"May I ask but a certificate of having served, with honour in the company?" he gasped.
"It is due solely to those whose original right to have entered the corps is without dispute."
"Alas! all who have known me in my former state will ask why I have ceased to retain it." Pallor and despair seemed to have transformed him.
"Were I not a soldier," sighed Collinot, making a great effort to repress his own feelings, "I should under these painful circumstances most gladly write you a certificate. Remember me ever as one who would have liked to be your friend."
"Oh, sir, you have been too kind to me," Lecour cried, in a voice of agony, his eyes running tears; and grasping the hand of the Adjutant, he wrung it affectionately, and could speak no further. Sobering himself and turning quickly, he made his exit. Many curious eyes furtively followed him and guessed the secret as he strode along to his apartment.
Grancey came to him in a few moments, furious.
"The whole company holds there was never such a conspiracy—what can we do?"
"Nothing—nothing—nothing."
[CHAPTER XXXI]
ONE DEFENDER