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Then she lowered her voice, and began to broach delicate subjects. Her husband interrupted her from time to time, saying: "You would do well to hold your tongue, Madame Follenvie." But she took no notice of him, and went on: "Yes, madame, these Germans do nothing but eat potatoes and pork, and then pork and potatoes. And don't imagine for a moment that they are clean! No, indeed!
They were strictly forbidden to rouse him earlier, except in case of fire. They wished to see the officer, but that also was impossible, although he lodged in the inn. Monsieur Follenvie alone was authorized to interview him on civil matters. So they waited. The women returned to their rooms, and occupied themselves with trivial matters.
They were just about to take their seats at table when the innkeeper appeared in person. He was a former horse dealer a large, asthmatic individual, always wheezing, coughing, and clearing his throat. Follenvie was his patronymic. He called: "Mademoiselle Elisabeth Rousset?" Boule de Suif started, and turned round. "That is my name."
No sooner was she gone than they all looked at one another and proceeded to draw up their chairs; for everybody felt that things had come to that point that something must be decided upon. Loiseau had an inspiration: that they should propose to the officer to keep Boule de Suif and let the rest go. Monsieur Follenvie undertook the mission, but returned almost immediately.
He was a former horse dealer, a stout, asthmatic man, always wheezing, coughing and clearing his throat. His father had transmitted him the name of Follenvie. He inquired: "Mademoiselle Elizabeth Rousset?" Boule de Suif started; she turned around: "That is my name!" "Mademoiselle, the Prussian Officer wants to speak to you immediately." "To me?" "Yes, if you are Mlle. Elizabeth Rousset?"
They wanted to see the officer, but it was absolutely impossible, although he lodged in the inn. Mr. Follenvie only was authorized to speak to him about civil matters. Then they waited. The women went up to their rooms and got busy with their trifles. Cornudet sat down and made himself comfortable in front of the high fireplace of the kitchen, in which a big fire was blazing.
The Count shuffled the cards and dealt; Boule de Suif had a full thirty-one; and soon the interest in the game quieted the fears that were haunting the minds. But Cornudet noticed that the Loiseau couple had arranged to cheat. As they were going to sit down to dinner, Mr. Follenvie reappeared, and with his grating voice announced: "The Prussian Officer sends me to ask Mlle.
At last Monsieur Follenvie entered, announcing that Mademoiselle Rousset was not well, and that they might sit down to table. They all pricked up their ears. The count drew near the innkeeper, and whispered: "Is it all right?" "Yes." Out of regard for propriety he said nothing to his companions, but merely nodded slightly toward them.
Follenvie reappeared and repeated his sentence of the day before: "The Prussian Officer sends me to inquire whether Mademoiselle Elizabeth Rousset has not yet changed her mind?" Boule de Suif replied curtly: "No, Sir." But at dinner the coalition weakened. Loiseau spoke three unfortunate sentences.
Just as soup was served, Monsieur Follenvie reappeared, repeating his phrase of the evening before: "The Prussian officer sends to ask if Mademoiselle Elisabeth Rousset has changed her mind." Boule de Suif answered briefly: "No, monsieur." But at dinner the coalition weakened. Loiseau made three unfortunate remarks.
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