recollections, when again she turned her eyes
towards me. At the same instant, the trumpet sounded without for the
_reveil_, and was answered by many a call from other parties around.
With a steadfast gaze of wonderment she fixed her look on me; and twice
passed her hands across her eyes, as though she doubted the evidence of
her senses.

[Illustration: 346]

"Minette, hear me! let me speak but one word." "There it is again,"
cried she, as the blast rang out a second time, and the clatter of
horsemen resounded from the street. "Adieu, sir; our roads lie not
together. Father, your blessing; if your good counsel this night has
not made its way to my heart, the lesson has come elsewhere. Good-by!
good-by!" She pressed the old man's hand to her lips, and darted from
the room.

Stunned, and like one spell-bound, I could not move for a few seconds;
and then, with a wild cry, I bounded after her through the garden.
The wicket, however, was fastened on the outside, and it was some time
before I could scale the wall and reach the street.

The day was just breaking, but already the village was thronged with
soldiers, who were preparing for the march, and arranging their parties
to conduct the wagons. Hurrying on through the crowded and confused
mass, I looked on every side for the vivandiere; but in vain. Groups
of different regiments passed and repassed me; but to my questions they
returned either a jeering reply, or a mere laugh of derision. "But a few
days ago," thought I, "and these fellows had scarce dared to address me;
and now--" Oh, the blighting misery of that thought! I was no longer a
soldier; the meanest horseman of his troop was my superior.

I passed through the village, and reached the highroad. Before me was a
party of dragoons, escorting a drove of cattle; I hastened after them,
but on coming near, discovered they were a light cavalry detachment.
Sick at heart, I leaned against a tree at the wayside, when again
I heard the tramp of horses approaching. I looked, and saw the tall
helmets of the Fourth, who were coming slowly along, conducting some
large wagons, drawn by eight or ten horses. In front of the detachment
rode a man, whose enormous stature made him at once remarkable, as well
as the air of soldierly bearing he displayed. Beside him was Minette;
the reins had fallen on her horse's neck, and her face was buried in her
hands.

"Ah! if I had thought that priest would have made thee so sad,
Mademois