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
forward, once more vaulted over the head of the officer, this time
unfortunately uncovering him by a vicious kick of her hoof. "Seize
him!" roared the entire army. I was seized. As the soldiers led
me away, I asked the name of the gray-haired officer. "That--why,
that's the DUKE OF WELLINGTON!"
I fainted.
* * * * * *
For six months I had brain-fever. During my illness ten grapeshot
were extracted from my body which I had unconsciously received
during the battle. When I opened my eyes I met the sweet glance of
a Sister of Charity.
"Blanche!" I stammered feebly.
"The same," she replied.
"You here?"
"Yes, dear; but hush! It's a long story. You see, dear Terence,
your grandfather married my great-aunt's sister, and your father
again married my grandmother's niece, who, dying without a will,
was, according to the French law--"
"But I do not comprehend," I said.
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