The old sergeant3 as he entered ran up to him. “Well done, my lad, well done! 'Tis a delight to me indeed to know that you have so grandly made your way, and already won the rank of colonel.”
“Why, how did you know, MacIntosh?”
“The guard at the colonel's was changed just after you went into his quarters, and you may be sure that they lost no time in spreading the news that you had returned, and returned a colonel. In ten minutes this place was as full as it would hold, and there was such a crowd outside the door that a sergeant-de-ville came in to inquire what was the matter, thinking, perhaps, that the regiment was in mutiny. I was right glad when I heard the trumpet4 sound the assembly a few minutes ago, and they had to rush off in a hurry, for I felt that it would be awkward for you were you to come in when they were all so excited.”
“Yes, I was glad myself when I found that they were gone. I regard every soldier in the regiment as my friend, and would shake hands with them now as heartily5 as I did when I went away near four years back, but I myself felt that it would be somewhat embarrassing were I greeted by them wine cup in hand. Here are twenty pistoles; say that I left them here for them to drink my health on my promotion6, but that I shall be so busy during the day or two that I remain in Paris that I shall not be able to pay another visit here. Now let us have a quiet talk together, and give me all the news of the regiment.”
“Perhaps, colonel—”
“Oh, you need not call me colonel, MacIntosh, when you and I are together alone. I am what I was—Hector Campbell, the lad to whom you showed so much kindness for his father's sake. Yes, I will tell you one or two of my adventures, and you shall come round to me tomorrow morning at seven o'clock at the Hotel Conde, and we will stroll out together, and sit down in the gardens of the Palais Cardinal7, and you shall then tell me about the regiment, who have gone, and what changes there are.”
“That will be best,” the sergeant said. “We did hear something of how you were made captain. Turenne was good enough to tell the colonel, and so some of it came down to us, but of course it was very little. The men would like to hear all about it and about this battle at Rocroi, at which, of course, you must have in some way distinguished8 yourself to be appointed colonel at your age.”
Hector gave him a full account of the battle. “The special thing for which I was promoted,” he said, at the finish, “was that, the night before, it struck me that there might be an ambush9 set in the copses in the hollow between the two armies. So far as I could see, no efforts whatever had been made either to occupy the woods or to find out if the enemy had done so; so I went with my servant, who is a capital fellow, and we made our way into them, and discovered a regiment of musketeers hidden there. Of course I reported the fact to General Gassion, and he told the prince. So, before attacking the enemy's lines, the prince charged right along the wood and destroyed the musketeers there. If he had not done so, they would have taken him in rear when he was hotly engaged with the Spaniards, and might have changed the fate of the battle.”
“Certainly they might,” the sergeant said. “A volley from a thousand muskets10 from the rear would well shake even the best cavalry11. It was a happy thought of yours indeed.”
“Any merit there is in it was due to Turenne, who had carefully instructed me in everything that could be of importance when two hostile armies faced each other; and as he would never have dreamt of retiring to rest before having every place where an enemy could conceal12 himself carefully searched, it seemed to me a matter of course that it should be done. However, General Gassion and the prince were both good enough to consider that the service was a vital one, and as soon as the battle was over the prince gave me my promotion.”
“And it was well earned, lad, well earned. And now about that affair at Turin.”
“It could not have been better done, Hector,” the old soldier said in high delight when the story was told. “I used to think that you spent more time than was necessary in reading over accounts of battles and sieges, but I see that the time was well spent. You may be sure that I will be with you at seven tomorrow morning,” he added as Hector rose to leave, “though I expect I shall have a heavy night of it here, for there will scarcely be a man in the regiment who won't come round and stay to hear the news. I warrant that by this evening there will not be a sou remaining out of the money you have left for them.”
