Запретный лес

           BeforetheduskfellhewasontheroadtoCalidon.

           Hehadexpectedtofindahousegarrisonedanddragooned,andhadinventedanerrandofministerialdutytoexplainhispresence.HefoundinsteadanormalCalidon--theeveningbustleaboutthegates,anopendoor,andKatrineherselftakingtheairinthepleasancebesidethedovecot.Shecametowardshimwithbrightinquiringeyes.

           "Youhavesoldiershere?"heaskedbreathlessly.

           Shenoddedtoacornerofthehouse,whichhadbeentheshelloftheoldpeeltower.

           "Theyarethere--threeofthem--sincelastnight.Theyarriveddrunk--withtwowretchedwomentiedtotheirstirrups....Weweremostcourteoustothem,andtheywerenotcourteoustous.SoJockDoddswiledthemintotheplacewecalltheHowlet’sNestandgavethemusquebaghandstrongaletilltheydroppedonthefloor.Theyareprisonersandwokeupanhourago,buttheymayroarlongandloudbeforeacheepisheardoutsidetheHowlet’sNest,andthedoorisstoutenoughtodefyanarmy."

           "ButLesliehimselfwillbehere.Othersoldierswillcome,andhowwillyouexplainyourprisoners?"

           Thegirllaughedmerrily."TrustAuntGrizel.Twolonewomen--violentanddrunkenbanditti--lockingthemuptheonlyway--andthenaspateoftextsandafinepassageaboutsoldiersofthegoodcausesettinganensample.IwillwagermybesthawkthatAuntGrizelwilltalkdownGeneralLeslieandeveryministerinhistrain....Thewomenaresafeinthegarret,lesshurtthanfrightened.ThepoorthingstalkonlytheErse,andthere’snoneaboutthetowntocrackwiththem.