nking I should never dare to go in, when, suddenly aunt
exclaimed from behind the hedge, "Is it you, Joseph?"

Then I shivered. "Yes, it is I."

She ran out into the little elder alley, and seeing me so pale she
said, "I know why you have come, you are going away!"

"Yes," I replied, "the others are going, but I am to stay in Metz; it
is very fortunate."

She said nothing, and we went into the kitchen, which was very cool
compared with the heat outside. She sat down, and I read her the
commandant's letter. She listened to it, and repeated, "Yes, it is
very fortunate."

And we sat and looked at each other without speaking a word, and then
she took my head between her hands and kissed me, and embraced me for a
long time, and I could see she was crying, though she did not say a
word.

"You weep," said I, "but since I am to stay in Metz!"

Still she did not speak, but went and brought some wine. I took a
glass, and she asked, "What does Catherine say?"

"She is glad that I am to remain at the arsenal; and Mr. Goulden also."

"That is well; and are they preparing what you need?"

"Yes, Aunt Gredel, and I must be at the city hall before five o'clock
to receive my uniform."

"Well! then you must go; kiss me, Joseph. I will not go with you. I
do not wish to see the battalion leave--I will stay here. I must live
a long while yet--Catherine has need of me--" here her restraint gave
way.

Suddenly she checked herself, and said, "At what time do you leave?"

"To-morrow, at seven o'clock, Mamma Gredel."

"Well! at eight o'clock I will be there. You will be far away, but you
will know that the mother of your wife is there, that she will take
care of her daughter, that she loves you, that she has only you in the
whole world."

The courageous woman sobbed aloud; she accompanied me to the door, and
I left her. It seemed as if I had not a drop of blood left in my
veins. Just as the clock struck five I reached the town-house. I went
up and saw that hall again where I had lost, that cursed hall where
everybody drew unlucky numbers. I received a cloak and coat,
pantaloons, gaiters, and shoes. Zebede, who was waiting for me, told
one of the musketeers to take them to the mess-room.

"You will come early and put them on," said he; "your musket and
knapsack have been in the rack since morning."

"Come with me," said I.

"No, I cannot, the sight of Catherine breaks my heart; and besides I
must stay with my f