of the highest rank--had taken
service in this way; some had condescended to accept of the very
humblest stations, and almost menial duties, where they could obtain
information of value; and all we're ready to risk life and fortune for
the Prince to whom they owed their allegiance.

"But you forget, sir, that the loyalty which reflects such honor on them
would be wanting in my case: I am not a Frenchman."

"But your mother was French," said he who sat at the table, "and of the
best blood of France too. I have told you we are relations."

A gesture of caution from the General stopped him here, and he was
silent. I saw there was embarrassment somewhere; but on what ground I
knew not. More to relieve the awkwardness of the moment than from any
other intention, I asked what my duties might be in this capacity.

"On that head you will receive the fullest instructions," said the
General. "Once say that you are ready and at our disposal, and we shall
supply you with every means and every knowledge you can wish for."

"May I have a little time to consider of it, sir?" asked I. "A night,
for instance?"

"Yes, a night,--certainly; only remember that whether you accept or
refuse, this interview is a secret, and not to be divulged to any one."

"I shall so consider it," said I.

"You will, then, be here to-morrow at ten,--at ten, remember, and this
time punctually." And with that he bowed me ceremoniously to the door,
the other waving his hand more familiarly, and wishing me a good-bye as
I passed out.

As I reached the outer gate of the lawn, a servant hastily overtook
me. It was a gentleman, he said, who wished to return to London, begged
permission to accompany me, if I would so far oblige him.

"With pleasure," said I. "Will you favor me with his name?"

"The Abbe Tonsurd."

"The Abbe Tonsurd!--the very man of all others I wished to meet!" And
while I was just rejoicing over my good fortune on the occurrence, he
came hurrying forward to offer me his thanks.

"Chance has favored me for once, Monsieur l'Abbe," said I, "since I have
the good fortune to see one to whom I have a letter of introduction. I
called this very morning at your lodgings to deliver this."

"Oh, the rare good luck indeed," cried he, breaking open the seal
and rapidly perusing the contents. "That dear Ursule," said he, with
something very near to a smile, "always so good and so confiding, trusts
even after hope has departed. But tell me rather