in that direction."

"In any case, it would not be a duel. It would be a battle, as
he is a national enemy."

"Well, once more--till I see you again. Embrace me."

Roland flung himself with passionate gratitude upon the neck of
the personage who had just given him this permission.

"Oh, general!" he exclaimed, "how happy I should be--if I were
not so unhappy!"

The general looked at him with profound affection, then asked:
"One day you will tell me what this sorrow is, will you not,
Roland?"

Roland laughed that sorrowful laugh which had already escaped
his lips once or twice.

"Oh! my word, no," said he, "you would ridicule me too much."

The general stared at him as one would contemplate a madman.

"After all," he murmured, "one must accept men as they come."

"Especially when they are not what they seem to be."

"You must mistake me for OEdipe since you pose me with these enigmas,
Roland."