not say chivalry, for that
would be useless--but of common humanity, spare madame, at least for the
present."

"That is impossible, quite impossible. There are reasons why Madame la
Comtesse should be examined first. I trust, therefore, she will make an
effort."

"I will try, if you wish it." She rose from her chair and walked a few
steps rather feebly, then stopped.

"No, no, Countess, do not go," said Sir Charles, hastily, in English, as
he moved across to where she stood and gave her his hand. "This is sheer
cruelty, sir, and cannot be permitted."

"Stand aside!" shouted M. Flocon; "I forbid you to approach that lady,
to address her, or communicate with her. Guard, advance, do your duty."

But the guard, although his sword was still out of its sheath, showed
great reluctance to move. He had no desire to try conclusions again with
this very masterful person, who was, moreover, a general; as he had seen
service, he had a deep respect for generals, even of foreign growth.

Meanwhile the General held his ground and continued his conversation
with the Countess, speaking still in English, thus exasperating M.
Flocon, who did not understand the language, almost to madness.

"This is not to be borne!" he cried. "Here, Galipaud, Block;" and when
his two trusty assistants came rushing in, he pointed furiously to the
General. "Seize him, remove him by force if necessary. He shall go to
the _violon_--to the nearest lock-up."

The noise attracted also the Judge and the Commissary, and there were
now six officials in all, including the guard, all surrounding the
General, a sufficiently imposing force to overawe even the most
recalcitrant fire-eater.

But now the General seemed to see only the comic side of the situation,
and he burst out laughing.

"What, all of you? How many more? Why not bring up cavalry and
artillery, horse, foot, and guns?" he asked, derisively. "All to prevent
one old man from offering his services to one weak woman! Gentlemen, my
regards!"

"Really, Charles, I fear you are going too far," said his brother the
clergyman, who, however, had been manifestly enjoying the whole scene.

"Indeed, yes. It is not necessary, I assure you," added the Countess,
with tears of gratitude in her big brown eyes. "I am most touched, most
thankful. You are a true soldier, a true English gentleman, and I shall
never forget your kindness." Then she put her hand in his with a pretty,
winning gesture that was reward