13/23 "You will never learn how to press it as they do in France. It is wine there; it is vinegar this side of the Rhine." "France," said the vintner moodily. "Do you think there will be any France in the future ?" Carmichael laughed. "France is an incurable cosmic malady; it will always be. It may be beaten, devastated, throttled, but it will not die." "You are fond of France ?" "Very." "Do you think it wise to say so here ?" "I am the American consul; nobody minds my opinions." "The American consul," repeated the vintner. |