“Would that I had! Would that I could give whatever years I may have before me, for those whose every day shall live in history!” “You are right, young man,” said the old colonel; “they were glorious times, and a worthy prelude to the greatness that followed them.” “A bright promise of the future,--never to come,” rejoined the younger, with a flash of anger on his cheek. “_Parbleu_, sir, you speak boldly!” said a harsh, low voice from behind. We turned: it was Napoleon, dressed in a gray coat, all covered with fur, and looking like one of the couriers of the army. “I did not know my measures were so freely canvassed as I find them. Who are you, sir?” “Legrange, Sire, chef d'escadron of the Second Voltigeurs,” said the young man, trembling from head to foot while he uncovered his head, and stood, cap in hand, before him. “Since when, sir, have I called you into my counsels and asked your advice? or what is it in your position which entitles you to question one in mine? Duroc, come here. Your sword, sir!” The young man let fall his shako from his hand, and laid it on his sword-hilt. “Ah!” cried the Emperor, suddenly; “what became of your right arm?” “I left it at Aboukir, Sire.” Napoleon muttered something between his teeth; then added, aloud,-- “Come, sir, you are not the first whose hand has saved his head. Return to your duty, and, mark me! be satisfied with doing yours, and leave me to mine. And you, sir,” said he, turning towards me, and using the same harsh tone of voice, “I should know your face.” “Lieutenant Burke, of the Eighth Hussars.” “Ah! I remember,--the Chouanist. So, sir, it seems that I stand somewhat higher in your esteem than when you kept company with Messieurs Georges and Pichegru, eh?” “No, Sire; your Majesty ever occupied the first place in my admiration and devotion.” “_Sacristi!_ then you took a strange way to show it when first I had the pleasure of your acquaintance. You are on General St. Hilaire's staff?” “General d'Auvergne's, Sire.” “True. D'Auvergne, a word with you.” He turned and whispered something to the old general, who during the whole colloquy stood at his back, anxious but not daring to interpose a word. “Well, well,” said Napoleon, in a voice of much kinder accent, “I am satisfied. Your general, sir, reports favorably of your zeal and capacity. I do not desire to let your former conduct prove any bar to your advancement; and on his recommendation, of which I trust you may prove yourself worthy, I name you to a troop in your own regiment.” “And still to serve on my staff?” said the general, half questioning the Emperor. “As you wish it, D'Auvergne.” With that he moved forward ere I could do more than express my gratitude by a respectful bow. “I told you, Burke, the time would come for this,” said D'Auvergne, as he pressed my hand warmly, and followed the cortege of the Emperor.