not betray
the trust reposed in him.

'Since you are so discreet,' said Emmelina, 'I am sure you must be
obliging. Do me the favour to deliver this note to the same servant from
whom you received the parcel; that will not bring your discretion, for
which I commend you, into question, and I shall be obliged by your
compliance.'

'If you only require me to give the note,' answered the porter, 'I will
do it willingly, and you may rely on my punctuality. You need not follow
me, for you will lose both your time and trouble....' At these words he
speedily departed with Emmelina's note.

Anxious to know the contents of the newly-arrived parcel, which appeared
much heavier than any hitherto, Gustavus was himself eager to open the
envelope, and found a handsome uniform for an artillery officer, with an
elegant sabre, to which was attached a green morocco portfolio that
contained this writing:

'My relation, the Minister at War, according to annual custom, on my
birthday presents me with an officer's commission, for those of my
family or friends who merit it. I beg you to accept it for your brother
as a due reward for his success at the Imperial Academy. If, as I doubt
not, he should signalize himself in his military career, and become a
hero, all I request of him is to follow your maxim: _The happiness of
sharing with others that which we possess enhances the value of its
enjoyment._'

To the above was added a lieutenant's commission of artillery, with
orders to join the appointed regiment in eight days. Gustavus conceived
it a dream, for that which he so ardently desired and least expected to
be provided by the generosity of a beautiful young stranger, whose
delicacy redoubled the value of the gift. 'And,' said he, 'shall I take
my departure without knowing, seeing, or thanking her?'

'There is a mode,' exclaimed Madame de Clinville, with her eyes beaming
with recollection and delight. 'We must introduce ourselves this day to
the Minister at War, and request an interview; we may then learn from
him to whom we are indebted for this happy event....'

'You are right,' replied Gustavus; 'let us go to him directly.' He
dressed himself in the regimentals, which to his great surprise exactly
fitted him. Emmelina and her mother dressed themselves elegantly, and in
an hour's time all three arrived at the Minister's house, who received
them with most polite affability, and, conceiving they were acquainted
with their young benefa