When I awoke, our poilus had been up for a long time. Judsi was parting his hair, and talking of asking for leave to go and see his lady friend. I went on lying in my corner for quite a long time. I was haunted by the gloomy speculations1 which had attacked me the day before. I thought of you, Jeannine, and wondered if you were thinking of me....
De Valpic appeared at the door and glanced round the room. He caught sight of me and came up.
"Good morning, old chap!"
He sat down beside me.
He coughed.
"And what about you?"
"Not so dusty."
He continued:
"You did look cut up last night. Directly I got up, I said to myself, now it's my turn to go and cheer him up!"
I smiled.
[Pg 402]
There was a moment's silence, while his warm gaze probed me. Then he put his hand on my shoulder:
"We aren't getting letters," he said, "but it doesn't mean that they have forgotten us, old man!"
He had accentuated4 his words, with the intuition of a generous heart. How cleverly he had seen through the almost unconscious yet ever-present motive5 of my bitterness. I hoped he would continue—but he did not force my reserve. Simply and quietly he began to open his heart to me again, as he had the other day. I learnt that his betrothed6 was named Anne-Marie, and he told me her family name too, an illustrious one, as I had supposed. The last card he had had from her had been sent from Laon, he said.... Yes, she was down there with a detachment of nurses.
De Valpic spoke7 slowly, in his expressive8, caressing9 voice. He told me what strength and stoical tenacity10 of purpose he had drawn11 more than once, from the tender daily letter. Without this assistance he would have faltered12 and fallen at the beginning. He considered that now was the time, when he, like me, had been deprived of all news, for so long, to stand fast, to show himself worthy13 of her, to put forth14 all the strength which she had inculcated into him.
It was a confidence which seemed to prompt mine, or take it for granted, a new bond between us. All he told me of his fiancée, I could attribute to Jeannine. Valiant15 children, they were both alike in their attachment16 to us, in their task of inspiration. I too invoked17 a certain passage in one of the recent letters, buttoned up in my tunic18, where courage and patience were[Pg 403] preached to me, where I was implored19 never to despair of happiness. Stick to it, then, by way of homage20, in proof of manly21 devotion. I fervently22 forbade myself to let despondency get a hold over me. Ah! If only I could have made enthusiasm my daily bread.
"I've just been writing," continued De Valpic. "Sent from here, perhaps it will arrive. Won't you imitate me?"
I asked him to excuse me for a moment while I scrawled23 a few lines. I told Jeannine that fate had deigned24 to answer my prayer, and bring me near to her.... Nothing more than a smiling testimony25 to our faith and hope.
On reading it over I laughed and said:
"Well, if she is not cheered up by that!"
"You know," he said, "that Paris is showing a most admirable spirit."
"Really? How can you judge of it?"
"Come along!"
He gave me a hand by which to pull myself up. We went out. In the street I was at once struck by all the windows decked with flags flapping in the wind, the serenity26 written on the faces of the people walking about, the tranquil27 hum. I had seen the city look like this during the mobilisation.
"Has there been—a victory?" I murmured.
Bells were beginning to ring.
"It's Sunday," he continued. "What luck to be here on a Sunday!"
We took a few steps. It was a clear, spring-like morning; a gentle breeze made the sunlit tree-tops[Pg 404] quiver. A troop of little children ran up brandishing29 sticks and spades.
They had the attractive, wide-awake faces common to Paris boys. They nudged each other.
"It's the 3rd ... just look!"
"My big bruvver's in the 302nd."
Some of them gazed into our eyes saying:
"'Ad a 'ard time, 'aven't yer, but we're sure to wop 'em, ain't we?"
The passers-by smiled at us, or gave us a friendly wave of the hand. The City greeted us, not as her saviours—Paris did not admit that she was in any danger,—but simply as good children who had suffered for her sake.
The rare trams which were running, began to turn out numbers of Sunday excursionists. A great many had come with their families either on foot, or bicycling, to enjoy the air of their beloved suburb. Not one of them showed the least trace of terror. They were marvellously light-hearted. It was amusing to see the fathers pointing out the preparations for defence to their offspring, the trenches32 and barricades33 made of trees placed at intervals34 along the avenues, and supplying the explanations in a serious or amused tone of voice. The little brats35 enjoyed the unusual sight. Their eyes were often turned skywards, a Taube was the only thing wanting to make their joy complete.
De Valpic pressed my arm. He was triumphant36.
"Well, what do you say to it?"
Two pretty young women, who were crossing the road, came up to us. They were attractive and[Pg 405] distinguished-looking. They both had baskets on their arms, and we noticed their brassards. They gracefully37 offered us cigarettes, cakes, and packets of sweets tied up with ribbons. I helped myself discreetly38. De Valpic would only accept a flower, which he stuck in his cap.
"And what about your comrades?"
We called Bouillon who was passing. He was still only half-clothed, as he had been washing at a fountain. At last he made up his mind to it and they made a great fuss over "the brave poilu."