Hector arrived at the hotel just in time for the midday meal, and was pleased to find that Conde himself was not present. He and his two companions were placed at different points at the great table, so that as many as possible could hear the story of the battle. After the meal was over, Hector was glad to leave the salon13, and in company with a gentleman of the household, who had volunteered to be his guide, spent the afternoon in visiting the principal sights of Paris, of which he had seen but little when a boy in barracks. The hotels of the nobles, each a fortress14 rather than a private building, interested him greatly, as also the streets in which the principal traders lived; but he was unfavourably impressed with the appearance of the population in all other parts, and could well understand what his guide told him, that it was dangerous in the extreme for a gentleman unattended to pass through these quarters.
At six o'clock he sat down to the evening meal at Conde's, after which, having attired16 himself in his new suit, he repaired with de Penthiere and de Caussac to the Louvre. It was eight o'clock when they entered, the reception rooms were already full, and the brilliancy of the attire15, both of the courtiers and ladies, seen by the light of great chandeliers, was impressive in the extreme to one who had never seen any gathering17 of the kind before. There was a little pause in the buzz of conversation as the three officers entered, and Hector's two companions were at once surrounded by friends, while he himself was joined by Colonel Maclvor and the other two officers.
“You are the heroes of the evening, Campbell,” the former said with a laugh. “A dozen ladies have already asked me to present you to them.”
“Well, please don't do so just now, colonel; let me look round first.”
“That is but fair, Campbell. First, though, I will tell you a piece of news that I have just heard. The queen sent off a messenger two days ago to Turenne, and it is believed that he is to have the command of the army on the Rhine.”
“That is good news indeed,” Hector exclaimed. “It is high time that he should be given a command, instead of being always put under men less capable than himself. Still, it is unexpected at the present moment.”
“I know that the queen always had the greatest liking19 for Turenne,” the colonel said, “but of course until now she has had no power. Moreover, I fancy that the appointment is to some extent dictated20 by policy. Conde is already dangerously powerful; Enghien's victory will, of course, largely add to his influence. No doubt some large estates will be given to the latter, such a service cannot be ungenerously rewarded, but it will be thought unadvisable to give him at present further opportunities. Conde is old, and his son, who is certainly ambitious and hotheaded now, will be even more powerful than his father has been. Were he to win more victories, and to become a popular idol21, his power might well overshadow that of the throne. Therefore it is likely enough that my news is true. Turenne has proved that military duty is with him supreme22, for he held aloof23 from all the troubles in which his brother the duke has involved himself, and he may act as a counterpoise to Enghien. I fancy that the latter's plan, which, as you have told me, would lead to a conquest of Flanders, will not be adopted. It would not have been so in Richelieu's time. The red cardinal would not have lost a moment in ordering him to march into Flanders, thinking only of the good of France, and disregarding the fact that continued successes might lead to his own power being shaken.”
“And you do not think that Mazarin will act in the same way?”
“I think not. Of course at present not much is known about him. He affects the greatest humility24, is almost obsequious25 to the great nobles, and even professes26 to be anxious to return to Italy as soon as his services here can be dispensed27 with. But I expect that he will in time occupy as great a position as that of Richelieu, but that he will hold it by craft rather than strength is, from the look of the man, likely enough. For myself I should say that it is infinitely28 better for France that an ecclesiastic29 like Richelieu or Mazarin should be at the head of affairs, than that the great nobles should all struggle and intrigue30 for power, ready as they have shown themselves over and over again to plunge31 France into civil war for the attainment32 of their aims. Ah, here comes the queen!”
The door at the end of the salon opened and Anne entered. By her side walked the young king, a little behind were Orleans and Conde, Beaufort and Bouillon, while, following them, with an air that was almost humble33, came Mazarin. The queen and the young king were dressed in violet, the mourning colour of the court, and the ladies present all wore shades of that colour relieved by white. All present formed themselves into two lines, through which the queen walked. She acknowledged the deep reverences34, and the little king bowed repeatedly. Anne of Austria was one of the most beautiful women of her time, and although the charm of youth had disappeared, her stateliness of bearing made up for this loss, and Hector thought that he had never seen so lovely a woman.
