As loyal subjects of, the King the word is banished--like the man." "I am but new to France, Monsieur le Marquis, and have not yet learned to avoid the ancient habit." "And yet you are a Frenchman," commented the Marquis dryly.

"You said you came from Aumenier.

I did not catch your name, sir ?" "Marteau, at your service." "One of the loyal Marteaux ?" "The last one, sir." "And pray why are you new to France ?" "I have but two months since been released from an Austrian prison and an Austrian hospital." "I made inquiry," said the Countess suddenly, the tones of her voice bespeaking her deep agitation, "I caused the records to be searched.
They said you were dead, that you had been killed at the bridge of Arcis with the rest of your regiment." "I was unfortunate enough to survive my comrades as you see, mademoiselle," said Marteau.
"And I thank God for that," said the Countess Laure.

"I have never forgot what you did for me, and----" "Nor has the memory of your interposition which twice saved my life escaped from my mind for a single instant, mademoiselle." "Yes, it was very fine, no doubt, on the part of both of you," said Captain Yeovil, a little impatiently, because he did not quite see the cause of all this perturbation on the part of his betrothed; "but you are quits now, and for my part----" "What I did for mademoiselle is nothing, monsieur.

I shall always be in her debt," replied the Frenchman.
"Monsieur St.Laurent," said the Marquis, turning to the other occupant of the room, "my new adjutant, Monsieur Marteau," he added in explanation, "was there not a Marteau borne on the rolls of the regiment?
I think I saw the name when I looked yesterday, and it attracted me because I knew it." "Yes, your Excellency," said St.Laurent, "he was a Captain when he was detached." "You were on service elsewhere, _Monsieur mon Capitaine_ ?" asked the Marquis.
"I was a Lieutenant-Colonel, your Excellency." "And where and when ?" "On the day at Arcis.