CHAPTER XIII.
THE MAN OF DREAMS When I had escorted my cousin Sibylle from the presence of the Emperor, I was surprised to find the same young hussar officer waiting outside who had commanded the guard which had brought me to the camp.
'Well, mademoiselle, what luck ?' he asked excitedly, clanking towards us.
For answer Sibylle shook her head.
'Ah, I feared as much, for the Emperor is a terrible man.

It was brave, indeed, of you to attempt it.

I had rather charge an unshaken square upon a spent horse than ask him for anything.

But my heart is heavy, mademoiselle, that you should have been unsuccessful.' His boyish blue eyes filled with tears and his fair moustache drooped in such a deplorable fashion, that I could have laughed had the matter been less serious.
'Lieutenant Gerard chanced to meet me, and escorted me through the camp,' said my cousin.

'He has been kind enough to give me sympathy in my trouble.' 'And so do I, Sibylle,' I cried; 'you carried yourself like an angel, and it is a lucky man who is blessed with your love.