It began with a purchase, general, and ends with--with a bequest, which I might as well write now, and so have nothing to think of but duty afterwards.

Where can I write ?" "Colonel Dujardin will lend you his tent, I am sure." "Certainly." "And, messieurs," said Raynal, "if I waste time you need not.

You can pick me my men from your brigades.

Give me a strong spice of old hands." The colonels withdrew on this, and General Raimbaut walked sadly and thoughtfully towards the battery.

Dujardin and Raynal were left alone.
"This postpones our affair, sir." "Yes, Raynal." "Have you writing materials in your tent ?" "Yes; on the table." "You are quite sure the bastion is mined, comrade ?" This unexpected word and Raynal's gentle appeal touched Dujardin deeply.
It was in a broken voice he replied that he was unfortunately too sure of it.
Raynal received this reply as a sentence of death, and without another word walked slowly into Dujardin's tent.
Dujardin's generosity was up in arms; he followed Raynal, and said eagerly, "Raynal, for Heaven's sake resign this command!" "Allow me to write to my wife, colonel," was the cold reply.
Camille winced at this affront, and drew back a moment; but his nobler part prevailed.