As soon as they had passed into an inner apartment known as the audience chamber35 the lines broke up, and a buzz of conversation and light laughter followed the silence that had reigned36 as the procession passed. The court, indeed, felt a general feeling of relief at the death of Louis. Although well meaning and desirous of doing good, the life of the monarch37 had not been a happy one. His health had never been good, and although he had the wisdom to see that in supporting Richelieu, and in every way adding to his authority, he was acting38 for the good of France, the knowledge that he himself was little more than a cipher39 galled40 and irritated him. His disposition41 was a jealous one, and as the great minister knew that Anne of Austria was ever his opponent politically, he worked upon this feeling, and embittered42 the lives of both the king and queen, and the latter was the constant victim of the king's jealousy43 and caprices.
These things, combined with the ascetic44 temperament45 of the king, had rendered the court of France a dismal46 one, and the royal salons47 formed a strong contrast to the brilliancy of those of Richelieu. Now the king was gone, and there was a general feeling of relief among the nobles and ladies of the court. It might be that stormy times were ahead, and indeed it was no secret that Conde, Beaufort, and many other nobles were already united against Mazarin. They called themselves “The Importants,” a term well suited to their own idea of their power, and of the position they aspired48 to as the natural leaders of France.
“Madame de Chevreuse wishes you to be presented to her,” Colonel Maclvor said to Hector. “Everyone knows her reputation; she is the cleverest woman in France, and one of the most intriguing49. She is the queen's greatest friend, and has been her mainstay in her struggle with Richelieu. Of one thing we may be sure, that she will not tamely see Mazarin step into his place, and she has, it is whispered, already thrown herself into the arms of 'The Importants,' and if anyone can persuade the queen to throw over the cardinal it is she.”
With a slight shrug50 of his shoulders Hector followed the colonel to a group of three or four ladies seated upon some fauteuils.
The colonel stopped before one of these, and bowing deeply said, “Duchess, I have the honour to present to you my compatriot, Colonel Campbell, who arrived here this morning with despatches from the Duc d'Enghien.”
Madame Chevreuse, like the queen, was still a beautiful woman. She was petite, and possessed51 a face whose fascination52 few could withstand. She was the most restless of intriguers, and was never so happy as when engaged in conspiracies53 which might cost her her estates and liberty.
“Why, Monsieur Campbell,” she said with a smile, “I had looked to see a fierce warrior54, and, lo and behold55 I find one who, by his appearance, will be far more in his element at court than in the field.”
“Then appearances must greatly belie18 me, madame,” Hector said; “for while I may say that I am at home in a military camp, I feel sorely ill at ease here, and I feel I would rather face an enemy's battery than so many beautiful faces.”
“That is not bad for a beginner,” the lady said with a smile, “but methinks you will soon get over that fear, for there is nothing very dangerous in any of us. The Duchesse de Longueville,” and she motioned to the lady next to her, “is as desirous as myself that you should be presented to her, and that she should hear from your lips somewhat more of the doings of her brother than she has yet learned.”
Hector again bowed deeply. The sister of Enghien was as ambitious for her brother's sake as he was for his own self, and she was his potent56 ally in the troubles of the times.
“Enghien was wounded,” she said. “Monsieur la Moussaie left the field directly the battle was won, and could tell me little about my brother's injuries.”
“He received three wounds, duchess, but happily none of them were severe, and he was on horseback on the following morning. It seemed miraculous57 to us all that he should so escape, for he rode ever ahead of us in the charges against the Spanish square.”
“You were acting as one of his aides-de-camp? I do not remember having seen your face before.”
“No, madame. I have been for the past four years on the staff of the Viscount de Turenne, and have not left the army during that time. The general had the goodness, seeing that there was little doing in the south, to send me to learn what I could from the operations of the duke against the Spanish. He sent me a letter of recommendation to your brother, who kindly58 appointed me to the same position under him that I had occupied under Turenne.”
