at I tell you once for all, that my purse, and
everything, is at your command. If you do not accept them freely, I
shall think you do not love us. It is not the first time, Peter, and
you repaid me honourably. However, of course, I was no party to that
affair; it was Celeste's doing," continued he, laughing. "Of course I
could not imagine that it was you who was dressed up as a woman, and so
impudently danced through France on stilts. But I must hear all your
adventures, by-and-bye. Celeste is most anxious to see you. Will you
go now, or wait till after the surgeon comes?"

"Oh now, if you please, general. May I first beg that some care may be
taken of my poor men; they have had nothing to eat since yesterday, are
very much bruised, and have worked hard; and that a cart may be sent for
those who lie on the beach?"

"I should have thought of them before," replied he: and I will also
order the same party to bury the other poor fellows who are lying on the
beach. Come now--I will take you to Celeste.

CHAPTER FORTY NINE.

BROKEN RIBS NOT LIKELY TO PRODUCE BROKEN HEARTS--O'BRIEN MAKES SOMETHING
LIKE A DECLARATION OF PEACE--PETER SIMPLE ACTUALLY MAKES A DECLARATION
OF LOVE--RASH PROCEEDINGS ON ALL SIDES.

I followed the general into a handsomely-furnished apartment, where I
found Celeste waiting to receive me. She ran to me as soon as I
entered; and with what pleasure did I take her hand, and look on her
beautiful, expressive countenance! I could not say a word--neither did
Celeste. For a minute I held her hand in mine, looking at her; the
general stood by, regarding us alternately. He then turned round and
walked to the window. I lifted the hand to my lips, and then released
it.

"It appears to be a dream, almost," said Celeste.

I could not make any reply, but continued to gaze upon her--she had
grown up into such a beautiful creature. Her figure was perfect, and
the expression of her countenance was so varied--so full of intellect
and feeling--it was angelic. Her eyes, suffused with tears, beamed so
softly, so kindly on me, I could have fallen down and worshipped her.

"Come," said General O'Brien; "come, my dear friend, now that you have
seen Celeste, the surgeon must see you."

"The surgeon!" cried Celeste with alarm.

"Yes, my love; it is of no consequence--only a couple of ribs broken."

I followed General O'Brien out of the room, and as I came to the door, I
turned round to look at Ce