In response to Vodry's call he would bound in with a yell that made the
windows in the farm house rattle. He saluted the farmer with a vigorous
shake of the hand and gracefully kissed the hand of the good dame of
the house and her daughters, if she happened to have any, then stolidly
walking around the kitchen he would examine all different utensils and
instruments with an absorbing interest as if he never saw such things
before. While observing him both with awe and admiration for his
devotion to France, they would exclaim, "What a good child, what a brave
fellow," etc., etc.
Finding that the time for action had arrived, Paul would approach the
farmer and while ringing his hand, would say in broken French: "Cognac
bon, cognac bon." The enthusiastic and sympathetic mistress of the house
would immediately say:
"Ah, the poor boy wants a drop of cognac! Get him some father!" The
reluctant farmer procured a big bottle and a very diminutive glass known
as the "petit verre," which held about a thimbleful. Paul would
congratulate the good dame on her keen perception. At this period
Vodry would generally object saying:
"It is not good to give him cognac as the Americans can not control
themselves when they take liquor."
His objections were over ruled and the farmer presented Paul with a
miserable little glass full to the brim.
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