With a pleased air, the hostess one day suggested a pigeon, a roasted pigeon, and I welcomed the idea joyously.

Indeed, the appearance of the dish, when it was borne in, had nothing to discourage my appetite--the odour was savoury; I prepared myself for a treat.

Out of pure kindness, for she saw me tremble in my weakness, the good woman offered her aid in the carving; she took hold of the bird by the two legs, rent it asunder, tore off the wings in the same way, and then, with a smile of satisfaction, wiped her hands upon her skirt.

If her hands had known water (to say nothing of soap) during the past twelve months I am much mistaken.

It was a pity, for I found that my teeth could just masticate a portion of the flesh which hunger compelled me to assail.
Of course I suffered much from thirst, and Dr.Sculco startled me one day by asking if I liked _tea_.