For, while the world would look upon this
encounter as one looks upon a comedy, for some it would serve as
tragedy. Often he lent his ear to the gay banter of the young
American, and watched the careless smile on his face. What was
he doing here? Why was he risking his life for no cause whatever,
an alien, in natural sympathy neither with the kingdom nor with
the duchy? A sad, grim smile parted his lips.
"O, the urbanity of the young and the brave!" he murmured.
Maurice felt the old familiar exhilaration--the soldier's
exhilaration--quicken the beat of his pulse. He did not ask
himself why he was here; he knew why. A delightful flower had
sprung up in his heart, and fate had nipped it. Whither this new
adventure would lead him he cared not. From now on life for him
must be renewed by continual change and excitement. Since no one
depended on him, his life was his to dispose of as he willed.
Friends? He laughed. He knew the world too well. He himself was
his best friend, for he had always been true to himself.
He might be shot, but he had faced that possibility before.
Besides, to-day's experience would be new to him.
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