n it, Auguste," said the old officer, smiling, "his Majesty is
not the man to let slip his golden opportunities. If we don't advance,
it is because it is safer to remain where we are."

"Safer than pursue a flying enemy?"

"Even so. It is not Russia, nor Austria, we have in the field against
us; but Europe,--the world."

"With all my heart," retorted the other, boldly; "nor do I think the
odds unfair. All I would ask is, the General Bonaparte of Cairo or
Marengo, and not the purple-clad Emperor of the Tuileries."

"It is not while the plain is yet reeking with the blood of Austerlitz
that such a reproach should be spoken," said I, indignantly. "Never was
Bonaparte greater than Napoleon."

"Monsieur has served in Egypt?" said the young man, contemptuously,
while he measured me from head to foot.

"Would that I had! Would that I could give whatever years I may have
before me, for those whose every day shall live in history!"

"You are right, young man," said the old colonel; "they were glorious
times, and a worthy prelude to the greatness that followed them."

"A bright promise of the future,--never to come," rejoined the younger,
with a flash of anger on his cheek.

"_Parbleu_, sir, you speak boldly!" said a harsh, low voice from behind.
We turned: it was Napoleon, dressed in a gray coat, all covered with
fur, and looking like one of the couriers of the army. "I did not know
my measures were so freely canvassed as I find them. Who are you, sir?"

"Legrange, Sire, chef d'escadron of the Second Voltigeurs," said the
young man, trembling from head to foot while he uncovered his head, and
stood, cap in hand, before him.

"Since when, sir, have I called you into my counsels and asked your
advice? or what is it in your position which entitles you to question
one in mine? Duroc, come here. Your sword, sir!"

The young man let fall his shako from his hand, and laid it on his
sword-hilt.

"Ah!" cried the Emperor, suddenly; "what became of your right arm?"

"I left it at Aboukir, Sire."

Napoleon muttered something between his teeth; then added, aloud,--

"Come, sir, you are not the first whose hand has saved his head. Return
to your duty, and, mark me! be satisfied with doing yours, and leave me
to mine. And you, sir," said he, turning towards me, and using the same
harsh tone of voice, "I should know your face."

"Lieutenant Burke, of the Eighth Hussars."

"Ah! I remember,--the Chouanist. So, sir, it seems t