Cocufin! Bigot loves that
woman!"
"I told you that before, Cadet. I saw it a month ago, and was sure
of it on that night when he would not bring her up to show her to
us."
"Such a fool, De Pean, to care for any woman! What will Bigot do
with her, think you?"
"How should I know? Send her adrift some fine day I suppose, down
the Riviere du Loup. He will, if he is a sensible man. He dare not
marry any woman without license from La Pompadour, you know. The
jolly fish-woman holds a tight rein over her favorites. Bigot may
keep as many women as Solomon--the more the merrier; but woe befall
him if he marries without La Pompadour's consent! They say she
herself dotes on Bigot,--that is the reason." De Pean really
believed that was the reason; and certainly there was reason for
suspecting it.
"Cadet! Cadet!" exclaimed several voices. "You are fined a basket
of champagne for leaving the table."
"I'll pay it," replied he, "and double it; but it is hot as Tartarus
in here. I feel like a grilled salmon." And indeed, Cadet's broad,
sensual face was red and glowing as a harvest moon.
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