human
She has kept her word, general. We are to be married in ten minutes.
gpt
Where?
human
In the courtyard, under your windows, general.
gpt
And who is to marry you?
human
The drummer of the regiment.
gpt
What, a drum-head marriage?
human
Yes, general; Rose wants everything to be regular.
gpt
Excellent, said Pichegru, laughing.
human
I recognize the Goddess of Reason there! Tell her that, since she has asked me to be her witness, I will give her a dowry.
gpt
A dowry, general?
human
Yes, a donkey with two barrels of brandy.
gpt
Oh! general, it is your fault that I don't dare ask anything else of you.
human
Tell me what it is, anyway.
gpt
Well, it is for my comrades rather than myself. The day ought to end as it began, with a ball.
human
Well, said Hoche,
gpt
And the town-hall will do for a ballroom, said Pichegru.
human
But you must tell them all that the ball must finish at two o'clock in the morning, as we are to march at half-past two; we have twelve miles to go before daybreak. You are warned; those who wish to sleep may sleep, and those who wish to dance may dance. We will witness the marriage from the balcony; when all is ready we will know it by the rolling of the drums.