My place was there , and the heat often oppressed me , so I was glad of an opportunity to move . A word to Madame Vodoz effected the change ; and at dinner I was rewarded by a grateful smile from the poor fellow , as he nestled into his warm seat , after a pause of surprise and a flush of pleasure at the small kindness from a stranger . We were too far apart to talk much , but , as he filled his glass , the Pole bowed to me , and said low in French -- ' I drink the good health to Mademoiselle . ' I returned the wish , but he shook his head with a sudden shadow on his face , as if the words meant more than mere compliment to him . ` That boy is sick and needs care . I must see to him , ' said I to myself , as I met him in the afternoon , and observed the military look of his blue and white suit , as he touched his cap and smiled pleasantly . I have a weakness for brave boys in blue , and having discovered that he had been in the late Polish Revolution , my heart warmed to him at once . That evening he came to me in the salon , and expressed his thanks in the prettiest broken English I ever heard . So simple , frank , and grateful was he that a few words of interest won his little story from him , and in half an hour we were friends . With his fellow-students he had fought through the last outbreak , and suffered imprisonment and hardship rather than submit , had lost many friends , his fortune and his health , and at twenty , lonely , poor , and ill , was trying bravely to cure the malady which seemed fatal . ` If I recover myself of this affair in the chest , I teach the music to acquire my bread in this so hospitable country . At Paris , my friends , all two , find a refuge , and I go to them in spring if I die not here . Yes , it is solitary , and my memories are not gay , but I have my work , and the good God remains always to me , so I content myself with much hope , and I wait . ' Such genuine piety and courage increased my respect and regard immensely , and a few minutes later he added to both by one of the little acts that show character better than words . He told me about the massacre , when five hundred Poles were shot down by Cossacks in the market-place , merely because they sung their national hymn . ` Play me that forbidden air , ' I said , wishing to judge of his skill , for I had heard him practising softly in the afternoon . He rose willingly , then glanced about the room and gave a little shrug which made me ask what he wanted . ' I look to see if the Baron is here . He is Russian , and to him my national air will not be pleasing . ' ` Then play it .
He dare not forbid it here , and I should rather enjoy that little insult to your bitter enemy , ' said I , feeling very indignant with everything XXXXX just then .
English French Paris Pole Poles Russian afternoon evening fellow-students hour