"Never! I must either believe you infallible, or hate you eternally.

It is I that was naughty; I always am; but you will forgive Queen Whims ?" "Who could help it ?" said the Major, in a sad, sweet tone.

"But here is the postman.

May I open my letters ?" "You may do as you like, now you have forgiven me.

Why, what is it, mon Saint Pere ?" A sudden shock of horror had passed over the Major's face, as he read his letter: but it had soon subsided into stately calm.
"A gallant officer, whom we and all the world knew well, is dead of cholera, at his post, where a man should die....