peared above the summit of the hill. So secretly had the whole been
managed that none, save the officers of the various staffs, knew what
was coming. While each look was turned, then, towards the _barriere_
in astonishment, gradually the wagon rolled on, another followed, and
another: these were, however, but the ambulances of the hospitals. And
now the wounded themselves came in sight,--a white flag, that well-known
signal, waving in front of each wagon, while a guard of honor,
consisting of picked men of the different regiments, rode at either
side.

One loud cheer--a shout echoed back from the Tuileries itself--rang out,
as the soldiers saw their brave companions restored to them once more.
With that impulse which, even in discipline, French soldiers never
forget, the men rushed forward to the wagons, and in a moment officers
and men were in the arms of their comrades. What a scene it was to
see the poor and wasted forms, mangled by shot and maimed of limb,
brightening up again as home and friends surrounded them,--to hear their
faint voices mingle with the questions for this one or for that, while
the fate of some brave fellow met but one word in elegy!

On they passed,--a sad train, but full of glorious memories. There were
the grenadiers of Oudinot, who carried the Russian centre; eleven
wagons were filled with their wounded. Here come the voltigeurs of
Bernadotte's brigade; see how the fellows preserve their ancient
repute, cheering and laughing,--ever the same, whether roistering at
midnight in the Faubourg St. Antoine or rushing madly upon the ranks of
the enemy! There are the dragoons of Nansouty, who charged the Imperial
Guard of Russia; see the proud line that floats on their banner, "All
wounded by the sabre!" And here come the cuirassiers of the Guard, with
a detachment of their own as escort; how splendidly they look in the
bright sun, and how proudly they come!

As I looked, the Emperor rode forward, bareheaded, his whole staff
uncovered. "Chapeau bas, Messieurs!" said he, in a loud voice. "Honor to
the brave in misfortune!"

Just then the escort halted, and I heard a laugh in front, close to
where the Emperor was standing; but from the crowded staff around him,
could not see what was going forward.

"What is it?" said I, curious to learn the least incident of the scene.

"Advance a pace or two, Captain," said the young officer I addressed;
"you can see it all."

I did so, and then beheld--oh, wi