"Something startling, M. Olivier?"
"Yes, something monstrous—unheard-of—impossible!"
"Monstrous—unheard-of—" repeated Madame Barbançon, wonderingly, as she watched the young soldier dash off in pursuit of his uncle.
"How are you, my lad? I didn't expect you so early," said the old captain, holding out his hand to his nephew in pleased surprise. "Home so soon! But so much the better!"
"So much the better!" retorted Olivier, gaily. "On the contrary, you little know what is in store for you. Courage, uncle, courage!"
"Stop your nonsense, you young scoundrel!"
"Close your eyes, and now, 'forward march!'"
"Forward march? Against whom?"
"Against Mother Barbançon, my brave uncle."
"But why?"