The chairs and tables were covered, and the floor was littered.

The baroness was presiding over the rites of vanity, and telling them what she wore at her wedding, under Louis XV., with strict accuracy, and what we men should consider a wonderful effort of memory, when the Commandant Raynal came in like a cannon-ball, without any warning, and stood among them in a stiff, military attitude.
Exclamations from all the party, and then a kind greeting, especially from the baroness.
"We have been so dull without you, Jean." "And I have missed you once or twice, mother-in-law, I can tell you.
Well, I have got bad news; but you must consider we live in a busy time.
To-morrow I start for Egypt." Loud ejaculations from the baroness and Rose.

Josephine put down her work quietly.
The baroness sighed deeply, and the tears came into her eyes.

"Oh, you must not be down-hearted, old lady," shouted Raynal.

"Why, I am as likely to come back from Egypt as not.