anguish;
but when they caught sight of the open stretch of country it appeared to
them so appallingly lugubrious under its illimitable white covering that
they turned back with one accord, their hearts constricted, their
spirits below zero. The four ladies walked in front, the three men
following a little behind.

Loiseau, who thoroughly took in the situation, suddenly broke out, "How
long was this fool of a girl going to keep them hanging on in this
hole?" The Count, courteous as ever, observed that one could not demand
so painful a sacrifice of any woman--the offer must come from her.
Monsieur Carre-Lamadon remarked that if--as there was every reason to
believe--the French made an offensive counter-march by way of Dieppe,
the collision could only take place at Totes. This reflection greatly
alarmed the other two. "Why not escape on foot?" suggested Loiseau. The
Count shrugged his shoulders. "How can you think of such a thing in this
snow--and with our wives? Besides which, we should instantly be pursued,
caught in ten minutes, and brought back prisoners at the mercy of these
soldiers." This was incontestable--there was nothing more to be said.

The ladies talked dress, but a certain constraint seemed to have risen
up between them.

All at once, at the end of the street, the officer came in sight, his
tall figure, like a wasp in uniform, silhouetted against the dazzling
background of snow, and w