parations. I have the
scene before me now as I saw it on that morning, and a sadder sight I
never have looked upon. The little village was crowded, not alone
by those summoned by the conscription, but by all their friends and
relations; and as each new batch of twelve were marched forward within
the gloomy portals of the Hotel de Ville, a burst of pent-up sorrow
would break forth, that told fearfully the misery around. But sad
as was this, it was nothing to the scene that ensued when the lot had
fallen upon some one well known and respected by his neighbors. He who
had drawn the lowest number was enlisted, and instead of returning to
join his fellows outside, never made his appearance till his hair had
been closely cropped, and the addition of a tri-colored ribbon to his
cap proclaimed him a soldier. Of these poor fellows some seemed stunned
and stupefied, looked vaguely about them, and appeared incapable to
recognize friends or acquaintances; some endeavored to carry all off
with an air of swaggering recklessness, but in the midst of their
assumed indifference natural feeling would burst forth, and scenes of
the most harrowing misery be exhibited; and, lastly, many came forth so
drunk that they knew nothing either of what happened or where they were;
and to see these surrounded by the friends who now were to take their
last leave of them was indescribably painful.

Like most of those who care little for fortune, I was successful; that
is, I drew one of the highest numbers, and was pronounced "exempt from
service." There was not one, however, to whom the tidings could bring
joy, nor was there one to whom I could tell the news with the hope of
hearing a word of welcome in return. I was turning away from the spot,
not sorry to leave a place so full of misery, when I came upon a group
around a young man who had fainted and been carried out for fresh air.
He had been that moment enlisted, and the shock had proved over-much for
him. Poor fellow! well might it--the same week saw him the happy father
of his firstborn, and the sworn soldier of the Empire. What a wide gulf
separates such fortunes!

I pushed my way into the midst, and offered myself to take his place.
At first none so much as listened to me; they deemed my proposal absurd,
perhaps impossible. An old sergeant who was present, however, thought
differently, and, measuring me calmly with his eye, left the spot.
He returned soon, and beckoned me to follow. I did so.