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Authors: John Steinbeck

The Short Reign of Pippin IV (23 page)

BOOK: The Short Reign of Pippin IV
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“Will you have a cigarette?”
“Thank you. Ah! a Lucky Strike.”
“Keep the package,” said Pippin. He winked. “I've been out of the country.”
The gendarme smiled. “I understand, M'sieur.” And he put the package in his pocket under his cape.
Pippin had to ring the bell endlessly before the concierge shuffled bleary-eyed and ill-tempered to open the iron gate for him.
“A strange time to be coming in,” he muttered.
Pippin placed a bill in his hand. “It's a long trip from Strasbourg.”
“You have come from Strasbourg?”
“Well, in one jump from Nancy.”
“I myself am from Lunéville. How does the country look?”
“They had a great harvest. The geese looked fine and fat. And they say the wine—”
“I've heard—I've heard. But did you hear how the elections in Lunéville came out? That is a very important thing. You see, the mayoralty has been held—” He closed his fist in front of him. “It is time for change—everyone feels that. Everyone, that is, but—” He tightened his fist again.
Pippin said, “I will have to trouble you to open my door—my keys—”
“But Madame is in. You have only to ring. And what a turning out she's given it. Carry this, carry that. What a fury! Now the party in Lunéville that has held it in a grip—”
Pippin said, “Good night, M'sieur. I will want to hear another time. It's a long ride from Nancy.”
He crossed the courtyard to the entrance of the stablehouse. He took off his crash helmet and brushed back his hair with his fingers—and finally he laid his finger on the ivory button of the bell.
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BOOK: The Short Reign of Pippin IV
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