se, standing in a small park that descended to the
river, and which, they told me, was Treverton. All I could ascertain of
the proprietor was that he was a French gentleman, an _emigre_, who had
lived there for two years, and was popularly known as the "General," his
servants always giving him that title. I presented myself at his door
and sent in my card, with the request that I might be admitted to an
interview.

Before I could well believe that my message was delivered, the servant
returned to say that the General was expecting me since morning, and
desired to see me at once. I followed him through two or three rooms
till we reached a door covered with green cloth, and which concealed
another behind it, on opening which I found myself in a small chamber
fitted up like a library, where two gentlemen were seated at a table.
One arose as I entered, and in a polite, but somewhat haughty, tone
said,--

"You are scarcely as punctual, sir, as I had hoped. Eleven o'clock was,
I think, the hour mentioned."

As the appointment had not been of my seeking, I returned a very cold
and half-careless apology for my tardy appearance; but he stopped me
quietly, saying,--

"Apparently, then, you have not been informed as to the object of this
visit, nor by whom--"

A hasty gesture from the other interrupted his speech, and he stopped
short.

"I mean," added he, "that you are unaware of the reason for which your
presence here has been requested."

"I have not the slightest knowledge of it, sir," was my reply.

"We wished to see and speak with you about many things in France, sir.
You have latterly been there? We are given to understand that you are a
shrewd observer, and we desire to learn your views of events, and of the
people who direct them. Our own informant induces us to believe that the
tide of popular favor is turning against the men of violent opinions,
and that a wiser and healthier tone pervades the nation. Does that agree
with your experience?"

"Quite so, sir; there cannot be a second opinion on the question."

"And the old attachment to the monarchy is again displaying itself, far
and near, through the country?" added he, warmly.

"There I cannot go with you, sir," was my answer; and although his look
was a fierce, almost an angry one, I continued: "The military spirit is
that which now sways the nation, and he who can best gratify the thirst
of glory will be the ruler. The kings of France have been but pagea