herself with the most perfect unconcern
of all that was going on about her. Meanwhile the operations of the
_cuisine_ were conducted with a despatch and dexterity that only French
soldiers ever attain to; and, shall I confess it, the rich odour that
steamed upwards from the well-seasoned _potage_, the savoury smell of
the roast kid, albeit partaking of onions, and the brown breasts of
certain _poulets_ made me wish heartily that for half an hour or so I
could have changed my allegiance, converted myself into a _soldat de la
garde_, and led Mademoiselle in to dinner.

At length the party beneath had arranged their meal upon the grass;
and the corporal, with an air of no inconsiderable pretension, took
Mademoiselle's hand to conduct her to the place of honour at the head of
the feast--calling out as he did, 'Place, Messieurs, place pour Madame
la Duchesse de--de----'

'N'importe quoi,' said another; 'the Emperor has many a battle to win
yet, and many a kingdom and a duchy to give away. As for myself, I count
upon the _baton_ of a marshal before the campaign closes.'

'Have done, I beg you, with such folly, and help me to some of that
_salmi_,' said the lady, with a much more practical look about her than
her expression a few moments before denoted.

The feast now progressed with all the clatter which little ceremony,
hearty appetites, and good-fellowship produce. The wine went round
freely, and the _qui propos_, if I might judge from their mirth, were
not wanting; for I could but catch here and there a stray word or so of
the conversation.

All this time my own position was far from agreeable. Independent of
the fact of being a spectator of a good dinner and a jolly party while
famishing with hunger and thirst, my chance of escape depended either
on the party moving forward, or being so insensible from the effects of
their carouse that I might steal away unobserved. While I balanced with
myself which of these alternatives was more likely, an accident decided
the question. My horse, who up to this moment was grazing close beside
me, hearing one of the troop-horses neigh in the valley beneath, pricked
up his ears, plunged upwards, broke the bridle with which I had fastened
him, and cantered gaily down into the midst of the picketed animals. In
an instant every man sprang to his legs; some rushed to their holsters
and drew forth their pistols; others caught up their sabres from the
grass; and the young lady herself tigh