“Did you find the ladies of Italy very lovely?” Madame de Chevreuse asked suddenly.
“In truth, madame, I had but small opportunities of judging, seeing that, unless when sent with some message from the general to the Duchess of Savoy, I do not think that I exchanged a single word with a woman during the whole of my stay there.”
Madame de Chevreuse, and the Duchesse de Longueville, and all the ladies sitting round, smiled.
“Then you have very much to learn, Colonel Campbell,” Madame de Chevreuse said. “You will find plenty of ladies in the court here who will not object to give you lessons.”
“I trust, madame,” Hector said bluntly, “that there will be little opportunity for me to take lessons as to the manners of the court, for I hope that my stay here will be short indeed.”
“That is a most ungallant speech,” the younger duchess said, laughing, “and shows indeed the truth of what you have said as to your ignorance of women. Do you not know, sir; that it is an unwritten law at court that every gentleman here must be at the feet of one fair lady?”
“I suppose that, had I been brought up at court,” Hector said, “I should not be more insensible than others; but when one passes three-quarters of one's time on horseback, and that under a commander like Turenne, who sets us all an example in the matter of endurance and watchfulness59, one has small leisure indeed for aught else, and indeed is glad enough to seek one's bed as soon as the day's work is done.”
“If you are another Turenne,” Madame de Chevreuse laughed, “I give you up. He is the most insensible of men. His head contains but one idea, and that is duty; and as to us poor creatures, he is as insensible as was St. Anthony.”
At this moment the door that separated the salon from that of the queen opened, and the names of Monsieur de Penthiere and Monsieur de Caussac were called. The two officers at once passed into the inner room.
“You are either left out in the cold, monsieur le colonel, or you will have the honour of a separate audience,” Madame de Chevreuse said.
“As I have been rewarded far above my merits for any service that I have rendered,” Hector said quietly, “it is probable that the queen has nothing to say to me. She was pleased to receive me very graciously this morning, and gave me her hand to kiss, and I assuredly have no right to expect any further favours.”
In a few minutes the two officers came out, both looking radiant, the queen having graciously presented them with the titles to two estates. A minute later Hector's name was called, and he went off, with a deep bow to the ladies and a murmured apology for leaving them.
“A loyal spirit, surely,” Madame de Chevreuse said; “bizarre, of course, and at present simple as a child. Moreover, I should say that the atmosphere of the court will not infect him as it has the others. It is refreshing60 to meet with one who, although he must have distinguished himself vastly, is still modest and simple, without a shadow of conceit61 or of self consciousness. He spoke62 as frankly63 to us as if we were two waiting maids at a cabaret. However, men of that stamp may always be made useful, and I would rather have the devotion of a young officer like that, who is, I should say, likely to rise to high rank, than that of half a dozen men ready to lay their hearts at the feet of the first comer, and who are as ready to change mistresses as sides.”
By this time the door had closed behind Hector. The queen was sitting on a sofa, with the little king by her side. Mazarin stood a pace behind her. Conde and Orleans had a short time before gone out, and had mingled64 with the crowd in the antechamber, and the courtiers present, who were all members of her council, stood some distance in the rear.
“We have had time, Colonel Campbell, to read our despatches, and can now estimate the service that you rendered the Duc d'Enghien and our army. General Gassion, or I should say Marshal Gassion, for he has today been raised to that rank, speaks of the value of that service in terms of the highest eulogy65, and indeed says frankly, that had it not been for your voluntary expedition and the discovery by you of the Spanish ambuscade, it is probable that we should have suffered a defeat instead of a victory. The duke speaks no less strongly in your favour. I can remember that when the Viscount Turenne was here three years ago, he told us how a young Scottish officer on his staff had saved Turin to us by a most daring enterprise, by which he informed the garrison66 of the citadel67 that help would soon reach them, and mentioned that for that service he had appointed Monsieur Campbell a captain. You are Scottish by birth, are you not?”
