The Countess de Saint-Geran — Alexandre Dumas

There were two tables in the principal eating-room. The provost took possession of one, leaving the other to the soldiers, who went in turn to tether their horses under a shed in the back yard; then he pointed to a stool for the prisoner, and seated himself opposite to him, rapping the table with his thick cane. Ouf he cried, with a fresh groan of weariness, I heartily beg your pardon, marquis, for the bad wine I am giving you The young man smiled gaily. The wine is all very well, monsieur provost, said he, but I cannot conceal from you that however agreeable your company is to me, this halt is very inconvenient; I am in a hurry to get through my ridiculous situation, and I should have liked to arrive in time to stop this affair at once.