l such as he won't often find in his own country."

Boule de Suif did not answer, and joined the rest of the party.

As soon as they returned she went to her room, and was seen no more.
The general anxiety was at its height. What would she do? If she still
resisted, how awkward for them all!

The dinner hour struck; they waited for her in vain. At last Monsieur
Follenvie entered, announcing that Mademoiselle Rousset was not well,
and that they might sit down to table. They all pricked up their ears.
The count drew near the innkeeper, and whispered:

"Is it all right?"

"Yes."

Out of regard for propriety he said nothing to his companions, but
merely nodded slightly toward them. A great sigh of relief went up from
all breasts; every face was lighted up with joy.

"By Gad!" shouted Loiseau, "I'll stand champagne all round if there's
any to be found in this place." And great was Madame Loiseau's dismay
when the proprietor came back with four bottles in his hands. They had
all suddenly become talkative and merry; a lively joy filled all
hearts. The count seemed to perceive for the first time that Madame
Carre-Lamadon was charming; the manufacturer paid compliments to the
countess. The conversation was animated, sprightly, witty, and, although
many of the jokes were in the worst possible taste, all the company were
amused by them, and none offended--indignation being dependent, like
other emotions, on surroundings. And the mental atmosphere had gradually
become filled with gross imaginings and unclean thoughts.

At dessert even the women indulged in discreetly worded allusions. Their
glances were full of meaning; they had drunk much. The count, who even
in his moments of relaxation preserved a dignified demeanor, hit on
a much-appreciated comparison of the condition of things with the
termination of a winter spent in the icy solitude of the North Pole and
the joy of shipwrecked mariners who at last perceive a southward track
opening out before their eyes.

Loiseau, fairly in his element, rose to his feet, holding aloft a glass
of champagne.

"I drink to our deliverance!" he shouted.

All stood up, and greeted the toast with acclamation. Even the two good
sisters yielded to the solicitations of the ladies, and consented to
moisten their lips with the foaming wine, which they had never before
tasted. They declared it was like effervescent lemonade, but with a
pleasanter flavor.

"It is a pity," said Loiseau, "th