Andy Schleck surprised everyone yesterday. Now it is Alberto Contador's turn to go out early. The VeloDrone and Gustave are not overly concerned.
Gustave: I've been thinking about what you said yesterday, Vello.
The VeloDrone: What was that?
Gustave : That the obvious can still be bizarre. I don't see how it can.
The VeloDrone: Tut! Sometimes I come out with these things. But I'm sure I can justify my statement.....yes yes, for example, say you are reading a novel, and the hero or heroine coughs. It is obvious that later in the novel he or she is going to die. And yet, it's just one cough! The situation is bizarre!
Gustave: Oh, well done, Vello! I like a man who can wriggle out of a stupid statement.
The VeloDrone: Do you?
.......
Meanwhile Violetta and Farky have dropped back to ride beside Gaius, who is looking troubled.
Violetta: Gaius! Farky and I are about to make our big move. Want to be in it?
Gaius: I don't think I'd be able to keep up.
Violetta: Here! Have one of these!
Farky: What's that?
Violetta: Nothing. Just a sweetie.
Gaius: I could use a sweetie. Is it a mint?
Violetta (coughs): Excuse me! Yes, just a mint. Swallow it quick!
Gaius: Thank you, Violetta.
He tries to swallow the 'mint' without any water, and chokes.
Gaius (coughs): Excuse me! Oh yes, that's done the trick. I think I'll keep up with you now.
.....
Sweezus has slowed down to draw level with The VeloDrone and Gustave.
Sweezus: What's wrong with Violetta and Gaius? I heard both of them coughing.
Gustave and The VeloDrone exchange knowing looks.
Showing posts with label French novel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label French novel. Show all posts
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Oh The French
The food of evil people is not in itself evil, I said.
It is if it is eaten for evil reasons, said Pliny.
Evil reasons? I said. Who eats food for evil reasons?
Aha, said Pliny. I shall tell you. During the French Revolution the Red Caps ate red food to represent the blood of the aristocrats. Tomatoes were a favourite because the nobility, wisely, did not like them.
Oh, the French, I said.
What do you mean, Oh the French? asked Pliny. You like the French. I see you are reading a French novel at this very moment.
I am, I replied. And that is why I say Oh the French. I'm reading Sentimental Education, by Flaubert.
A favourite of mine, said Pliny. Have you got to the part where he describes the beard?
The beard? It's not even about a beard.
It is about everything that is in it, said Pliny. And in it there is a description of a beard, which I found amusing.
Now you mention it, I do remember two beards. Was it the pointy one, or the one that was cut like a fringe?
It was the one that was cut like a fringe, in order to make its owner seem precociously serious, said Pliny. What a window into an era, he added. You could not make it up.
It is if it is eaten for evil reasons, said Pliny.
Evil reasons? I said. Who eats food for evil reasons?
Aha, said Pliny. I shall tell you. During the French Revolution the Red Caps ate red food to represent the blood of the aristocrats. Tomatoes were a favourite because the nobility, wisely, did not like them.
Oh, the French, I said.
What do you mean, Oh the French? asked Pliny. You like the French. I see you are reading a French novel at this very moment.
I am, I replied. And that is why I say Oh the French. I'm reading Sentimental Education, by Flaubert.
A favourite of mine, said Pliny. Have you got to the part where he describes the beard?
The beard? It's not even about a beard.
It is about everything that is in it, said Pliny. And in it there is a description of a beard, which I found amusing.
Now you mention it, I do remember two beards. Was it the pointy one, or the one that was cut like a fringe?
It was the one that was cut like a fringe, in order to make its owner seem precociously serious, said Pliny. What a window into an era, he added. You could not make it up.
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