human
My dear compatriot, I have only a few hours to pass in the place where I was born, and I must devote most of them to my relatives in the neighboring villages; if the friendship which exists between us should lead me to neglect them, you would be the first to blame me, and you would be right. You have come to invite me to a dinner and a ball, and, although I have not been in the habit of indulging in those pleasures lately, I should be delighted to participate in them. I should be pleased to drink a few glasses of our excellent new wine in such good company, and to watch the young girls of Arbois dancing; they must be very pretty, if they resemble their mothers. But a soldier has only his word, and I swear to you, on my honor, that I am engaged. Long ago I promised Barbier, the vine-dresser, to take my first meal with him when next I should come here, and I cannot in conscience eat two dinners between now and sunset.
gpt
But, said the president,
human
What is it?
gpt
To invite Barbier to dine with us.
human
If you do that, and he accepts, I shall ask nothing better, said Pichegru.
gpt
But I doubt if he will. Does he still have that same fierce and melancholy air which won him the name of Barbier the Desperate?
human
More than ever, general.
gpt
Well, I will go and find him myself, said Pichegru,
human
Very well, general, we will accompany you,
gpt
Come along,