windows the exquisitely
beautiful spectacle afforded by a clear moonrise, when we observed some
moving objects among the deep shadows cast by the trees of the distant
avenue, and, once or twice, the cold gleam of steel where the mellow
rays of the moon penetrated through the overarching branches. Presently
a small group of figures emerged from the shadows of the trees and
approached along the central drive which led up to the broad expanse of
flower-beds beyond the terrace. As they came nearer, we perceived that
they consisted of an officer in the uniform of one of the French
regiments of foot, a couple of files of men, and a bugler.

"Come," said the count to me, as soon as we had clearly made out the
character of our visitors, "let us go down and see what this gentleman
has to say."

We made our way down the staircase--passing through openings which had
been purposely left in the barricades, but which could be effectually
closed in less than a minute--and accompanied by half-a-dozen of the
most resolute and trusty of the count's people, armed with musket and
dagger, emerged through the great door upon the terrace, the steps
leading to which the Frenchmen were just ascending. They were allowed
to fairly reach the terrace, a distance of some thirty yards or so then
intervening between us and them, when the count stepped forward, and,
raising his hand, cried in French, in an authoritative voice,--

"Halt! I allow no body of armed men to approach my chateau any nearer
than the spot where you now stand, without my first receiving an
explanation of the reason for their presence. The officer in command
may, however, come forward and state his business; but I warn you that,
if the rest attempt to approach, my men will at once fire upon you."

The Frenchmen halted, and the officer, after apparently giving his men
some brief instructions in a low tone of voice, advanced towards us,
raising his shako as he joined us, and saying,--

"Have I the honour to address Count Lorenzo di Paoli?"

"I am the individual whom you name," replied the count. "To what
circumstance am I indebted for the honour of this somewhat extraordinary
visit?"

"I am instructed by General Lefevre, the officer in command of the
forces now stationed at Ajaccio, to request your immediate attendance
before him in reference to a matter closely affecting your own honour,"
replied the Frenchman.

"As I have not the advantage of General Lefevre's acqua