I was now, however, less anxious for the arrival of my successor, and hoped that my application might be overlooked by the Marquis, or rejected by Lavalette. So true it is, that we never know the events a day may bring forth!
My new wishes in the matter proved futile; for one morning I was awakened at daybreak, by my chamber-door being noisily opened, and the tall form of Dundrennan, in the cuirass and helmet of the Garde du Corps Ecossais, stood before me. The words of welcome I would have spoken, died away on my lips, unuttered; for I knew that his arrival announced an indefinite separation from Marie Louise.
'What,' said he, 'still a-bed, as if you were in Paris!'
'I have so little to care for here, at Lutzelstein.'
'How, so little say you, when your fair friend—a veritable princess—is here, and a widow too!'
I shrugged my shoulders.
'How French you have become,' said the jovial Viscount; 'but say, has not your suit prospered since the drowning of her juvenile spouse?'
'Hush!' said I; 'do not speak thus, for heaven's sake!'
'Devil take me, if I understand thee, Arthur Blane!' grumbled the Viscount, biting his dark moustache; 'but rouse thee, man, truss thy points, and let us to breakfast. I have had a long ride overnight from Seltz, which we captured at our swords' point three days ago. Old Patrick Gordon lost an ear by a pistol-shot, in the assault; but the cuirassiers expect you anon; for it seems that I am to be your successor, for a little time, in this detestable place. Ouf! But Madame la Duchesse d'Alsace—by Jove! it will be awkward for me to have such a charming prisoner in my care—one who is another's lady love, too!'
'Dundrennan, your gabble tortures me,' said I, springing from bed, and proceeding hurriedly to dress.