was always dressed to perfection; his bow--that is
to say, when he was off duty--might have gained a smile of approval at
the king's levee or at one of the Pompadour's receptions; his hands
would scarce have disgraced a lady; and the perfumes and cosmetics he
used were as choice as they were multifarious. But then the same
perfection was observable in his uniform and accoutrements, and the
most exacting martinet would have sought in vain to find a fault in
aught that pertained to his military duties. At the close of a long
day's march under the burning sun that had knocked up many an old
soldier, the young marquis seemed quite cool and ready for any fresh
duty, whilst his imperturbable _nonchalance_, even when leading on his
men to the assault, had called forth an exclamation of surprise from
Montcalm himself, who was not slow to recognise true courage whenever
he met with it.

So, after liberally rewarding the soldiers who had helped him in his
sorrowful task, and with a sigh of commiseration for the desolate but
unknown Marguerite, the young soldier betook himself to his quarters to
attend to his toilet and get rid, as far as might be, of the
distasteful and offensive traces of the day's fight. He had just
completed that agreeable task, very much to his own satisfaction at all
events, when the orderly who had previously called M. de Valricour
away, once more made his appearance and informed Isidore that the
Marquis de Montcalm desired his attendance at head-quarters.

[Illustration: Tailpiece to Chapter I]

[Illustration: Headpiece to Chapter II]

CHAPTER II.

Notably short in stature and of slight figure, Montcalm had by nature
an air and manner which at once powerfully impressed those who came
across him, and the rapidity with which he habitually spoke tended
rather to enhance the impression. He was endowed with a singular
quickness of perception, an unusually retentive memory both for things
and persons, and an unfailing judgment in the selection of the right
man. These qualities, joined to an unvarying uprightness and a bravery
of the most chivalrous character, not only won for him the esteem and
affection of all who served under him, but stamped him unmistakably as
one of those born to command.

When Isidore entered the shot-riddled building in which the marshal had
taken up his quarters, he found him in conversation with Monsieur de
Valricour. The young soldier accordingly saluted, and