
This etext was produced by David Widger <widger@cecomet.net>
BOOK 2. - CHAPTER IV - A RIOT OF CHARITY
Jean, a diligent artillery officer, wakes before dawn to lead his men through rigorous maneuvers at the Souvigny barracks. Amid the clatter of horses, cannons, and the relentless drill, his thoughts drift to two enchanting women he has recently met—Mrs. Scott, with her dark eyes and golden hair, and the younger Miss Percival, whose shy smile haunts him. As the day’s exercises spiral into a dizzying display of fire and movement, his mind repeatedly returns to the fleeting moments they shared, each encounter tugging his heart in opposite directions.
The narrative captures the tension between duty and desire, painting vivid scenes of military life while threading a delicate romance through the dust‑filled air. Jean’s internal conflict over which sister truly captivates him unfolds with a gentle humor, reflecting the larger question of how personal longing can intrude upon even the most disciplined routines. Listeners will find themselves drawn into the soldier’s world, where the echo of cannons competes with the lingering whispers of love.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (61K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2003-04-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1834–1908
A sharp-eyed Parisian man of letters, he helped shape some of the most beloved works of French comic opera, including the libretto for Bizet’s Carmen. He also found a wide audience as a novelist, moving easily between stage wit and warm, observant fiction.
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