ou fall, have you no
last commissions to give me?"

Count Belleville stopped his horse as they were in the act of entering
the garden.

"You positively insist on burying me? Well, then. I will make my last
will. In case I fall go instantly to my quarters, open my writing-desk,
and press upon a small button you will see on the left side; there you
will find letters and papers; tie them carefully, and send them in the
usual way to Countess Bernis. As to my heritage, you know I have no
gold; I leave nothing but debts My clothes you can give to my faithful
servant, Francois; for the last year I have paid him no wages Now my
testament is made--no, stop, I had forgotten the most important item.
Should the inconceivable, the unimaginable happen, should this Dutch
village--devil slay me, I make it the duty of the French officers here
to revenge me on the haughty daughter of my adversary, and on all
these dull and prudish beauties. They must carry out what I intended
yesterday. I have drawn a few sketches and added a few notes; make as
many copies as are required, and paste them on the designated places.
If I fall, this must be done the following night, that my wandering soul
may find repose in the sweet consciousness of revenge. If my enemy's
ball strikes me, hasten forward, and, before any one dares lay his hand
upon me, take from my breast-pocket a paper, which you will find there,
and conceal it; it is the drawing, and it is my legacy to my comrades.
Swear to me to do as I have said."

"I swear!"

"And now, mon ami, let us forget this stupid thought of death, and look
life saucily and merrily in the face. Life will not have the courage to
break with a brave son of la belle France."

Belleville drew his bridle suddenly, and sprang through the gate into
the garden; turning to the right, they rode for some time under the
shadow of the trees, then through a side allee, which led to an open
place surrounded by lofty oaks. At this moment he heard the roll of an
open carriage, and turning, he saluted gayly the two gentlemen who were
seated in it; he checked his horse suddenly in order to ride by their
side, and provoking the beautiful and noble beast by the rude use of his
spurs, he forced it into many difficult and artistic evolutions. Arrived
at the place of rendezvous, he sprang lightly from the saddle and
fastened his horse to a tree, then drew near Baron Marshal, who, with
Ranuzi, was just descending from the carriage.