“If an attempt were made on N.’s life—I
should say Sebastian. If Prussia were to play
us false suddenly, and cut us off from France—
I should say nothing else than Sebastian. He
is more dangerous than a fanatic; for he is too clever
to be one.”
The writer shivered and laughed in sheer amusement
at his own misery as he drew on his wet clothes.
The shoemaker was already astir, and presently knocked
at his door.
“Yes, yes,” the soldier cried, “I
am astir.”
And as his host rattled the door he opened it.
He had unrolled his long cavalry cloak, and wore
it over his wet clothes.
“You never told me your name,” said the
shoemaker. A suspicious man is always more suspicious
at the beginning of the day.
“My name,” answered the other carelessly.
“Oh! my name is Max Brunner.”
Celui qui souffle le feu s’expose a etre
brule par les etincelles.
It was said that Colonel de Casimir—that
guest whose presence and uniform lent an air of distinction
to the quiet wedding in the Frauengasse—was
a Pole from Cracow. Men also whispered that he
was in the confidence of the Emperor. But this
must only have been a manner of speaking. For
no man was ever admitted fully into the thoughts of
that superhuman mind.
De Casimir was left behind in Dantzig when the army
moved forward.
“There will be a great battle,” he said,
“somewhere near Vilna—and I shall
miss it.”
Indeed, every man was striving to get to the front.
He who, himself, had given a new meaning to human
ambition seemed able to inspire not only Frenchmen
but soldiers of every nationality with fire from his
own consuming flame.
“Yes! madame,” said de Casimir; for it
was to Desiree that he spoke, “and your husband
is more fortunate than I. He is sure of a staff appointment.
He will be among the first. It will soon be
over. To-morrow war is to be declared.”
They were in the street—not far from the
Frauengasse, whence Desiree, always practical, was
hurrying towards the market-place. De Casimir
had seemed idle until he perceived her.
Desiree made a little movement of horror at the announcement.
She did not know that the fighting had already begun.
“Ah!” cried de Casimir with a reassuring
smile. “You must be of good cheer.
There will be no war at all. I tell you that
in confidence. Russia will be paralyzed.
I was going towards the Frauengasse when I perceived
you; to pay my respects to your father, to say a word
to you. Come—you are smiling again.
That is right. You were so grave, madame, as
you hurried along with your eyes looking far away.
You must not think of Charles, if the thoughts make
you look as you looked then.”
