ntents of Colonel Mahon's letter, they did not plead
very favourably for me with Colonel Hacque, my new commanding officer;
neither, to all seeming, did my own appearance weigh anything in my
favour. Raising his eyes at intervals from the letter to stare at me,
he uttered some broken phrases of discontent and displeasure; at last
he said--'What's the object of this letter, sir; to what end have you
presented it to me?'

'As I am ignorant of its contents, mon colonel,' said I calmly, 'I can
scarcely answer the question.'

'Well, sir, it informs me that you are the son of a certain Count
Tiernay, who has long since paid the price of his nobility; and that,
being an especial protege of the writer, he takes occasion to present
you to me; now I ask again, with what object?'

'I presume, sir, to obtain for me the honour which I now enjoy--to
become personally known to you.'

'I know every soldier under my command, sir,' said he rebukingly, 'as
you will soon learn if you remain in my regiment. I have no need of
recommendatory letters on that score. As to your grade of corporal, it
is not confirmed; time enough when your services shall have shown that
you deserve promotion. _Parbleu!_ sir, you'll have to show other claims
than your ci-devant countship.'

Colonel Mahon gave me a horse, sir; may I be permitted to retain him as
a regimental mount?' asked I timidly.

'We want horses--what is he like?'

'Three-quarters Arab, and splendid in action, sir.'

'Then, of course, unfit for service and field manoeuvres.

Send him to the etat-major. The Republic will find a fitting mount for
you; you may retire.'

And I did retire, with a heart almost bursting between anger and
disappointment. What a future did this opening present to me! What a
realisation this of all my flattering hopes!

This sudden reverse of fortune, for it was nothing less, did not render
me more disposed to make the best of my new condition, nor see in the
most pleasing light the rough and rude fraternity among which I was
thrown. The Ninth Hussars were reputed to be an excellent service-corps,
but, off duty, contained some of the worst ingredients of the army.
Play, and its consequence, duelling, filled up every hour not devoted to
regimental duty; and low as the tone of manners and morals stood in the
service generally, 'Hacque's Tapageurs,' as they were called, enjoyed
the unflattering distinction of being the leaders. Self-respect was a
quality utter