the group that now stood
talking and laughing together, for already the clank of a cavalry escort
was heard coming up the avenue, and we beheld the waving plumes and
brilliant uniform of a general officer's staff advancing at a rapid
trot. The drums now rolled out along the lines; we stood to arms; the
gallant cortege turned into the court and formed in front of us. All
eyes were fixed on the general himself, the perfect beau ideal of an
old soldier. He sat his horse as firmly and gracefully as the youngest
aide-de-camp of his suite; his long white hair, dressed in queue behind,
was brushed back off his high broad forehead; his clear blue eye, mild
yet resolute, glanced over our ranks; and as he bowed to the headmaster,
his whole gesture and bearing was worthy of the Court of which once he
was a brilliant member.

"I have kept my young friends waiting for me," said he in a low but
clear voice, "and it now remains for me to make the only amende in my
power,--a short inspection. Dorsenne, will you take the command?"

I started at the name, and looked round; and close beside him stood the
same officer who had so kindly received me the day I landed in France.
Though he looked at me, however, I saw he did not remember me, and my
spirits sank again as I thought how utterly friendless and alone I was.

The general was true to his word in making the inspection as brief as
possible. He rode leisurely down the ranks, stopping from time to time
to express his satisfaction, or drop some chance word of encouragement
or advice, which we caught up with eagerness and delight. Forming us
into line, he ordered his aide-de-camp to put us through some of the
ordinary parade manoeuvres, which we knew as thoroughly as the most
disciplined troops. During all this time the group of ladies maintained
their position in front, and seemed to watch the review with every
semblance of interest. The general, too, made one of the party, and
appeared from time to time to explain the intended movement, and direct
their attention to the scene.

"Let them march past in salute," said he, at length. "The poor fellows
have had enough of it; I must not encroach on the entire holiday."

A unanimous cheer was the reply to this kind speech, and we formed in
sections and marched by him at a quickstep. The chef d'ecole had now
approached the staff, and was making his report on the boys, when the
general again interrupted him by saying,--

"Madame has express