Dantzig had soon succumbed to it, for the citizens had not
even the satisfaction of being quite sure that they were deserving
of the world's sympathy. It soon spread to the soldiers who were
defending a Prussian city for a French Emperor who seemed to have
forgotten them.
But to-night Barlasch seemed to be more energetic. Desiree looked
round over her shoulder. He had not laid on the table any
contribution to a bare larder; and yet his manner was that of one
who has prepared a surprise and is waiting to enjoy its effect. He
was restless, moving from one foot to another, rubbing together his
crooked fingers and darting sidelong glances at her face.
"What is it?" she asked suddenly, and Barlasch gave a start as if he
had been detected in some deceit. He bustled forward to the
smouldering fire and held his hands over it.
"It is that it is very cold to-night," he answered, with that
exaggerated ease of manner with which the young and the simple seek
to conceal embarrassment. "Tell me, mademoiselle, what have we for
supper to-night? It is I who will cook it. To-night we will keep a
fete. There is that piece of beef for you. I know a way to make it
appetizing. For me there is my portion of horse. It is the friend
of man--the horse."
He laughed and made an effort to be gay, which had a poignant pathos
in it that made Desiree bite her lip.
"What fete is it that we are to keep?" she asked, with a wan smile.
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