something in my stare suggested it, she blushed till her
cheek grew crimson.
"Poor Charles was so fond of him!" whispered she in Berthier's ear; and,
as she spoke, the expression of her face at once recalled where I had seen
her, and I now perceived that she was the same person I had seen at table
with Colonel Mahon, and whom I believed to be his wife.
A low whispering conversation now ensued between the general and her, at
the close of which, he turned to me and said,
"Madame Merlancourt has deigned to take an interest in you--you are
pardoned. Remember, sir, to whom you owe your life, and be grateful to her
for it."
I took the hand she extended toward me, and pressed it to my lips.
"Madame," said I, "there is but one favor more I would ask in this world,
and with it I could think myself happy."
"But can I grant it, mon cher," said she, smiling.
"If I am to judge from the influence I have seen you wield, madame, here
and elsewhere, this petition will easily be accorded."
A slight flush colored the lady's cheek, while that of the general became
dyed red with anger. I saw that I had committed some terrible blunder, but
how, or in what, I knew not.
"Well, sir," said Madame Merlancourt, addressing me with a stately
coldness of manner very different from her former tone, "Let us hear what
you ask, for we are already taking up a vast deal of time that our host
would prefer devoting to his friends, what is it you wish?"
"My discharge from a service, madame, where zeal and enthusiasm are
rewarded with infamy and disgrace; my freedom to be any thing but a French
soldier."
"You are resolved, sir, that I am not to be proud of my protege," said
she, haughtily; "what words are these to speak in presence of a general
and his officers?"
"I am bold, madame, as you say, but I am wronged."
"How so, sir--in what have you been injured?" cried the general, hastily,
"except in the excessive condescension which has stimulated your
presumption. But we are really too indulgent in this long parley. Madame,
permit me to offer you some coffee under the trees. Contardo, tell the
band to follow us. Gentlemen, we expect the pleasure of your society."
And so saying, Berthier presented his arm to the lady, who swept proudly
past without deigning to notice me. In a few minutes the tent was cleared
of all, except the servants occupied in removing the remains of the
dessert, and I fell back unremarked and unobserved, to tak
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