education were those of a gentleman, still he seemed but little
acquainted with the world, and above all ignorant of the lighter
accomplishments of the courtier. Perhaps this very simplicity of
manner and frankness of character, contrasting so strangely with the
fashionable affectations of the court, endeared him to his comrades,
and strongly prepossessed Heloise de Clairville in his favor. His
rival was of a different stamp. Raoul de St. Prix was a dashing,
brilliant officer, brave as steel, but fond of dress, reckless,
dissipated, and extravagant. Yet his faults were those of his age, and
belonged to the circumstances by which he was surrounded. The Baron de
Clairville, while he left his daughter free to make her election, yet,
as a plain, blunt soldier, rather than a courtier, secretly inclined
to favor the pretensions of Henri. Still, his treatment of the two
young guardsmen was the same, for they gave equal promise of military
gallantry.

It was on the eve of the battle of Fontenoy that Henri sought an
interview with Heloise, who occupied a gay pavilion near her father's
tent. He found her alone and weeping.

"Mademoiselle," said he, "you are unhappy. Will you permit a friend to
inquire the cause of your sorrow?"

"Can you ask me, Monsieur de Grandville! Of the thousands of brave men
who lie down to-night in peaceful slumber, how many sleep their last
sleep on earth! How many eyes, that will witness to-morrow's sun
arise, will be closed forever before it goes down at evening! O, what
a dreadful business is this trade of war! My poor father, he never
cares for himself, he never asks his men to go where he is unwilling
to lead. I fear for his safety in the deadly conflict of to-morrow."