He realized now that his courage before had been the courage of despair.

Lannes and he, as a last resort, had put faith in signs and omens, because there was nothing else to bear them up.
"Is it true?
Is it true beyond doubt! You've really seen it with your own eyes ?" he exclaimed.
Caumartin smiled again.

His were deep eyes, and the smile that came from them was reassuring.
"I saw it myself," he replied.

"At the point nearest Paris the gray masses are withdrawing.

I looked directly down upon them.