that's all!" But the other young fellow began to laugh, and said: "I do
not think you will neglect your business for them!"

The whole table was convulsed with laughter, so that the glasses shook,
but the bridegroom became furious at the thought that anybody would
profit by his wedding to come and poach on his land, and repeated: "I
only say: Just let them come!"

Then there was a flood of talk with a double meaning which made the
bride blush somewhat, although she was trembling with expectation, and
when they had emptied the kegs of brandy they all went to bed; the young
couple went into their own room, which was on the ground floor, as most
rooms in farmhouses are. As it was very warm, they opened the window and
closed the shutters. A small lamp in bad taste, a present from the
bride's father, was burning on the chest of drawers, and the bed stood
ready to receive the young people, who did not stand upon all the
ceremony which is usual among towns-people, in their first embraces.

The young woman had already taken off her wreath and her dress, and she
was in her petticoat, unlacing her boots, while Jean was finishing his
cigar, and looking at her out of the corners of his eyes. It was an
ardent look, more sensual than tender, for he felt more desire than
love for her, and suddenly with a brusque movement, like a man who is
going to set to work, he took off his coat. She had already taken off
her boots, and was now pulling off her stockings, and then she said to
him: "Go and hide yourself behind the curtains while I get into bed."

He seemed as if he were going to refuse, but then with a cunning look he
went and hid himself with the exception of his head. She laughed and
tried to cover up his eyes, and they romped in an amorous and happy