THE BAMBOULA
closed with a little click which belied her words. "No; he regrets that the present unsettled condition of the country makes it imperative for him to go to Petit Goâve. He has a plantation there, and you know one expects a battle between the troops of Firmin and Fouchard. He prays that you will remain here until his return."
"He is … you are both most kind," replied Dessalines, "but that will be quite impossible."
"At any rate you cannot leave here to-night."
"Not conveniently; I will remain to-night with gratitude."
Dinner was served. Madam was delightful; witty, sparkling, she scintillated. Before long Dessalines' confidence had returned; he himself grew talkative. The atmosphere of conventionality, madam in a dinner gown of Paris make, perfect fitting, modest, he himself in faultless evening clothes, Jules properly assisting in the service; it was delightful.
Madam's mood of coquetry seemed passed; there were no half-veiled significances; her manner held a delightful camaraderie; it was thus that one should be treated by the wife of a friend. A negro, a child, and a dog have a strong sense of the fatness of things. Lack of propriety worried Dessalines, puzzled and half frightened him, placed him ill at his ease. But there was nothing of this to-night. He rested. Madam had enjoyed her rest in the afternoon.
They dined slowly. Madam drank perhaps a glass of wine; Dessalines took only eau sucré with his dinner, and a glass of crême de menthe at its conclusion. Madam smoked a cigarette; Dessalines did not smoke;
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