now, I warrant, asking every
one who can know anything about the matter, whether a certain lady is
still true to a certain gentleman!

First Officer. Success to him! and of that success there can be no
doubt. The gallant Colonel Morier, the hero of Lodi, might make his
choice out of the proudest families in France.

Damas. Oh, if pride be a recommendation, the lady and her mother are
most handsomely endowed. By the way, captain, if you should chance to
meet with Morier, tell him he will find me at the hotel.

First Officer. I will, general. [Exit.

Damas. Now will I go to the Deschappelles, and make a report to my young
Colonel. Ha! by Mars, Bacchus, Apollo, Virorum,--here comes Monsieur
Beauseant!

Enter BEAUSEANT.

Good morrow, Monsieur Beauseant! How fares it with you?

Beau. [aside.] Damas! that is unfortunate;--if the Italian campaign
should have filled his pockets, he may seek to baffle me in the moment
of my victory. [Aloud]. Your servant, general,--for such, I think, is
your new distinction! Just arrived in Lyons?

Damas. Not an hour ago. Well, how go on the Deschappelles? Have they
forgiven you in that affair of young Melnotte? You had some hand in that
notable device,--eh?

Beau. Why, less than you think for! The fellow imposed upon me. I have
set it all right now. What has become of him? He could not have joined
the army, after all. There is no such name in the books.

Damas. I know nothing about Melnotte. As you say, I never heard the name
in the Grand Army.

Beau. Hem!--You are not married, general?

Damas. Do I look like a married man, sir?--No, thank Heaven! My
profession is to make widows, not wives.

Beau. You must have gained much booty in Italy! Pauline will be your
heiress--eh?

Damas. Booty! Not I! Heiress to what? Two trunks and a portmanteau,--
four horses,--three swords, two suits of regimentals, and six pair of
white leather inexpressibles! A pretty fortune for a young lady!

Beau. [aside.] Then all is safe! [Aloud]. Ha! ha! Is that really all
your capital, General Damas? Why, I thought Italy had been a second
Mexico to you soldiers.

Damas. All a toss-up, sir. I was not one of the lucky ones! My friend
Morier, indeed, saved something handsome. But our commander-in-chief
took care of him, and Morier is a thrifty, economical dog,--not like the
rest of us soldiers, who spend our money as carelessly as if it were our
blood.

Beau. Well, it is no matter! I do not want fortune