One of Hulot's companies was in
the rear, the other in advance of the carriage. The commandant, who
was marching with Merle and Gerard between the advance guard and the
carriage, suddenly growled out: "Ten thousand thunders! would you
believe that the general detached us from Mayenne to escort two
petticoats?"
"But, commandant," remarked Gerard, "when we came up just now and took
charge I observed that you bowed to them not ungraciously."
"Ha! that's the infamy of it. Those dandies in Paris ordered the
greatest attention paid to their damned females. How dare they
dishonor good and brave patriots by trailing us after petticoats? As
for me, I march straight, and I don't choose to have to do with other
people's zigzags. When I saw Danton taking mistresses, and Barras too,
I said to them: 'Citizens, when the Republic called you to govern, it
was not that you might authorize the vices of the old regime!' You may
tell me that women--oh yes! we must have women, that's all right. Good
soldiers of course must have women, and good women; but in times of
danger, no! Besides, where would be the good of sweeping away the old
abuses if patriots bring them back again? Look at the First Consul,
there's a man! no women for him; always about his business. I'd bet my
left mustache that he doesn't know the fool's errand we've been sent
on!"
"But, commandant," said Merle, laughing, "I have seen the tip-end of
the nose of the young lady, and I'll declare the whole world needn't
be ashamed to feel an itch, as I do, to revolve round that carriage
and get up a bit of a conversation.
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