He has not always a great deal to eat, and then a drop of wine gives him strength and courage.’
“ ‘But it gives a false strength, which leaves him afterwards all the weaker. If, instead of wine, he bought good meat, would he not be the better for it?’
“ ‘Yes, that is quite true. But you see, it is in this way;—things don't always go on pleasantly in life;—one has anxiety—sorrow,—and then one takes a drop of wine to cheer one's spirit.’
“ ‘But—are you suffering from sorrow then, sir?’
“ ‘Yes, madam; I have sorrow; I have had words with one of my acquaintance.’
“ ‘And this is a young woman?’
“ ‘Yes, madam.’
“ ‘Oh, but that will soon be all over, and every thing will soon be right again between you!’
“ ‘No, no—it will not be right again between us; because she will have me mettre les pouces,[1] and that is what I neither can nor will do! No, no, it is all over between us!’
“ ‘But if you are in the wrong, you ought not to be unwilling to confess it.’
“ ‘Yes, but you see all women are coquettes; they will have men to flatter them, make them fine speeches, tell lies—but that is what I never could do, nor would! Perhaps I may learn one of these days!’
“ ‘But if she whom you love is unworthy, you must endeavor to forget her.’
- ↑ Mettre les pouces, an expression which implies taking the first step, giving one's self up.—Author's Note.
