“'An officer,'” continued the other, perfectly heedless of the interruption, “'into whose past services I would strenuously recommend some inquiry; since neither from the information which has reached me with regard to his habits, nor from the characters of his intimates, am I disposed to regard him as well affected to the Government, or in other respects trustworthy.' How do you do, Captain? Who is our young friend here?” continued he, with a smile and a bow towards us. “In what way am I to understand this, General? Is it meant for a piece of coarse pleasantry--” “For nothing of the kind, sir,” interrupted the other, sternly. “That you have been a witness to the words of a confidential communication is entirely attributable to yourself; and I have only to hope you will respect the confidence of which an accident has made you a participator. Meanwhile, I desire to be alone.” The manner in which these words were uttered was too decisive for hesitation, and the old man bowed submissively and withdrew. As I was about to follow him, the general called out,-- “Stay: a word with you. Are you the captain's protégé, boy?” I told him that our first meeting only dated a few moments back, and how it had occurred. “Then you are not of the 'Troupe'? You have never worn the uniform till this morning?” said he, somewhat severely. I bowed assent. He turned hastily about at the moment, and said something to his secretary in a low voice, of which I just could catch the concluding words, which were far from flattering to the corps in whose livery I was dressed. “Well, boy, go back and take off those clothes,” said he, sternly; “resume your trade or occupation, whatever it be, and leave politics and state affairs to those who can understand them. Tell your father--” “I have none, sir.” “Your mother, then, or your friends, I care not what they be. What letter is that you are crumpling in your fingers?” broke he in, suddenly. “To General Danitan, sir.” “Give it me,” said he, half snatching it from me. He tore it hastily open and read it, occasionally looking from the paper to myself, as he went on. He then leaned over the table where the secretary sat, and, showed him the letter. They conversed eagerly for some seconds together, and then the general said,-- “Your friends have recommended you for a post in the 'chancellerie militaire': is that your liking, lad?” “I should be proud to think myself capable of doing anything for my own support,” was my answer. “D'Artans, see to him; let him be enrolled as a supernumerary, and lodged with the others.--This gentleman will instruct you in your duty,” added he to me, while, with a slight nod towards the door, he motioned me to withdraw. I retired at once to the antechamber, where I sat down to think over my future prospects, and canvass in my mind my strange situation.