CHAPTER II.
TWO FAST FRIENDS.
George-Rene de Lucan was an intimate friend of the Count Pierre de Moras, Clotilde's cousin.

They had been companions in boyhood, in youth, in travels, and even in battle; for, chance having led them to the United States at the outbreak of the war of the rebellion, they had deemed it a favorable opportunity to receive the baptism of fire.

Their friendship had become still more sternly tempered in the midst of these dangers of warfare sustained fraternally far from their own country.

That friendship had had, moreover, for a long time, a character of rare confidence, delicacy, and strength.

They entertained the highest esteem for each other, and their mutual confidence was not misplaced.