ines of great
strength. Nor do these biassed critics consider the ruin that must have
fallen on Bazaine's army, even if it had succeeded in cutting its way
through the ranks of the besiegers, as the general tried gallantly, but
unsuccessfully, to do on more than one occasion, besides making numerous
sorties. It is apparent to most unprejudiced minds now, at this
distance of time from the momentous epoch of the struggle between the
two nations, that the Marshal, in his situation, accomplished all that
could have been expected in detaining for such a length of time a huge
German army nearly on the frontier, thus giving the invaded country
breathing time to collect its resources for just so long a period. The
fact is, that when an army like that of Bazaine's is severed from its
communications and supplies, its surrender can only be a question of
time; and, therefore, unparalleled as is the capitulation of Metz in
modern history, the unprecedented catastrophe--can be fully accounted
for on military grounds.

"I'm sorry I missed the sight," said Fritz presently, after thinking
over the news. "It would have been some fair return for all that bitter
night work I had in the trenches before I was wounded. Still, I'm glad
it's all ended now, for my corps will be able to march onward on Paris
like the rest."

"That will not benefit you much, my poor friend," remarked Madaleine
sympathisingly. "I'm afraid it will be some time before you will be
strong enough to move from this room, although you're improving each
day."

"Oh, will it?" said Fritz triumphantly; "that's all you know about it,
young lady! Why, Doctor Carl said this morning that he thought I would
be able to report myself fit for duty in another week."

"I suppose you'll rejoice to get back to your friends and comrades in
the regiment? You must find it miserable and dull enough in this
place!"

"No, not quite that. I've been very happy and comfortable here the last
few days; and I shall never forget all your kindness and care of me--no,
never!"

"Don't speak of that, pray; it's only what any one else would have done
in my place. Besides," she added demurely, "you know that in attending
to you as a wounded soldier, I have only been carrying out the orders of
the baroness, my employer."

"Hang the fussy old thing!" said Fritz impatiently trying to shrug his
shoulders. He had had the honour of one interview with Madaleine's
distinguished patroness, and