Mechanically he took the cigarette offered him. But it fell from his lips after the first few puffs. "Oh Lord, oh Lord!" he never ceased stammering. And his distress increased when he saw the twelve men waiting, with their rifles at rest. He wore the distraught look of the condemned man who beholds the outline of the guillotine in the pale light of the dawn. They had to carry him to the terrace, in front of a strip of broken wall. "Sit down, sir," said Bernard. Even without this invitation, the wretched man would have been incapable of standing on his feet. He sank upon a stone. The twelve soldiers took up their position facing him. He bent his head so as not to see; and his whole body jerked like that of a dancing doll when you pull its strings. A moment passed; and Bernard asked, in a kind and friendly tone: "Would you rather have it front or back?" The prince, utterly overwhelmed, did not reply; and Bernard exclaimed: "I'm afraid you're not very well, sir. Come, your royal highness must pull yourself together. You have lots of time. Lieutenant Delroze won't be here for another ten minutes. He was very keen on being present at this--how shall I put it?--at this little ceremony. And really he will be disappointed in your appearance. You're green in the face, sir." Still displaying the greatest interest and as though seeking to divert the prince's thoughts, he said: "What can I tell you, sir, by way of news? You know that your friend the Comtesse Hermine is dead, I suppose? Ha, ha, that makes you prick up your ears, I see! It's quite true: that good and great woman was executed the other day at Soissons. And, upon my word, she cut just as poor a figure as you are doing now, sir. They had to hold her up. And the way she yelled and screamed for mercy! There was no pose about her, no dignity. But I can see that your thoughts are straying. Bother! What can I do to cheer you up? Ah, I have an idea! . . ." He took a little paper-bound book from his pocket: