It seems to me that I am in a lucky vein to-day, and I feel as if you were both a little inclined to be my friends, and that you will be so entirely some day.

Well, tell me if I am right in supposing that should false and absurd stories be told about me you will help me to contradict them." "Yes!" replied Jean, "you are right in believing that." "Well, then, it is to you that I address myself.

You are a soldier, and courage is part of your profession.

Promise me to be brave.

Will you promise me ?" "What do you understand by being brave ?" "Promise, promise--without explanations, without conditions." "Well, I promise." "You will then reply frankly, 'Yes' or 'No,' to questions ?" "I will." "Did they say that I had begged in the streets of New York ?" "Yes, they said so." "Did they say I had been a rider in a travelling circus ?" "Yes; they said that, too." "Very well; that is plain speaking.