ow his regiment, perhaps?"

"It is said to be Prince Paul of Wuertemberg's."

"What is he like,--what may be his age?" asked the General, hastily.

"To pronounce from appearance, he is a mere boy,--brown-haired and
blue-eyed, and wears no moustache."

"Where is he, sir?" asked the old man, with a suppressed emotion.

"In this very village. He was forwarded here last night by a special
order of the Duke of Savoy, who has taken a deep interest in his fate,
and requested that I should take measures, while restoring him, without
exchange, to mention the signal bravery of his conduct."

"The Duke's conduct is worthy of a soldier Prince!" said the General,
with feeling, "and, in my master's name, I beg to thank him."

"The youth is at the temporary hospital, but knows nothing of these
arrangements for his release. Perhaps the tidings will come more
gratefully to his ears from his own countryman."

"It is kindly spoken, sir. May I have the honor of knowing the name of
one who has made this interview so agreeable by his courtesy?"

"My name at this side of the Alps, General, is Count de Valetta; but I
have another and better known designation, before I pronounce which, I
would gladly enlist in my favor whatever I might of yonr good opinion."

"All this sounds like a riddle to me, Signor Conte," said the General,
"and I am but a plain man, little skilled at unravelling a difficulty."

"I am addressing the General Count von Auersberg," said the other.
"Well, sir, it was hearing that you were the officer selected for this
duty that induced me to ask I might be appointed also. I have been most
anxious to meet you, and, in the accidents of a state of war, knew not
how to compass my object."

The old General bowed politely, and waited, with all patience, for
further enlightenment.

"My desire for this meeting. General, proceeds from my wish to exculpate
myself from what may seem to have been an unqualified wrong done to a
member of your family. I am Prince Alexis Midchekoff."

Auersberg started from his chair at the words, and bent a look of angry
indignation at the speaker,--an expression which the Russian bore with
the very calmest unconcern.

"If I am to resume this explanation," said he, coldly, "it must be when
you have reseated yourself, and will condescend to hear me suitably."

"And who is to be my guarantee, sir, that I am not to listen to an
insult?" cried the old General, passionately. "I see before me the