previously, and which was the full-dress uniform. When the talk fell
upon the death to which Sand was to submit at so early an age, the major
pitied him; but Sand answered, with a smile, "There is only one
difference between you and me, major; it is that I shall die far my
convictions, and you will die for someone else's convictions."

After the major came a young student from Jena whom Sand had known at the
university. He happened to be in the duchy of Baden and wished to visit
him. Their recognition was touching, and the student wept much; but Sand
consoled him with his usual calmness and serenity.

Then a workman asked to be admitted to see Sand, on the plea that he had
been his schoolfellow at Wonsiedel, and although he did not remember his
name, he ordered him to be let in: the workman reminded him that he had
been one of the little army that Sand had commanded on the day of the
assault of St. Catherine's tower. This indication guided Sand, who
recognised him perfectly, and then spoke with tender affection of his
native place and his dear mountains. He further charged him to greet his
family, and to beg his mother, father, brothers, and sisters once more
not to be grieved on his account, since the messenger who undertook to
deliver his last wards could testify in how calm and joyful a temper he
was awaiting death.

To this workman succeeded one of the guests whom Sand had met on the
staircase directly after Kotzebue's death. He asked him whether he
acknowledged his crime and whether he felt any repentance. Sand replied,
"I had thought about it during a whole year. I have been thinking of it
for fourteen months, and my opinion has never varied in any respect: I
did what I should have done."