They had set me so thoroughly at ease, that my
tongue spoke as fast as my eyes, though not exactly the same things.
Some minutes, indeed, when I was left alone with either, the
conversation became a little embarrassed, but neither of them was
absent long enough to allow time for explaining the cause.
Arrived at Toune, and myself well dried, we breakfasted together;
after which it was necessary to settle the important business of
preparing dinner. The young ladies cooked, kissing from time to time
the farmer's children, while the poor scullion looked on grumbling.
Provisions had been sent for from town, and there was everything
necessary for a good dinner, but unhappily they had forgotten wine;
this forgetfulness was by no means astonishing in girls who seldom
drank any, but I was sorry for the omission, as I had reckoned on
its help, thinking it might add to my confidence. They were sorry
likewise, and perhaps from the same motive; though I had no reason
to say this, for their lively and charming gayety was innocence
itself; besides, there were two of them, what could they expect from
me? They went everywhere about the neighborhood to seek for wine,
but none could be procured, so pure and sober are the peasants in
those parts. As they were expressing their concern, I begged them
not to give themselves any uneasiness on my account, for while with
them I had no occasion for wine to intoxicate me. This was the only
gallantry I ventured at during the whole of the day, and I believe the
sly rogues saw well enough that I said nothing but the truth.
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