no title could be so dear to a Maurepas
as that his ancestors have borne for six hundred years.' And he, whose
signature was but inferior to the royal command, copies pleadings of a
lawyer to earn his support.

"And that tall man yonder, who has just risen from the table,--neither
years nor poverty have erased the stamp of nobility from his graceful
figure,--Comte Felix d'Ancelot, captain of the Gardes du Corps; the
same who was left for dead on the stairs at Versailles pierced by eleven
wounds. He gives lessons in drawing! two leagues from this, at the other
extremity of Paris.

"You ask me if they hope; what else than hope, what other comforter,
could make such men as these live on in want and indigence, declining
every proffer of advancement, refusing every temptation that should warp
their allegiance? I have read of great deeds of your Emperor,--I have
heard traits of heroism of his generals, compared to which the famed
actions of the Crusaders paled away; but tell me if you think that all
the glory ever won by gallant soldier, tried the courage or tested the
stout heart like the long struggle of such men as these? And here, if I
mistake not, comes another, not inferior to any."

As she spoke, the steps of a _caleche_ at the door were suddenly
lowered, and a tall and powerfully built man stepped lightly out. In
an instant we heard his footstep in the hall, and in another moment the
door of the _salon_ opened, and M. Rubichon announced "Le General Count
Burke."

The general had just time to divest himself of his travelling pelisse as
he entered, and was immediately surrounded by the others, who welcomed
him with the greatest enthusiasm.

"Madame la Marquise de Langeac," said he, approaching the old lady, as
she sat in the recess of the window, and lifted her hand to his lips,
"I am overjoyed to see you in such health. I passed three days with
your amiable cousin, Arnold de Rambuteau; who, like yourself, enjoys the
happiest temperament and the most gifted mind."

"If you flatter thus, General," said Madame de Langeac, "my young friend
here will scarcely recognize in you a countryman,--a kinsman, perhaps.
Let me present Mr. Burke."

The general's face flushed, and his eyes sparkled, as taking my hand in
both of his own, he said,--

"Are you indeed from Ireland? Is your name Burke? Alas! that I cannot
speak one word of English to you. I left my country thirty-eight years
since, and have never revisited it."