she did not feel
cold. She put her head out, and answered in the negative with such a
sweet smile, upon such a sweet face as I never had before witnessed. I
looked at her as if transfixed, and did not take my eyes off until she
blushed, and again sank back as before.

This brought me to my recollection; I offered to go for assistance, and
my services were thankfully accepted. I passed by the men who had been
killed, as I went on my mission: one was habited in a livery similar to
the coach-man who lay dead by his horses; the other was in that of a
groom, and I took it for granted that he had been my servant. I
searched in his pockets for information; and, collecting the contents,
commenced reading them as I walked along.

By his memoranda I found out that I had come from Aix. By letters and
papers in my own pockets I ascertained who I was, who my father was, to
what regiment I belonged, that I was on leave of absence, and that I had
a brother, whose affectionate letter I read carefully for further
information. I had not time to count a considerable sum of money, which
was in my purse, before I fell in with a countryman, who was leading his
horses to the plough. Briefly narrating the circumstances, I offered
him a handsome remuneration, if he would mount one of his horses, and
procure immediate assistance. Having seen him off in a hand-gallop, I
returned to the carriage to try if it were possible to have one more
view of that face which had so enchanted me. I stated the good fortune
I had met with, and my hopes of a speedy deliverance from their trouble.
I answered the old gentleman's inquiry of the name and condition of the
person to whom he and his daughter had been so much indebted; talked of
my father the Comte de Rouille, of my regiment; and then requested a
similar confidence.

He was le Marquis de Tonseca, and the young lady was his daughter; they
were proceeding to their chateau about seven miles distant, where he
hoped I would accompany them, and allow him an opportunity of showing
his gratitude.

I hesitated, talked of engagements--not that I intended to refuse the
invitation, but because the young lady had not joined in the request.
My plan had the desired effect; again the lovely face appeared from
under the cloak, and the sweetest voice in the world expressed a wish
that I would not refuse her father's invitation. I blushed, and
stammered consent. Pleased at her victory, she smiled, and again