"Of course not, madam," said I, in an accent of almost sarcastic tone. "If I am not wrong in my impressions the cause might claim a deeper devotion; but this is a theme I would not wish to enter upon." "We are aware of that," said Laura, quickly, "we are quite prepared for your reserve, which is perfectly proper and becoming." "Your position being one of unusual delicacy," chimed in the marquise. I bowed haughtily and coldly, while the marquise uttered a thousand expressions of gratitude and regard to me. "We had hoped to have seen you here a few days longer, monsieur," said she, "but perhaps, under the circumstances, it is better as it is." "_Under the circumstances_, madam," repeated I, "I am bound to agree with you;" and I turned to say farewell. "Rather _au revoir_, Monsieur de Tiernay," said the marquise, "friendship, such as ours, should at least be hopeful; say then '_au revoir_.'" "Perhaps Monsieur de Tiernay's hopes run not in the same channel as our own, aunt," said Laura, "and perhaps the days of happiness that _we_ look forward to, would bring far different feelings to _his_ heart." This was too pointed--this was insupportably offensive! and I was only able to mutter, "You are right, mademoiselle;" and then, addressing myself to the marquise, I made some blundering apologies about haste and so forth; while I promised to fulfill her commission faithfully and promptly. "Shall we not hear from you?" said the old lady, as she gave me her hand. I was about to say, "under the circumstances, better not," but I hesitated, and Laura, seeing my confusion, said, "It might be unfair, aunt, to expect it; remember how he is placed." "Mademoiselle is a miracle of forethought and candor too," said I. "Adieu! adieu forever!" The last word I uttered in a low whisper. "Adieu, Maurice," said she, equally low, and then turned away toward the window. From that moment until the instant when, out of breath and exhausted, I halted for a few seconds on the crag below the fortress, I knew nothing; my brain was in a whirl of mad, conflicting thought. Every passion was working within me, and rage, jealousy, love, and revenge were alternately swaying and controlling me. Then, however, as I looked down for the last time on the village and the cottage beside the river, my heart softened, and I burst into a torrent of tears. There, said I, as I arose to resume my way, there is one illusion dissipated; let me take care that life never shall renew the affliction! Henceforth I will be a soldier, and only a soldier. (TO BE CONTINUED.) THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A SENSITIVE SPIRIT.