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"If the winter lasts much longer," said Roger Braund, one night when we had all met at my aunt's house, "there will be no army left." "A little more patience," my father exclaimed smilingly; "once the campaign begins you will have no cause to complain of inaction!" "Faith," laughed Felix, "if he rides with the Admiral, he will be regretting sometimes having left the comforts of Rochelle."
"Yes, he was with me at the beginning of the last battle, but I have not seen him since. He may have escaped though, for all that; numbers besides ourselves got away. Bellièvre is safe, and so is Roger Braund. They have acted like heroes!" "I saw them both," said Jeanne, blushing prettily; "Monsieur Braund has been wounded." "Yes," I replied laughing, "he will need a skilful nurse.
"She looked paler, I thought," I replied, as we turned into the courtyard; "but now the war is over we shall have a chance to cheer her a little." "Did she see Roger Braund, do you think?" "It is likely enough," I laughed; "he is a fair size, and sits up well in the saddle," a harmless pleasantry which, to judge by his peevish exclamation, Felix did not appreciate.
I said nothing to him that day of the prince's gracious gift he had already had as much excitement as he could bear but Jacques, of course, had heard of it, and the trusty fellow showed as much pride as if he himself had received a patent of nobility. Roger Braund, too, came to congratulate me, and his pleasure was so genuine that it made mine the greater.
They were mostly young, of good birth and family, very gallant fellows, and as eager to fight as the most headstrong of us. With one of them Roger Braund, a lad about the same age as Felix we soon became very friendly. He was fair and handsome, with sparkling blue eyes and shapely features. He was tall and well made, a skilful horseman, and an astonishing master of fence.
Good-night, gentlemen; our plans are progressing favourably, and I hope soon to have good news for you all." I went to bed early that night, for Felix, unlike his usual bright self, was very gloomy and morose. I fancy he was not well pleased with the coming of Roger Braund, and still less so with his ready offer to escort Jeanne to Rochelle. "What is the fellow doing here at all?" he asked.
They hammered us in front, in the rear, on both flanks; we fell apart into groups, each group fighting strenuously for dear life. And in the midst of the fearful struggle there rose the ominous cry, "The Prince is down!" For an instant both sides stood still, and then Roger Braund, crying, "To the rescue!" leaped straight at those in front of him.
So much depends on one's point of view!" "Edmond! Felix! Why do you look so astonished? Do you fancy I am a spirit? Feel my hand; that is substantial enough, is it not?" and Roger Braund laughed heartily as he crossed the lobby of the Admiral's house toward us. "You in Paris!" I exclaimed, after we had exchanged greetings, "when did you arrive? How long have you been here?"
Besides, I could not help reflecting that it was to the Admiral's influence I looked for the recovery of my father's estates. The evening before leaving La Rochelle I went to take farewell of my sister. "If Roger Braund should return during our absence," I said, "you can tell him we have gone to Blois and perhaps to Paris.
In the midst of the talk I slipped out, eager to assure Felix of my safety, and to learn if Roger Braund had returned. No one in the camp thought of sleep or rest; the soldiers had gathered together in knots, asking and answering questions, while from time to time a single horseman, or half a dozen in a body, trailed wearily into the lines.
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