prisoners for state of offences has been
proclaimed. At such a moment of national joy--"

"What do you mean?"

"What! and have I not told you my great news? The Senate have presented
to Bonaparte an address, praying his acceptance of the throne of France;
or, in their very words, to make his authority eternal."

"And he?" said I, breathless with impatience to know the result.

"He," continued the general, "has replied as became him, desiring them
to state clearly their views,--by what steps they propose to consolidate
the acquired liberties of the nation. And while avowing that no higher
honor or dignity can await him than such as he has already received at
the hands of the people, 'Yet,' added he, 'when the hour arrives that
I can see such to be the will of France,--when one voice proclaims it
from Alsace to the Ocean, from Lisle to the Pyrenees,--then shall I be
ready to accept the throne of France.'"

The general entered minutely into all the circumstances of the great
political change, and detailed the effect which the late conspiracy had
had on the minds of the people, and with what terror they contemplated
the social disorders that must accrue from the death of their great
ruler; how nothing short of a Government based on a Monarchy, with the
right of succession established, could withstand such a terrific crisis.
As he spoke, the words I had heard in the Temple crossed my mind, and I
remembered that such was the anticipation of the prisoners, as they said
among themselves, "When the guillotine has done its work, they 'll patch
up the timbers into a throne."

"And George Cadoudal, and the others?" said I.

"They are no more. Betrayed by their own party, they met death like
brave men, and as worthy of a better cause. But let us not turn to so
sad a theme. The order for your liberation will be here to-morrow; and
as I am appointed to a brigade on active service, I have come to offer
you the post of aide-de-camp."

I could not speak; my heart was too full for words. I knew how great the
risk of showing any favor to one who stood in such a position as I did;
and I could but look my gratitude, while the tears ran down my cheeks.

"Well," cried he, as he took my hand in his, "so much is settled. Now to
another point, and one in which my frankness must cause you no offence.
You are not rich,--neither am I; but Bonaparte always gives us
opportunities to gather our epaulettes,--ay, and find the bullion to
make t