elded to their solicitations, not suspecting what might
ensue. The only reparation in my power now is to tell you this whole
story; for of course, having heard it, you will perceive how fruitless
and vain it would be for you to oppose yourself to the entire force of
public opinion.

"And is it the custom of the world to insult those situated as she
is?" asked I, in a voice that plainly showed I put the question in all
sincerity and ignorance.

"It is assuredly the habit of young men, and more especially soldiers,
to treat them with less deference than the daughters of honest women;
and you must have seen but little of life, or you had not asked the
question."

I sat silent for some seconds, revolving in my mind the sad history I
had just listened to, and comparing the events with what I had myself
witnessed of her who had been their victim. The hostess cut short my
musing by saying,--

"There, I see the caleche has just driven into the _cour_: lose no time
in getting away at once. The officers are now at coffee in the garden,
and you can escape unobserved."

So engrossed was I by thoughts of Margot, and the necessity of shielding
her from insult, that I forgot totally all about myself, and what bore
reference to my own feelings exclusively. I therefore hastened from
the room to make the preparations for our departure. While I was thus
engaged, and occupied with seeing our luggage tied on, a young officer,
touching his cap in salute, asked if I was not the stranger who dined
that day at the table-d'hote, in company with a young lady; and on my
replying, "Yes," added,--

"Are you not aware, sir, that we have been expecting the pleasure of
your society in the garden for some time back?"

I answered that I was totally ignorant of their polite intentions
respecting me; that I was anxious to reach my destination, still twelve
leagues away, and unable to accept of their hospitality.

He gave a faint smile as I said this, and then rejoined:

"But you can surely spare a few moments to make your apologies to our
colonel?"

"They must be, then, of the very briefest," said I. "Will you kindly
guide me to where he is?"

With a slight bow he walked on, and, crossing the courtyard, entered a
garden; on traversing a considerable portion of which, we came out upon
a kind of terrace, where a large party of officers were seated around a
table, smoking, and drinking coffee. Some, too, were engaged playing
at chess or dominoe