“I am, your majesty68, by birth and descent. My father was a captain in the Scottish regiment, and fell at the siege of La Rochelle. I was, I may say, adopted by the regiment, and had the good fortune to be trained in arms from a child, and the still greater fortune to attract the attention of the Viscount de Turenne, who, young as I was, obtained a commission for me and appointed me to his staff.”
“Well, young sir, the viscount rewarded you for the great service that you rendered him at Turin; the Duc d'Enghien has similarly rewarded you for your service to him at Rocroi; but it is ours to reward you for your services to France; and Cardinal Mazarin will, in my name, hand you tomorrow the estate of de la Villar, in Poitou, which carries with it the title of Baron69 de la Villar. A soldier who has rendered such service to us cannot be allowed to remain a soldier dependent on his pay, and I am sure that should need arise you will do me as good service as you have rendered to Turenne and Enghien.”
“Your majesty is too good and gracious,” Hector stammered70, overcome by this sudden and unexpected reward; “but be assured, madame”—and he recovered himself, and his voice was steady—“should there be need, I will willingly lay down my life in your majesty's service, and in that of the king, your son.”
“Which means also,” the queen said gently, “in that of my minister, who may need faithful friends even more than we do, and under whose advice we have now acted.”
“Assuredly, madame. Cardinal Mazarin is your minister, and as long as he possesses your confidence he represents France in my eyes, and I will render as faithful service to him as to yourself.”
“Well spoken, baron,” the queen said graciously. “Henceforth I shall count you as among my friends.” She held out her hand for him to kiss, as did the little king, and after a deep bow to them and to the cardinal, Hector left the audience chamber still almost bewildered by the honours bestowed72 upon him.
Hector made his way through the crowd to the side of Colonel Maclvor, the general verdict of those who watched him being that he had not met with the same good fortune as those who preceded him, but that for some reason or other he had been reprimanded.
“Well, lad,” the colonel said, “what fortune have you met with? Judging by your face, either the queen or the cardinal have failed to recognize the service that you have rendered.”
“Upon the contrary, colonel, they have so heaped favours upon me that at present I can scarcely realize my good fortune, and feel almost humiliated73 that so much should have been given for what was a mere71 matter of duty and attended by no great peril74.”
“What have they done, then, Campbell?”
“Well, colonel, absurd as it seems even to myself, the queen has graciously bestowed upon me the estate of la Villar, by which gift she says I become as its owner the Baron de la Villar.”
“That is fortunate indeed, my dear Campbell,” the colonel said, heartily shaking him by the hand. “It shows that the duke and Gassion were of the same opinion that we expressed, namely, that your discovery of that ambush was the chief factor in bringing about the victory of Rocroi.”
“But it was such a simple thing,” Hector said. “It was merely a reconnaissance, such as I have made scores of times in Italy.”
“No doubt, Campbell; but you see the other reconnaissances did not lead to any results, while this did. My dear lad, it is by results that men are judged. That you, a young officer on Enghien's staff, should unbidden, and, as you say, as a matter of duty, have undertaken such a business, shows how thoroughly75 you have profited by your teaching under Turenne; and as such you deserve what you have gained, though I do not say that you would have obtained your desserts had not your reconnaissance saved Enghien from defeat. Now I will take you to Madame de Chevreuse again. She beckoned76 to me after you entered the audience chamber, and told me to bring you up again when you came out, as she and the Duchesse de Longueville had taken a great fancy to you. Now, my dear boy, your position is changed. You have become a French noble, and, however unwilling77, may find yourself mixed up on one side or the other with the doings of your court. Both these ladies have power, and it is well to keep in with them, for either of them might prove a valuable friend and protector, and the first rule here is make as many friends as possible, for no one can say when you may require them.”
Hector again followed the colonel to the group of ladies.
