she in Berthier's ear; and
as she spoke, the expression of her face at once recalled where I had
seen her, and I now perceived that she was the same person I had seen at
table with Colonel Mahon, and whom I believed to be his wife.

A low whispering conversation now ensued between the general and her, at
the close of which he turned to me and said--

'Madame Merlancourt has deigned to take an interest in you--you are
pardoned. Remember, sir, to whom you owe your life, and be grateful to
her for it.'

I took the hand she extended towards me, and pressed it to my lips.

'Madame,' said I, 'there is but one favour more I would ask in this
world, and with it I could think myself happy.'

'But can I grant it, _mon cher_?' said she, smiling.

'If I am to judge from the influence I have seen you wield, madame, here
and elsewhere, this petition will easily be accorded.'

A slight flush coloured the lady's cheek, while that of the general
became dyed red with anger. I saw that I had committed some terrible
blunder, but how, or in what, I knew not.

'Well, sir,' said Madame Merlancourt, addressing me with a stately
coldness of manner, very different from her former tone, 'let us hear
what you ask, for we are already taking up a vast deal of time that our
host would prefer devoting to his friends--what is it you wish?'

'My discharge from a service, madame, where zeal and enthusiasm are
rewarded with infamy and disgrace; my freedom to be anything but a
French soldier.'

'You are resolved, sir, that I am not to be proud of my protege,' said
she haughtily; 'what words are these to speak in presence of a general
and his officers?'

'I am bold, madame, as you say, but I am wronged.'

'How so, sir--in what have you been injured?' cried the general hastily,
'except in the excessive condescension which has stimulated your
presumption. But we are really two indulgent in this long parley.
Madame, permit me to offer you some coffee under the trees. Contardo,
tell the band to follow us. Gentlemen, we expect the pleasure of your
society.'

And so' saying, Berthier presented his arm to the lady, who swept
proudly past without deigning to notice me. In a few minutes the tent
was cleared of all, except the servants occupied in removing the remains
of the dessert, and I fell back, unremarked and unobserved, to take my
way homeward to the barracks, more indifferent to life than ever I had
been afraid of death.

As I am not likely