"Rue Desaix, yes, mon général," answered Eugène. Then, turning again to the girl, "Surely you must consent, mademoiselle. It is the simplest way. And this afternoon, if you will permit me"—
"Yes," put in the General, "and this afternoon Victor can leave your horse at the caserne as he is coming to take Le Cid.
"Eh, dis-donc, Natalie," he added, fretfully, observing that the girl still hesitated. "Don't make difficulties, my dear. There is breakfast—yes, breakfast to be considered, and it is one, and past. Since the lieutenant is so kind"—
"Since the lieutenant is so kind," said his daughter with a smile, "eh bien, I accept."
It was the work of a moment for Eugène to shift the side-saddle from Le Cid to Vivandière. The general had already mounted, and was gazing off toward the porte Dauphine, with his nose in the air, as if he scented breakfast from afar.
"She is very beautiful, monsieur, your Vivandière, and you are very good," said Mademoiselle Tournadour, as the chasseur tightened the girth, after her boot had touched his hand, and she was in the saddle.
"She is very fortunate, mademoiselle," answered Eugène, curiously embarrassed for one so skilled in compliment. "If she wins, I shall feel that she owes the race to this good omen."
"The race?" said the girl.
"The Officers' Steeple Chase at Auteuil, on Sunday."
"You ride her yourself?"