FORTUNE OF WAB. 187 



plied, in French, *A major in the Portu- 

 guese service.' l There is no such rank in 

 the French army, Chef d'Escadron,' said he; 

 4 will you accept the same rank in my Irish 

 Brigade ? ' ' What would you think of me, 

 Sire, if I were to accept your offer ? ' I de- 

 manded ; ' or what would you have thought 

 of any of your officers, this distinguished 

 General in particular, had he taken up 

 arms in our service ? ' 



" ' C'est assezj said the Emperor ; and 

 cut short the interview by ordering a car- 

 tel to be provided for me without delay, 

 contrary to his severe practice, for I was 

 the only officer sent home during the whole 

 war ; as you must well remember, there was 

 no exchange of prisoners allowed." 



So entertained was I with my host's 

 discourse, that it was morning before we 

 retired to rest, While taking my leave of 

 him after breakfast, and during my walk to 

 meet the coach, I could but meditate on 



