is way. He strove to be present to the occasion; but all
was like a troubled dream--the chanting, the acclamation, the bursts of
military music from a distance--all that at other times had fired his
soul was now disturbance and perplexity. A few faithless persons in the
crowd, on the watch for information with which they might make interest
with the French on their arrival, noted the wandering of the eye and the
knitting of the brow, and drew thence a portent of the fall of the
Deliverer.

At length the gate was reached; and there, in the shadow of the portal,
surrounded by his attendants, stood Paul. On the arrival of his brother
at the threshold, he took from an officer the velvet cushion on which
the keys of the city were deposited, and advancing to the stirrup of the
Commander-in-chief, offered them, according to custom. For an instant,
Toussaint gazed on the aged, worn, melancholy countenance beside him,
and then stooped from his horse, to fling his arms round the neck of his
brother, breathing into his ear, "If _you_ are in your duty at such a
time as this, who else dare fail me? I thank God! I thank God! We
cannot fail."

Paul withdrew himself, without speaking. His action was sullen. He led
the way, however, towards the Governor's house, evidently expecting to
be followed. Not another word passed between them on the way. Through
one wide street after another L'Ouverture was led; and from the
balconies of whole ranges of fine houses, from the roof of many a
church, and the porch of many a convent, was he hailed, before he could
catch another glimpse of the countenance of the brother who preceded
him. At the gate of the Governor's house there was a pause; and way was
made for the chief to pass in first. He did so; and the next moment
turned round in the vestibule, to speak to Paul; but Paul had
disappeared. Glancing round, Toussaint saw Father Laxabon awaiting him
at the foot of the staircase. Each advanced to the other.

"Father, he is wretched," whispered Toussaint. "Bring me to him."

"Follow me," said the priest; and, instead of mounting the marble
staircase, L'Ouverture and the father were seen to enter a passage, into
which every one else was forbidden to follow. Father Laxabon tapped
softly at a door, and was desired to enter. He opened it, and closed it
behind Toussaint, keeping watch outside, that the brothers might not be
disturbed.

Paul started to his feet from the conch on which