They have something very important to tell you." "Something very important!" repeated Marie, laying aside her work.

"Do you know what it is ?" "Nothing good, I fear," sighed the old woman.

"A soldier has been here from the war department and brought a letter for the general, and he told me that it was sent from the king's cabinet at Breslau." "Oh, Heaven! what does it mean ?" cried Marie, frightened, and springing up.

"Something is going to happen, I know.

I have noticed certain expressions which escaped my father; the proud, threatening manner of my mother; but above all the bold importunity of that man, whom I despise as one detests vice, stupidity, and ennui.