She was distressed beyond measure, and exclaimed, "I had better go forever, for St. Louis will kill me!" I endeavoured to console her, though I felt that her apprehensions were not groundless. She passed the night in agony, and awaited the return of her husband in the most painful agitation. At ten the next morning he arrived, having left his post without orders, and thus exposed himself to all the rigours of a court-martial. He was trembling with rage, transported with fury, and had more the air of a demon than a man. I know your conduct madam, he cried, on entering, you left the house contrary to my desire; but I shall find means of punishing you, and of covering with shame the monster who has sought to destroy me! He seized her by the arm, and dragging her into a little dressing-room at the end of the gallery, locked her in, and, taking the key in his pocket, went to the government house, and without waiting till the officers in the antichamber announced him, entered the room where the general was alone, reclining on a sofa, who arose, and approaching him familiarly said, "St. Louis, I am glad to see you, and was just thinking of you; but did not know that you had been relieved." I have not been relieved, replied St. Louis, but have left a post where I was most unjustly placed and kept all night, to give you an opportunity of accomplishing your infernal designs. You expected, no doubt, that I would have shared the fate of my brave companions, which I have escaped, and am here to tell you what every body believes but which no body dares utter, that you are a villain!--I know to what I am exposed in consequence of leaving my post. You are my superior, it is true; but if you are not a coward you will wave all distinction, and give me the satisfaction due to a gentleman you have injured. He then walked hastily away, before the general could recover from his surprise. The officer, who had accompanied us the night before, followed and attempted to soothe him. He said that he had been sent by the general to take Clara to his house because the part of the town in which she lived was absolutely unsafe, and that he had used a little stratagem to induce her to come, but that she had absolutely refused staying;--that Mademoiselle, (meaning my ladyship) had gone with her, and that he had not left her till he had conducted her home. This a little softened the rage of St. Louis! He has a good opinion of this young man, who by the bye, is a charming creature. They entered the house together. I was alone, and joined my assurances to those of the officer, that we had not quitted Clara an instant. He was now sorry for having treated her so harshly; but did not regret the scene that had passed at the general's. At this moment a soldier entered, who told him that they had been relieved directly after he had left them, and that no notice had been taken of his departure.