Quotation from: A Set of Six

Written by: Joseph Conrad

"Could you think of it, Colonel Feraud, at this time, when every life
should be consecrated to the glory and safety of France?"

But the strain of unhappiness caused by military reverses had spoiled
Colonel Feraud's character. Like many other men, he was rendered wicked
by misfortune.

"I cannot consider General D'Hubert's existence of any account either
for the glory or safety of France," he snapped viciously. "You don't
pretend, perhaps, to know him better than I do--I who have met him half
a dozen times on the ground--do you?"