Moscow: A Story of the French Invasion of 1812

of whom Paris talked, though she felt that the exhibition of their skill would probably displease her. In this respect she soon found

held his own, certainly, but was obliged to put forth more effort into his work than he had expected to be called upon to display. At the call of time he was

dge of the arena. Louise displayed no shyness; indeed she plied Vera with questions some of which Vera found rather embarrassing. Many of them referred to the Baron, whose name Loui

have the entrée there! Mademoiselle was doubtless fiancée? Vera admitted, laughing

o cousins, as all the world knows, are not to be accounted as serious contracts; they are made for the convenience of both, but are not intended to be regarded s

on is not of the kind to take the trouble to

presently she began to speak of the fencing, no longer interested-as it

he woman remaining in her composition. She watched Louise somewhat carefully after this, anxious to learn more as to her interest in Henri's affairs, when it w

!" thought Vera. "H

t an opportunity to

my heart. He is the same to all women, implying much but meaning nothing. He is par excellence a soldier. Women are-for

se unexpectedly; "yet I believe that it comes to ea

it to us a second time his wonderful skill with the foils; you will find Louise a fair expon

ust be skilful indeed. I offer you my compliments upon your daug

d Pierre; "but there-it is not their fault-I have bew

ly he grew a little angry. When Paul reached this stage, in a fencing bout, he generally became invincible; and during the latter portion of the set-to his score rapidly improved.

er that I thought impossible of any swordsman in Paris. If Mademoiselle is not tired, I should be grateful to try conclusio

it is a trick of my invention, Monsieur; twice I observed she scored by it! yes, it is subtle, Monsieur, and found by my daught

hed by Mademoiselle," Paul laughed good-naturedly. "I will consi

h girls; how his daughters had, however, done their very best to atone for the "mischance" by growing up-as he had thought-superior to the weaknesses of th

swordswoman, so great a help and comfort to me, and pouff! she is ma

d not hel

he said, doing her best to

n and she will follow her example; it is inf

ained uncertain, for at this moment

on papers are out. Young Havet had better be quick and get his wedding ove

ne, Monsieur le Baron, so false has become her estimate of the proportions that she would rather marry this young man than see him enrolled among the heroes of his country. Surely the object of love is the happiness and

f the blow. That his daughters were women, was bad enough. That they s

ry simplest solution of the difficulty. Let Mademoiselle Marie enlist also, thus no hearts shall be broken, and the Emperor gains

a good soldier; it is but three years, Monsieur, since my daughters exchanged the conveni

uld not have presumed, Monsieur, to make the sugges

ly she would pass as well for a man as the majority of the silly, half-grown youths that the conscription will catch. Splendeur des Cieux, Monsieur, it is a good

redoubtable De Tourelle. Try again your feint flanconnade Dupré, Mademoiselle Louise; only be prepared this time for a subtle ri

spoken to by the Baron, a circumstance

ushed now and excited with the prospect of a second exhibition of his daughter's splendid skill. "Tho

for victory and was, indeed, never more than a point or two behind, De Tourelle was a trifle the

rting with Henri d'Estreville; "the more I think of it the more I perceive th

well as the comfort of a daughter's presence," said Henri, somewha

r the while. Louise and the other younker will suffice for all the pupils we shall g

n Moscow." Henri departed, laughing merrily. Louise had turned away with her flushed face a shade or two the paler for Henri's last