Having stuffed him with dainties, they began to question him. Where did he come from? From Paris, really! And what quarter? Grenelle. One of them exclaimed that she lived in that part too. Bouillon was stammering39 in his embarrassment40.
I took it upon myself to give them "Marie's" address. The young woman promised to go and see her, no later than to-morrow, and she would take something for the baby.
I think that they had recognised De Valpic and myself as belonging to their world. Just as they were about to go on their way, they turned round once more.
"Perhaps you have some letters to send?"
"Yes, indeed."
We gave them the missives.
"Good luck to you!"
They held out their hands to us, with a pretty gesture.
Directly they had gone, I said to De Valpic:
"What we ought to have done was to ask them for some papers!"
"What does it matter?"
[Pg 406]
He accosted41 the first passer-by, and then went on to the next group. His courtesy stood him in good stead. In five minutes he had collected six or seven newspapers, of that day or the day before. We went in again to revel42 in this literature.
Our eyes grew wet with joy, at the very first glance.
I have spoken of my obstinate43 fears concerning the interior peril44. They soon vanished. There was no confusion at all.
The Government was intact, and had become greater and more sanctified. All the different parties were working together. The alterations45 in the Ministry46 had no other significance. It was a Sacred union. The words exactly described it.
I fell upon the communiqués. That day's said that the enemy was continuing his change of front in the south-east....
That of the day before mentioned that Rheims and La Ferté had been reached.... That was no news to us!
Most of the space was devoted47 to the enormous advance by the Russians, a piece of news which astounded48, and overjoyed us. What fun has since been made of the wave of hope let loose by these victories at the beginning, of the na?ve enthusiasm of the crowds, and the tale of the Cossacks being only a few days' march from Berlin? Wrongly, in my opinion. The benefit derived49 from such illusions will never be exaggerated. Our salvation50 was built on them and by them,—by the fervour aroused in the veins51 of each Frenchman, the fierce resolution to strain every faculty52, to fight side by side, to hold out until the mighty53 flood of Slavs, pouring out of the Steppes, should overwhelm everything....
[Pg 407]
And besides, they were not all chimeras54. There were already some definite results. Oriental Prussia was invaded, and "Altenstein" and "Gumbinnen"—the censor55 was silent on the subject of "Thannenberg." And then, at the other extremity56 of this front, the triumphs in Galicia, the occupation of Lemberg, which had just been announced, and endless booty and trophies57!
Farther on other flourishes were sounded. There was an avalanche58 of details on the marvellous exploits of the Serbians—their success at Lonitza, dated from the week before—down to the splendid Montenegrins who were said to be threatening Cattaro.
What could be more impressive, too, than the firmness of the English resolution! The expeditionary force, coming over in numbers, day after day; Lord Kitchener's allusion59 to the "formidable factor"—everyone knew what he meant by that.
Above all, the solemn compact made by the Three Powers not to sign a separate peace.
And then what life and courage there was in the style of all these articles. They would always be read and re-read for the edification of the people. There was no sign of depression or giving way. Nothing but a superb confidence in the destiny of the country. They approved the action of the Ministry, frankly60 and completely. It was an excellent move to take the Government to Bordeaux, as a measure of prudence61. Gallièni was to replace Michel. Well if the latter submitted, he must be imitated. There were sober commentaries on the strategical situation. The errors and defeats were admitted, but public opinion convinced that further mistakes were being guarded against, was not affected62 by them. The possi[Pg 408]bility of an attack against the Intrenched Camp was recognised, but there were strong arguments tending to prove that it would fail utterly63. There were interviews with combatants, wounded, and prisoners; noble traits, and heroic sayings. In fact, one might say that the atmosphere was one of cocksureness and joviality64. The press and the nation were attaining65 to the fine temper of the poilus.
Here and there anonymous66 pieces of information or an article, signed by a celebrated67 writer or politician, were conspicuous—all great successes. It was not my smallest surprise. These people, worthy of their reputation, of their readers, of the Moment! Supple68 geniuses moving without effort at the zenith of eloquence69.
Why quote any names? They were superbly-tuned instruments, all vibrating on the same note, taking their part in the p?on, even to a certain divine flute-player, whom I had formerly70 admired as an artist, without considering him sincere, even without always relishing71 his disdainful irony—I was struck by the direct, earnest style which he suddenly displayed. I felt my soul thrill in unison72 with his great soul, which he unveiled with a quiver.
"Just read that!"
I know quite well that we brought the most credulous74 state of mind to our reading—I was even tempted75 to upbraid76 myself with it. The world of the press was well known to me! It was turned on at a word of command. Even in face of all likelihood and reason. Perhaps all the probable sorrows of the hour were being hidden from us.
[Pg 409]
De Valpic read my thoughts:
"As long as it goes down...!" he said.
It was true enough. They were happy lies to judge by their fruits. If those who traced these lines despaired at heart, all the more honour to them.... Who could thank them enough for the manly assurance they had inscribed77 on the face of the crowd? Could I not feel the benefit of their encouragement upon myself?
