But I swear that I would not leave you if I could possibly avoid it." In saying these words his voice betrayed an emotion of which, judging from its usual harsh, metallic ring, it had seemed incapable.

Roland, on the contrary, seemed overjoyed.

His belligerent nature seemed to expand at the approach of a danger to which he had perhaps not given rise, but which he at least had not endeavored to avoid.
"Good! general," he said.

"We were to part at Lyons, since you have had the kindness to grant me a month's furlough to visit my family at Bourg.
It is merely some hundred and sixty miles or so less than we intended, that is all.

I shall rejoin you in Paris.