“Madame,” Maclvor said, “I have the honour to present you—”
“Why, have you not presented him to us already?” Madame de Chevreuse said with a laugh. “Your memory must be singularly short, colonel.”
“My memory is not short, madame, but it is a somewhat different personage that I have now to present to you. Madame, I have the honour to present Colonel Campbell, Baron de la Villar.”
Both ladies uttered an exclamation78 of surprise.
“Why, what has he done, colonel?” the duchess exclaimed. “It must have been some remarkable79 action, surely, for him to be made colonel by my brother and Baron de la Villar by the queen.”
“In the opinion of the Duc d'Enghien and General Gassion, duchess, he performed a service that to a large extent brought about the victory of Rocroi. My young friend is at present not beyond the age of modesty80, and therefore if you will allow me I will state the circumstances. Under General de Turenne he was in the habit of constantly visiting the posts at night with the viscount or alone, and endeavouring to discover the position and intentions of the enemy. The night before the battle he started voluntarily to perform the same duties, and, accompanied only by his servant, he crept into a wood that lay between the two armies and there discovered a thousand musketeers who were lying in ambush. He reported the discovery to General Gassion, who on his part informed the duke of this most important intelligence, for it was evident that, had the ambuscade been unsuspected, they would have taken the cavalry in the rear at the critical moment of the battle, and would have opened so heavy a fire that even the bravest of cavalry, thus surprised and shot down by an unsuspected foe81 in their rear, might have fallen into confusion. Being forewarned, the duke directed his first charge upon the wood, took the musketeers by surprise, and annihilated82 them, before charging and routing the enemy's horse. Thus you see, ladies, that we have another illustration of the mouse saving the lion, and the lion was generous and noble minded enough to give the mouse full credit for the service that he had rendered him.”
“Then we have good reason to be grateful to you, monsieur le baron,” Madame Chevreuse said, laying aside the bantering83 tone in which she had before addressed the young Scot, “and her majesty has done well to reward your loyalty84, for the estate is a fine one, and has remained without a master since Richelieu brought its last owner to the block for having, as he affirmed, conspired85 against the king—that is to say, against himself. You have begun well indeed, sir. Henceforth the Duchesse de Longueville and myself may be counted upon as your friends. And now,” she said, changing the subject abruptly86, “as you say that you are anxious to be off, with whom will you serve, with Turenne or with Enghien? For I hear that Turenne has been sent for to take the command of the army of the Rhine.”
“I belong to Viscount Turenne,” Hector said. “It is to him that I owe everything. He picked me up a rough boy, with no recommendation save that my father died fighting for France, and that I was more addicted87 to military study than most lads of my age, and that, as he was good enough to say, I reminded him of his own boyhood. It was owing to his kindness and his tuition that I have now made my way, and it was still further to increase my military knowledge that he sent me for a time to serve under the Duc d'Enghien. Therefore, much as I admire the glory that the duke has gained, and recognize his extraordinary genius, I feel that duty and gratitude88 alike bind89 me to my great master.”
“Quite right,” the Duchesse de Longueville said warmly. “I am sure that my brother will approve of your decision. He admires Turenne as much as you do, and regards him as his master in military science, and it may be perhaps that one of these days you will take part in a battle in which my brother and Turenne will both have command.”
“If it be so, madame,” Hector said, “there can be little doubt of victory, for with the two greatest military geniuses France has produced during the last hundred years it would be hard indeed if victory did not attend their united banners.”
The news of the honour that had been bestowed upon this young colonel circulated rapidly through the salon, and many gentlemen came up and begged Colonel Maclvor to introduce him to them. One who had received so marked a proof of the queen's favour, and who had won the praise and goodwill90 of both Turenne and Enghien, might well become in time a man of mark, and so many compliments were showered upon Hector that he was glad indeed when the queen again passed through the room on her way to her apartments and he was at liberty to retire. He walked slowly back to Conde's palace, went up to his room, changed his court suit for that which he had worn during the day, and then went out again, feeling that it would be hopeless to attempt to sleep. He paced backwards91 and forwards for some hours on the quay92, thinking of the changes that three days had brought about.
