[223] And perhaps in actual life, if not in literature, I should prefer a young woman who might possibly have me murdered if she discovered a blood-feud between my ancestors and hers, to one in whose company it would certainly be necessary to keep a very sharp look-out on my watch. The two risks are not equally "the game." [224] Many a reader, I hope, has been reminded, by one or the other, or both, of the _Anatomy of Melancholy_, which also contains the story: and has gone to it with the usual consequence of reading nothing else for some time. [225] "Merimee etait gentilhomme: Sainte-Beuve ne l'etait pas." I forget who said this, but it was certainly said, and I think it was true. [226] This is not merely a waste of explosives. I have actually seen the story dismissed as a "merely faithful record of the facts" or something of the sort. One was at least obliged to the man for reminding one of Partridge on Garrick. [227] A very "gentle" reader may perceive something _not_ quite explained, and I should be happy to allow it. [228] And perhaps--though Merimee does not allege this--by doing good to his neighbours likewise; for he rescues twelve companions of his own naughtiness from the infernal regions. The mixture of pagan and Christian eschatology, if not borrowed, is exceedingly well and suitably "found." [229] He had at one time introduced a smirch of grime by which nothing was gained and a good deal lost--the abduction being not at once cut short, and the bear being suggested as the Count's actual sire (see Burton again). But he had the taste as well as the sense to cut this out. The management of the outsiders mentioned above contrasts remarkably in point of art with the similar things which, as noted (_v. sup._ pp. 93-4), do _not_ improve _Ines de las Sierras_. [230] He blue-spectacled, she black-veiled. [231] Uncarpeted and polished, French fashion, of course. [232] Merimee represents his Englishman (and an Englishman who can read Greek, too!) as satisfied with, and ordering a second bottle of, an extemporised "port" made of ratafia, "quinze sous" _ordinaire_, and brandy! This could deceive few Englishmen; and (till very recent years) absolutely no Englishman who could read Greek at a fairly advanced period of life. From most of the French Novelists of the time it would not surprise us; but from Merimee, who was constantly visiting England and had numerous English friends, it is a little odd. It may have been done _lectoris gratia_ (but hardly _lectricis_), to suit what even the other novelists just mentioned occasionally speak of as the _Anglais de vaudeville_.