‘Who can tell? Her passport is like a firman—she may travel where she pleases. The rumour 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 anything 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 favourable 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 is all 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 or a name would strike upon my ear, but leave no impression nor any memory behind it.