baroness.

The doctor went coolly on. "At the head of the 24th brigade made a
brilliant charge on the enemy's flank, that is described in the general
order as having decided the fate of the battle."

"How badly you do read," said the old lady, sharply. "I thought he was
gone; instead of that he has covered himself with glory; but it is all
our doing, is it not, young ladies? We saved his life."

"We saved it amongst us, madame."

"What is the matter, Rose?" said Edouard.

"Nothing: give me the salts, quick."

She only passed them, as it were, under her own nostrils; then held
them to Josephine, who was now observed to be trembling all over. Rose
contrived to make it appear that this was mere sympathy on Josephine's
part.

"Don't be silly, girls," cried the baroness, cheerfully; "there is
nobody killed that we care about."

Dr. Aubertin read the rest to himself.

Edouard fell into a gloomy silence and tortured himself about Camille,
and Rose's anxiety and agitation.

By and by the new servant brought in a letter. It was the long-expected
one from Egypt.

"Here is something better than salts for you. A long letter, Josephine,
and all in his own hand; so he is safe, thank Heaven! I was beginning
to be uneasy again. You frightened me for that poor Camille: but this
is worth a dozen Camilles; this is my son; I would give my old life
for him."--"My dear Mother--('Bless him!'), my dear wife, and my dear
sister--('Well! you sit there like two rocks!')--We have just gained
a battle--fifty colors. ('What do you think of that?') All the enemy's
baggage and ammunition are in our hands. ('This is something like
a battle, this one.') Also the Pasha of Natolie. ('Ah! the Pasha of
Natolie; an important personage, no doubt, though I never had the honor
of hearing of him. Do you hear?--you on the sofa. My son has captured
the Pasha of Natolie. He is as brave as Caesar.') But this success is
not one of those that lead to important results ('Never mind, a victory
is a victory'), and I should not wonder if Bonaparte was to dash home
any day. If so, I shall go with him, and perhaps spend a whole day with
you, on my way to the Rhine."

At this prospect a ghastly look passed quick as lightning between Rose
and Josephine.

The baroness beckoned Josephine to come close to her, and read her what
followed in a lower tone of voice.

"Tell my wife I love her more and more every day. I don't expect as much
from her, but she will m