my authorized position. Ah, his time, without infamy, I can preside at
the board where the high officials will gladly sit--I shall have
generals at my feet, perhaps a marshal! Yes, I will go home and brazen
it out!"




CHAPTER XII.

WHEN THE CAT'S AWAY.


Ten days after the sudden departure of Madame Clemenceau from her
residence, a little before daybreak, Hedwig came down through the house
to draw up the blinds and open the windows. She carried a small
night-lamp and was not more than half awake.

It was the noise of the great invention which had turned the tranquil
group of villas and cherry orchards into a rendezvous for the singular
admixture of artilleries and scientific luminaries. The peaceful villa
entertained a selection of them nightly and it is astonishing how
heartily the military men ate and the professors drank, for the
enthusiasm had turned all heads.

Hedwig entered the fine old drawing-room where the symposium had been
held. It was a capacious room, not unlike an English baronial hall, the
doorways and windows were furnished with old Gobelin tapestry and the
heavy furniture was of mahogany, imported when France drew generously on
her colonies. The long table had been roughly cleared after supper by