The Countess of Saint Geran

There were two tables in the principal eating-room. The provost took possession of one leaving the other to the soldiers who went in turn to tether their horses under a shed in the back yard; then he pointed to a stool for the prisoner and seated himself opposite to him rapping the table with his thick cane. Ouf! he cried with a fresh groan of weariness I heartily beg your pardon marquis for the bad wine I am giving you! The young man smiled gaily. The wine is all very well monsieur provost said he but I cannot conceal from you that however agreeable your company is to me this halt is very inconvenient; I am in a hurry to get through my ridiculous situation and I should have liked to arrive in time to stop this affair at once.