How small had been her tribulation beside his! And it was all over for him now—wages taken, account sealed up for judgment, parole ended, and no heir to trouble over him or his good name.
Next morning she rode into Axcester, as well to do some light shopping as because it seemed an age since her last visit, which, to be sure, was absurd, and she knew it. Happening to meet General Rochambeau, she drew rein and very gently offered her condolence on the loss of his old friend.
The General pressed her hand gratefully.
"Ah, never pity him, Mademoiselle. He carries a good pass for the
Elysian Fields."
"And that is—?"
"The Emperor's tabatière: and, my faith! Miss Dorothea, there will be sneezings in certain quarters when he opens it there.
"Il a du bon tabac
Dans sa tabatière
"has the Admiral. He had for you (if I may say it) a quite extraordinary respect and affection. The saints rest his brave soul!"
The General lifted his tricorne. He never understood the tide of red which surged over Dorothea's face; but she conquered it, and went on to surprise him further:
"I heard of this only last night. We have been visiting Dartmoor, my brother and I, with a release for—for that M. Raoul."