I will go and work." Two minutes after, the anvil was ringing; but whoever had seen how often the young blacksmith struck the iron falsely, would have easily seen that he thought of something besides the hammer he held in his hand.
Meantime few had failed at the Buscou, and every one came from all parts to divide their skein at the Fete of Lovers.
In a large chamber, where already a hundred windles were turning, loaded with flax, girls and youths, with nimble fingers, were winding thread as fine as hair.
It was soon all finished; and white wine and _rimottes_ were placed, boiling, in glasses and basins, from which rose a burning smoke which set the love-powder in a flame.

If the prettiest there had been the most rapid, I should have pointed out Franconnette; but the Queen of the Games is the last at work, and this is the time when her reign begins.
Only listen; how she amuses every one,--how she governs and regulates all; one would say she had spirit enough for three.

She dances, she speaks, she sings; she is all-in-all.

When she sings, you would say she had the soul of the dove; when she talks, the wit of an angel: when she dances, you would imagine she had, the wings of the swallow: and this evening she sang, and danced, and talked--oh! it was enough to turn the wisest head! Her triumph is complete; all eyes are upon her.

The poor young men can resist no more; and her bright eyes, which enchant them, shine and sparkle as they see how the spell works.