me forbear.

"You are a brave man," he said.

I took my snuff-box from my pocket, and, taking a pinch, replied by
handing it, with a bow, to the Emperor.

His quick eye caught the cipher on the lid. "What! a D'Enville?
Ha! this accounts for the purity of your accent. Any relation to
Roderick d'Enville?"

"My father, sire."

"He was my school-fellow at the Ecole Polytechnique. Embrace me!"
And the Emperor fell upon my neck in the presence of his entire
staff. Then, recovering himself, he gently placed in my hand his
own magnificent snuff-box, in exchange for mine, and hanging upon
my breast the cross of the Legion of Honor which he took from his
own, he bade one of his Marshals conduct me back to my regiment.

I was so intoxicated with the honor of which I had been the
recipient, that on reaching our lines I uttered a shout of joy and
put spurs to my horse. The intelligent animal seemed to sympathize
with my feelings, and fairly flew over the ground. On a rising
eminence a few yards before me stood a gray-haired officer,
surrounded by his staff. I don't know what possessed me, but
putting spurs to my horse, I rode at him boldly, and with one bound
cleared him, horse and all. A shout of indignation arose from the
assembled staff. I wheeled suddenly, with the intention of
apologizing, but my mare misunderstood me, and, again dashing