the words, and growing pale with agitation as the very
thought of the importance of what I had related flashed across me, I
stammered out, "Take care what you propose to me, De Beauvais. I do not,
I cannot, fathom your meaning now; but if I thought that anything like
treachery to the First Consul--that anything traitorous to the great
cause of liberty for which he has fought and conquered--was meditated, I
'd go forthwith and tell him, word for word, all I have spoken now, even
though the confession might, as it would, humble me forever, and destroy
all my future hope of advancement."

"And be well laughed at for your pains, foolish boy!" said he, throwing
himself back in his chair, and bursting out into a fit of laughter. "No,
no, Burke; you must not do anything half so ridiculous, or my pretty
cousin could never look at you without a smile ever after. And _a
propos_, of that, when shall I present you? That splendid jacket, and
all that finery of dolman there, will make sad work of her poor heart."

I blushed deeply at the silly impetuosity I had betrayed myself into,
and muttered some equally silly apology for it. Still, young as I was, I
could perceive that my words made no common impression on him, and would
have given my best blood to recall them.

"Do you know, De Beauvais," said I, affecting as much of coolness as I
could, "do you know, I half regret having told you this. The manner
in which I heard this conversation--though, as you will see, quite
involuntary on my part--should have prevented my ever having repeated
it; and now the only reparation I can make is to wait on my colonel,
explain the whole circumstance, and ask his advice."

"In plain words, to make public what at present is only confided to a
friend. Well, you think the phrase too strong for one you have seen but
twice,--the first time not exactly on terms such as warrant the phrase.
But come, if you can't trust me, I 'll see if I can't trust you."

He drew at these words a roll of paper from his pocket, and was
proceeding to open it on the table when a violent knocking was heard at
my door.

"What 's that? who can it be?" said he, starting up, and growing pale as
death.

The look of terror in his face appalled me; and I stood, not able to
reply, or even move towards the door, when the knocking was repeated
much louder, and I heard my name called out. Pointing to a closet which
led from the room, and without speaking a word, I walked forward