lary tastes are like to
cost you dearly, my lad; it had been better for you if writing had been
omitted in your education. Reconduct the others, sergeant, they are
respited; this fellow alone is to undergo his sentence."

The other two prisoners gave a short and simultaneous cry of joy as they
fell back, and I stood alone in front of the escort.

"Parbleu! he has forgotten the signature," said the adjutant, casting his
eye over the paper: "he was chattering and laughing all the time, with the
pen in his hand, and I suppose fancied that he had signed it."

"Nathalie was there, perhaps," said the aid-de-camp, significantly.

"She was, and I never saw her looking better. It's something like eight
years since I saw her last; and I vow she seems not only handsomer, but
fresher and more youthful to-day than then."

"Where is she going; have you heard?"

"Who can tell? Her passport is like a firman; she may travel where she
pleases. The rumor of the day says Italy."

"I thought she looked provoked at Moreau's absence; it seemed like want of
attention on his part, a lack of courtesy she's not used to."

"Very true; and her reception of Berthier was any thing but gracious,
although he certainly displayed all his civilities in her behalf."

"Strange days we live in!" sighed the other, "when a man's promotion hangs
upon the favorable word of a--"

"Hush! take care! be cautious!" whispered the other. "Let us not forget
this poor fellow's business. How are you to settle it? Is the signature of
any consequence? The whole sentence all is right and regular."

"I shouldn't like to omit the signature," said the other, cautiously; "it
looks like carelessness, and might involve us in trouble hereafter."

"Then we must wait some time, for I see they are gone to dinner."

"So I perceive," replied the former, as he lighted his cigar, and seated
himself on a bank. "You may let the prisoner sit down, sergeant, and leave
his hands free; he looks wearied and exhausted."

I was too weak to speak, but I looked my gratitude; and sitting down upon
the grass, covered my face, and wept heartily.

Although quite close to where the officers sat together chatting and
jesting, I heard little or nothing of what they said. Already the things
of life had ceased to have any hold upon me; and I could have heard of the
greatest victory, or listened to a story of the most fatal defeat, without
the slightest interest or emotion. An occasional word o