“I believe--at least so the story goes,” said D'Esmonde, dropping his voice to a whisper, “that the boy's arguments have scarcely assisted his object in that respect. They say that he told the Count that in times like these no man's fortune was worth a year's purchase; that when monarchs were tottering and thrones rocking, it were better to spend one's means freely than to tempt pillage by hoarding it.” “Are these his notions?” cried the Archduke, in amazement “Yes; the wildest doctrines of Socialism are his creed,--opinions, I grieve to say, more widely spread than any one supposes.” “How is this, then? I see the private regimental reports of every corps, I read the conduct-rolls of almost every company, and yet no hint of this disaffection has reached me. “A priest could reveal more than an adjutant, sir,” said the Abbé, smiling. “These youths who fancy themselves neglected,--who think their claims disregarded,--who, in a word, imagine that some small pretension, on the score of family, should be the spring of their promotion, are easily seduced into extravagant ideas about freedom and so forth.” “Austria is scarce the land for such fruit to ripen in,” said the Archduke, laughing. “Let him try France, or the United States.” “Very true, your Highness,” chimed in the Abbé; “but such boys ought to be watched,--their conduct inquired strictly into.” “Or better still, Monsieur l'Abbé,” said the Archduke, sternly, “dismissed the service. I see no profit in retaining amongst us the seeds of this French malady.” “I believe your Highness takes the true view of the difficulty,” said D'Esmonde, as though reflecting over it. “And yet you will be asked to make an officer of him in a day or two.” “An officer of this boy, and why, or by whom?” “The Princess, his sister, will make the request; probably through Von Auersberg.” “But when I tell the Feld--” “Ah, your Imperial Highness could not betray a confidence!” said D'Esmonde. “I have ventured to disclose to you what has come to my knowledge by means only accessible to myself; I therefore rely on your Highness not to divulge, however you may use it.” “He shall not continue to wear our cloth; that you may certainly rely on, Monsieur l'Abbé,” said the Archduke, sternly. “In any case, wait for his sister's departure, sir,” said D'Esmonde, anxiously; “a few days or hours. As soon as this silly old lady has made up that budget of gossip and scandal she fancies to be political news, we 'll see her leave this, and then he can be dealt with as you think proper.” The Archduke made no reply,--not seeming either to assent to or reject the counsel. “It would break the old Marshal's heart,” said he, at last; “that gallant old soldier would never survive it.” “A treason might, indeed, kill him,” said D'Esmonde. “But your Highness will anticipate exposure by dismissal--dismissal, peremptory and unexplained.”