n the confidence of the Tuileries. On the first signs of war,
I wrote to her, saying that whatever the objections of my pride to enter
the army as a private in time of peace, such objections ceased on the
moment when all distinctions of France must vanish in the eyes of sons
eager to defend her banners. The Duchesse in reply begged me to come to
her campagne and talk over the matter. I went; she then said that if
war should break out it was the intention to organise the Mobiles and
officer them with men of birth and education, irrespective of previous
military service, and in that case I might count on my epaulets. But
only two nights ago she received a letter--I know not of course from
whom--evidently from some high authority--that induced her to think the
moderation of the Council would avert the war, and leave the swords of
the Mobiles in their sheaths. I suspect the decision of yesterday must
have been a very sudden one. Ce cher Gramont! See what it is to have a
well-born man in a sovereign's councils."

"If war must come, I at least wish all renown to yourself. But--"

"Oh! spare me your 'buts'; the English are always too full of them where
her own interests do not appeal to her. She had no 'buts' for war in
India or a march into Abyssinia."

Alain spoke petulantly; at that moment the French were very much
irritated by the monitory tone of the English journals. Graham prudently
avoided the chance of rousing the wrath of a young hero yearning for his
epaulets.

"I am English enough," said he, with good-humoured courtesy, "to care
for English interests; and England has no interest abroad dearer to her
than the welfare and dignity of France. And now let me tell you why
I presumed on an acquaintance less intimate than I could desire, to
solicit this interview on a matter which concerns myself, and in which
you could perhaps render me a considerable service."

"If I can, count it rendered; move to this sofa--join me in a cigar, and
let us talk at ease comme de vieux amis, whose fathers or brothers might
have fought side by side in the Crimea." Graham removed to the sofa
beside Rochebriant, and after one or two whiffs laid aside the cigar and
began:

"Among the correspondence which Monsieur your father has left, are there
any letters of no distant date signed Marigny--Madame Marigny? Pardon
me, I should state my motive in putting this question. I am intrusted
with a charge, the fulfilment of which may prove to the