My companion looked at his watch.
"I must leave you."
"Where are you going?"
He smiled:
"Will you come with me? There is a mass at nine o'clock, just near by."
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收听单词发音
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1
speculations
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| n.投机买卖( speculation的名词复数 )；思考；投机活动；推断 | |
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buck
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| n.雄鹿，雄兔；v.马离地跳跃 | |
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awfully
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| adv.可怕地，非常地，极端地 | |
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accentuated
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| v.重读( accentuate的过去式和过去分词 )；使突出；使恶化；加重音符号于 | |
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motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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betrothed
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| n. 已订婚者 动词betroth的过去式和过去分词 | |
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7
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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8
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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9
caressing
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| 爱抚的，表现爱情的，亲切的 | |
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10
tenacity
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| n.坚韧 | |
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11
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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12
faltered
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| （嗓音）颤抖( falter的过去式和过去分词 )； 支吾其词； 蹒跚； 摇晃 | |
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13
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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14
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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15
valiant
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| adj.勇敢的，英勇的；n.勇士，勇敢的人 | |
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16
attachment
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| n.附属物，附件；依恋；依附 | |
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17
invoked
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| v.援引( invoke的过去式和过去分词 )；行使（权利等）；祈求救助；恳求 | |
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18
tunic
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| n.束腰外衣 | |
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19
implored
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| 恳求或乞求（某人）( implore的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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20
homage
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| n.尊敬，敬意，崇敬 | |
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21
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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22
fervently
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| adv.热烈地，热情地，强烈地 | |
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23
scrawled
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| 乱涂，潦草地写( scrawl的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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24
deigned
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| v.屈尊，俯就( deign的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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25
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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26
serenity
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| n.宁静，沉着，晴朗 | |
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27
tranquil
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| adj. 安静的, 宁静的, 稳定的, 不变的 | |
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28
gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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29
brandishing
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| v.挥舞( brandish的现在分词 )；炫耀 | |
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30
hurrah
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| int.好哇，万岁，乌拉 | |
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31
joyously
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| ad.快乐地, 高兴地 | |
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32
trenches
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| 深沟，地沟( trench的名词复数 )； 战壕 | |
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33
barricades
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| 路障，障碍物( barricade的名词复数 ) | |
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34
intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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35
brats
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| n.调皮捣蛋的孩子( brat的名词复数 ) | |
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36
triumphant
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| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
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37
gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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38
discreetly
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| ad.(言行)审慎地，慎重地 | |
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39
stammering
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| v.结巴地说出( stammer的现在分词 ) | |
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40
embarrassment
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| n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫 | |
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41
accosted
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| v.走过去跟…讲话( accost的过去式和过去分词 )；跟…搭讪；（乞丐等）上前向…乞讨；（妓女等）勾搭 | |
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42
revel
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| vi.狂欢作乐，陶醉；n.作乐，狂欢 | |
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43
obstinate
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| adj.顽固的，倔强的，不易屈服的，较难治愈的 | |
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44
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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45
alterations
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| n.改动( alteration的名词复数 )；更改；变化；改变 | |
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46
ministry
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| n.(政府的)部；牧师 | |
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47
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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48
astounded
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| v.使震惊(astound的过去式和过去分词)；愕然；愕；惊讶 | |
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49
derived
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| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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50
salvation
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| n.（尤指基督）救世，超度，拯救，解困 | |
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51
veins
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| n.纹理；矿脉( vein的名词复数 )；静脉；叶脉；纹理 | |
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52
faculty
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| n.才能；学院，系；(学院或系的)全体教学人员 | |
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53
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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54
chimeras
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| n.（由几种动物的各部分构成的）假想的怪兽( chimera的名词复数 )；不可能实现的想法；幻想；妄想 | |
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55
censor
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| n./vt.审查，审查员；删改 | |
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56
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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57
trophies
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| n.（为竞赛获胜者颁发的）奖品( trophy的名词复数 )；奖杯；（尤指狩猎或战争中获得的）纪念品；（用于比赛或赛跑名称）奖 | |
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58
avalanche
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| n.雪崩，大量涌来 | |
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59
allusion
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| n.暗示，间接提示 | |
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60
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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61
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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62
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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63
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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64
joviality
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| n.快活 | |
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65
attaining
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的现在分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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66
anonymous
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| adj.无名的；匿名的；无特色的 | |
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67
celebrated
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| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
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68
supple
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| adj.柔软的，易弯的，逢迎的，顺从的，灵活的；vt.使柔软，使柔顺，使顺从；vi.变柔软，变柔顺 | |
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69
eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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70
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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71
relishing
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| v.欣赏( relish的现在分词 )；从…获得乐趣；渴望 | |
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72
unison
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| n.步调一致，行动一致 | |
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73
devoured
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| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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74
credulous
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| adj.轻信的，易信的 | |
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75
tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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76
upbraid
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| v.斥责，责骂，责备 | |
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inscribed
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| v.写，刻( inscribe的过去式和过去分词 )；内接 | |
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