to sell a bond for certain funds of which she at present holds only the
reversion.--You, Mademoiselle Fischer, will agree to this sale, thus
losing your life interest in the securities."

"Yes, dear Count," said Lisbeth without hesitation.

"Good, my dear," said the old soldier. "I hope I may live to reward you.
But I did not doubt you; you are a true Republican, a daughter of the
people." He took the old maid's hand and kissed it.

"Monsieur Hannequin," he went on, speaking to the notary, "draw up the
necessary document in the form of a power of attorney, and let me have
it within two hours, so that I may sell the stock on the Bourse to-day.
My niece, the Countess, holds the security; she will be here to sign the
power of attorney when you bring it, and so will mademoiselle. Monsieur
le Comte will be good enough to go with you and sign it at your office."

The artist, at a nod from Lisbeth, bowed respectfully to the Marshal and
went away.

Next morning, at ten o'clock, the Comte de Forzheim sent in to announce
himself to the Prince, and was at once admitted.

"Well, my dear Hulot," said the Prince, holding out the newspapers to
his old friend, "we have saved appearances, you see.--Read."

Marshal Hulot laid the papers on his comrade's table, and held out to
him the two hundred thousand francs.

"Here is the money of which my brother robbed the State," said he.

"What madness!" cried the Minister. "It is impossible," he said into
the speaking-trumpet handed to him by the Marshal, "to manage this
restitution. We should be obliged to declare your brother's dishonest
dealings, and we have done everything to hide them."

"Do what you like with the money; but the family shall not owe one sou
of its fortune to a robbery on the funds of the State," said the Count.

"I will take the King's commands in the matter. We will discuss it no
further," replied the Prince, perceiving that it would be impossible to
conquer the old man's sublime obstinacy on the point.

"Good-bye, Cottin," said the old soldier, taking the Prince's hand. "I
feel as if my soul were frozen--"

Then, after going a step towards the door, he turned round, looked at
the Prince, and seeing that he was deeply moved, he opened his arms to
clasp him in them; the two old soldiers embraced each other.

"I feel as if I were taking leave of the whole of the old army in you,"
said the Count.

"Good-bye, my good old comrade!" said the Minister.

"Yes,