about fifty years of age, largely made about the shoulders and chest,
but stooping a good deal, and limping heavily in one leg. He walked
slowly, leaning upon a silver-headed stick, and his sober suit of black,
with silk stockings of the same hue, looked strangely staid among the
brilliant uniforms which surrounded him. But in spite of his plain
dress there was an expression of great authority upon his shrewd face,
and every one drew back with bows and salutes as he moved across the tent.

'Monsieur Louis de Laval?' said he, as he stopped in front of me, and
his cold grey eyes played over me from head to heel.

I bowed, and with some coldness, for I shared the dislike which my
father used to profess for this unfrocked priest and perjured
politician; but his manner was so polished and engaging that it was hard
to hold out against it.

'I knew your cousin de Rohan very well indeed,' said he. 'We were two
rascals together when the world was not quite so serious as it is at
present. I believe that you are related to the Cardinal de Montmorency
de Laval, who is also an old friend of mine. I understand that you are
about to offer your services to the Emperor?'

'I have come from England for that purpose, sir.'

'And met with some little adventure immediately upon your arrival, as I
understand. I have heard the story of the worthy police agent, the two
Jacobins, and the lonely hut. Well, you have seen the danger to which
the Emperor is exposed, and it may make you the more zealous in his
service. Where is your uncle, Monsieur Bernac?'