smote on the ear with a soft and melancholy cadence that made
us silent and thoughtful. As we sat for some minutes thus, we suddenly
heard the sound of feet coming up the little gravel walk towards the
chateau, and on going to the window, perceived three men in uniform
leading their horses slowly along. The dusky light prevented our being
able to distinguish their rank or condition; but my uncle, whose fears
were easily excited by such visitors, at once hastened to the door to
receive them.

"His absence was not of many minutes' duration; but even now I can
remember the strange sensations of dread that rendered us all speechless
as we stood looking towards the door by which he was to enter. He came
at last, and was followed by two officers; one, the elder, and the
superior evidently, was a thin, slight man, of about thirty, with a
pale but stern countenance, in which a certain haughty expression
predominated; the other was a fine, soldierlike, frank-looking fellow,
who saluted us all as he came in with a smile and a pleasant gesture of
his hand.

"'You may leave us, children,' said my uncle, as he proceeded towards
the bell.

"'You were at supper, if I mistake not?' said the elder of the two
officers, with a degree of courtesy in his tone I scarcely expected.

"'Yes, General. But my little friends--'

"'Will, I hope, share with us,' said the general, interrupting; 'and I,
at least, am determined, with your permission, that they shall remain.
It is quite enough that we enjoy the hospitality of your chateau for the
night, without interfering with the happiness of its inmates; and I beg
that we may give you as little inconvenience as possible in providing
for our accommodation.'

"Though these words were spoken with an easy and a kindly tone, there
was a cold, distant manner in the speaker that chilled us all, and
while we drew over to the table again, it was in silence and constraint.
Indeed, our poor uncle looked the very picture of dismay, endeavoring
to do the honors to his guests and seem at ease, while it was clear his
fears were ever uppermost in his mind.

"The aide-de-camp--for such the young officer was--looked
like one who could have been agreeable and amusing if the restraint of
the general's presence was not over him. As it was, he spoke in a low,
subdued voice, and seemed in great awe of his superior.

"Unlike our usual ones, the meal was eaten in mournful stillness, the
very youngest amongst us fe