l,
where he had danced with Henrietta. It was nearly a year ago, a few
weeks before the death of the Countess Ville-Handry. As he compared his
happiness in those days with his present desperate condition, he was
deeply moved; and his eyes were still brimful of tears when he reached
the navy department, towards ten o'clock in the morning.

The officer whom he called upon was an old captain, an excellent man,
who had practised the appearance of a grim, stern official so long, that
he had finally become in reality what he only wished to appear.

Seeing Daniel enter his office, he thought he came to inform him of his
promotion, and made a great effort to smile as he hailed him with the
words,--

"Well, Lieut. Champcey, we are satisfied, I hope?"

And, perceiving that Daniel did not wear the epaulets of his new rank,
he added,--

"But how is that, lieutenant? Perhaps you have not heard yet?"

"I beg your pardon, captain."

"Why on earth, then, have you no epaulets?"

And he began to frown terribly, considering that such carelessness
augured ill for the service. Daniel excused himself as well as he could,
which was very little, and then boldly approached the purpose of his
call.

"I have received an order for active service."

"I know,--on board 'The Conquest,' in the roadstead at Rochefort, for
Cochin China."

"I have to be at my post in four days."

"And you think the time too short? It is short. But impossible to grant
you ten minutes more."

"I do not ask for leave of absence, captain; I want the favor--to be
allowed to keep my place here."

The old officer could hardly keep his seat.

"You would prefer not going on board ship," he exclaimed, "the very day
after your promotion? Ah, come, you are mad!"

Daniel shook his head sadly.

"Believe me, captain," he replied, "I obey the most imperative duty."

Leaning back in his chair, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, the captain
seemed to look for such a duty; then he asked suddenly,--

"Is it your family that keeps you?"

"If my place can really not be filled by one of my comrades, I shall be
compelled to send in my resignation."

The old sailor bounded as he heard that word, and said furiously,--

"I told you you were a fool!"

In spite of his determination, Daniel was too much troubled not to
commit a blunder. He insisted,--

"It is a matter of life and death with me, captain. And if you only knew
my reasons; if I could tell them"--

"Reasons w