then another and a third from the field-pieces, followed by thudding reports, there being no high ground nor precipitous bank nor water in the neighborhood to reflect the sound, and make it emulate Jove’s thunder. At this, they struck across the fields, and forming behind the guns, lay down flat on their faces, where they were soon hid from our view by the wreaths of white smoke, as the sluggish morning breeze rolled it down the hill-side towards us. “What the deuce can all this mean--is it a review?” said I, in my innocence. “A reconnoissance in force,” groaned my friend. “The Allied troops must be at hand--now, God help us!” The women, like frightened hares, paused to look up in their brother’s face, as he kept his eye steadily turned towards the ridge of the hill, and, when he involuntarily wrung his hands, they gave a loud scream, a fearful concerto, and ran off into the house. The breeze at this moment “aside the shroud of battle cast” and we heard a faint bugle-call, like an echo, wail in the distance, from beyond the hill. It was instantly answered by the loud, startling blare of a dozen of the light infantry bugles above us on the hill-side, and we could see them suddenly start from their lair, and form; while between us and the clearing morning sky, the cavalry, magnified into giants in the strong relief on the outline of the hill, were driven in straggling patrols, like chaff, over the summit--their sabres sparkling in the level sunbeams, and the reports of the red flashes of their pistols crackling down upon us. “They are driven in on the infantry,” said Mr ---- He was right but the light battalion immediately charged over the hill, with a loud hurrah, after admitting the beaten horse through their intervals, who, however, to give the devils their due, formed again in a instant, under the shelter of the high ground. The artillery again opened their fire the cavalry once more advanced, and presently we could see nothing but the field-pieces, with their three separate groups of soldiers standing quietly by them,--a sure proof that the enemy’s pickets were now out of cannon-shot, and had been driven back on the main body, and that the reconnoissance was still advancing. What will not an habitual exposure to danger do, even with tender women? “The French have advanced, so let us have our breakfast, Julia, my dear,” said Mr----as we entered the house. “The Allied Forces would have been welcome, however; and surely, if they do come, they will respect our sufferings and helplessness.” The eldest sister, to whom he spoke, shook her head mournfully; but, nevertheless, betook herself to her task of making coffee. “What rumbling and rattling is that?” said to an old servant who had just entered the room. “Two wagons with wounded men, sir, have passed onwards towards the town.” “Ah!” said mine host, in great bitterness of spirit.