His Majesty was pleased to say that girls' whims were matters to which it behoved not to pay any attention.

He said, however, that for the present he would allow it to remain in abeyance, and that he begged me to see Adele, and to urge upon her the necessity for making up her mind to accept his Majesty's choice.

He also said that the news from the army was bad, that good officers were urgently required there, and that it would be therefore advisable for me to repair at once to the front and again take the command of my regiment.

He said that he wished me to take you with me as far as Lille, and that you should there take up your residence." "Of course I will accompany you, sir," Rupert said; "but I will withdraw my parole as soon as you hand me over, and take my chance of escaping." "Yes, I should do that, Rupert, indeed, as you gave your parole to me, you can give it back to me now, if you choose.

I will run the risk of some little anger on the part of the king, if you quit me on your way to Lille and make the best of your way to the frontier." "No, I thank you," Rupert said.