to treat his mother with common
courtesy, still less with the duty of a son, and therefore he preferred
leaving the regiment."

"And my father, madame?"

"Your father allows him to act as he pleases; indeed, he feels the force
of what your brother says, and so does my brother-in-law, who has given
his assent, as commanding officer, to your brother's exchange. Auguste
laments you very much, and the poor fellow looks very ill. I think he
has done right, although it is a severe blow to your mother; but for her
I have no compassion."

"My mother never liked Auguste, madame."

"No, I believe that; but what annoys her is the cause of his leaving his
regiment, as it is open condemnation of her conduct."

"Yes, I can understand that feeling on her part," replied I.

"Well, Valerie, I did not return until the regiment was gone and the
barracks cleared. You know the commandant always goes the last. I saw
my sister safe off, and now I am here to tell you that you are no longer
a prisoner, but may make yourself comfortable by roving through my
apartments. But the first affair which we must take in hand is your
wardrobe. I am rich enough to furnish you, so that shall be seen to
immediately. And, Valerie dear, let me now say once for all, what I do
not intend to repeat in words, but I hope to prove by my actions. Look
upon me as your mother, for I have not taken you away from your family
without the resolution of supplying, as far as I can, not the mother you
have lost, but the mother which in your dreams you have fancied. I love
you, my child, for you are deserving of love. Treat me, therefore, with
that unlimited confidence and affection which your young and pure heart
yearns to pour out."

"Bless you, madame, bless you," cried I, bursting into tears, and
burying my face in her lap; "I feel that now I have a mother."

CHAPTER FIVE.

For several days I remained quiet in the little ante-chamber, during
which Madame d'Albret had been busy every morning driving in her
carriage, and ordering me a wardrobe; and as the various articles came
in, I was as much surprised as I was pleased at the taste which had been
shown, and the expense which must have been incurred.

"My dear madame," cried I, as each parcel was opened, "these are much
too good for me; recollect I am but a poor soldier's daughter."

"You were so," replied Madame d'Albret; "but you forget," continued she,
kissing my forehead, "that the poor soldi