A secret sense that it was the last time we were to meet had gained entire possession of me, and I longed to speak a few words ere we parted forever.
I was leaning on a window which looked out upon the courtyard, when suddenly the tramp of horses attracted my attention, and I saw by the clear moonlight a group of mounted men, whose long cloaks and tall helmets announced dragoons, standing around the porch.

At the same moment the door of the _salon_ opened, and an officer in undress, splashed and travel-stained, entered.

Making his way rapidly through the crowd, he followed the servant, who introduced him towards the supper-room.

Thither the dense mass now pressed to learn the meaning of the singular apparition; while my own curiosity, not less excited, led me towards the door.

As I crossed the hall, however, my progress was interrupted by a group of persons, among whom I saw an aide-de-camp of Lord Wellington's staff, narrating, as it were, some piece of newly-arrived intelligence.