omitted in your education. Reconduct the others, sergeant, they are
respited; this fellow alone is to undergo his sentence.'

The other two prisoners gave a short and simultaneous cry of joy as they
fell back, and I stood alone in front of the escort.

'_Parbleu!_ he has forgotten the signature,' said the adjutant, casting
his eye over the paper: 'he was chattering and laughing all the time,
with the pen in his hand, and I suppose fancied that he had signed it.'

'Nathalie was there, perhaps,' said the aide-de-camp significantly.

'She was, and I never saw her looking better. It's something like eight
years since I saw her last; and I vow she seems not only handsomer but
fresher, and more youthful, to-day than then.'

'Where is she going?--have you heard?'

'Who can tell? Her passport is like a firman--she may travel where she
pleases. The rumour of the day says Italy.'

'I thought she looked provoked at Moreau's absence; it seemed like want
of attention on his part, a lack of courtesy she's not used to.'

'Very true; and her reception of Berthier was anything but gracious,
although he certainly displayed all his civilities in her behalf.'

'Strange days we live in!' sighed the other; 'when a man's promotion
hangs upon the favourable word of a----'

'Hush!--take care!--be cautious!' whispered the other. 'Let us not
forget this poor fellow's business. How are you to settle it? Is the
signature of any consequence? The whole sentence is all right and
regular.'

'I shouldn't like to omit the signature,' said the other cautiously; 'it
looks like carelessness, and might involve us in trouble hereafter.'

'Then we must wait some time, for I see they are gone to dinner.'

'So I perceive,' replied the former, as he lighted his cigar, and seated
himself on a bank. 'You may let the prisoner sit down, sergeant, and
leave his hands free; he looks wearied and exhausted.'

I was too weak to speak, but I looked my gratitude; and sitting down
upon the grass, covered my face and wept heartily.

Although quite close to where the officers sat together chatting and
jesting, I heard little or nothing of what they said. Already the things
of life had ceased to have any hold upon me; and I could have heard of
the greatest victory, or listened to a story of the most fatal defeat,
without the slightest interest or emotion. An occasional word or a name
would strike upon my ear, but leave no impression nor any memory behind
it.