He could scarcely realize even now, that he who a week ago was but a captain with nought93 but his pay, was now not only a colonel but a noble of France, with an estate of whose value he was ignorant, but as it carried with it a patent of nobility it was evident that it must be one of dimensions sufficient to support the title. The change excited no feeling of exultation94. His whole thoughts so far had been directed solely95 to his career as a soldier. He had hoped that some day he might win a colonelcy; more than that he had never thought of. High commands in France were matters of birth, interest, and connection. Gassion, who had just earned his marshal's baton96, was the sole exception to the rule. Hitherto generals, and still more marshals, had always been men belonging to the first families of France. It had been a matter of course that when an army went to the field it was under the command of a prince of the blood, and the utmost an outsider could look for was the command of a regiment. The promotion had delighted him, not for the sake of the pay or position, but because, if he obtained the command of one of the regiments97 that were rapidly being formed to meet the dangers that threatened France, he would have opportunities of doing good service and of earning the esteem98 of such men as Turenne. His civil dignity, however, oppressed rather than gratified him. He would have heavy responsibilities. When not on active service he would be expected to show himself at court, and would have a difficulty in holding himself aloof from its intrigues99 and conspiracies. His thoughts turned to Scotland. He had relations there, it was true, both on his father's and mother's side, but they were strangers to him. Moreover, Scotland at present was torn by a civil and religious war. In England a civil war was raging, and the extreme party in Scotland, having got the upper hand, had allied100 themselves with the English parliamentarians, and the cause of the king was well nigh lost.
The Scottish officers and men in the French service had for the most part left their homes owing to the bitter religious differences of the times, and, under the easier conditions of the life in France, had come to look with disgust at the narrow bigotry101 of the Scottish sects102, a feeling heightened perhaps by the deep resentment103 that still prevailed in France at the insolence104 with which Knox and the Scottish reformers had treated their princess, Queen Mary. Among the French officers the feeling was wholly in favour of the royal cause in England. The queen was French, and had France herself not been engaged in warfare105 numbers of the young nobles would have gone over and drawn106 their swords in her cause, and Hector would gladly have done the same.
For the time, at any rate, he had no idea whatever of returning to Scotland. If better times came he had often thought that, if successful in winning a competency, he would return to his native land, for his close connection with the Scottish regiment kept alive in him his feeling of nationality, and he always regarded himself as a stranger in France. The estates and title now bestowed upon him seemed to put this hope further away than ever, and to fix him permanently107 in France, a contingency108 more disagreeable to him the more he saw how completely France was dominated by faction109, and how unstable110 were the conditions of life there. His musings, therefore, as he walked up and down for hours, were very different from those which most young men would have felt at so great and sudden a change in their fortunes.
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deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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sergeant
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trumpet
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| n.喇叭，喇叭声；v.吹喇叭，吹嘘 | |
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heartily
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promotion
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| n.提升，晋级；促销，宣传 | |
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cardinal
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| n.(天主教的)红衣主教；adj.首要的，基本的 | |
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distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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ambush
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| n.埋伏(地点)；伏兵；v.埋伏；伏击 | |
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10
muskets
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| n.火枪，（尤指）滑膛枪( musket的名词复数 ) | |
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11
cavalry
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| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
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12
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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13
salon
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| n.[法]沙龙；客厅；营业性的高级服务室 | |
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14
fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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15
attire
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| v.穿衣，装扮[同]array；n.衣着；盛装 | |
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attired
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| adj.穿着整齐的v.使穿上衣服，使穿上盛装( attire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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17
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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18
belie
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| v.掩饰，证明为假 | |
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19
liking
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| n.爱好；嗜好；喜欢 | |
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20
dictated
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| v.大声讲或读( dictate的过去式和过去分词 )；口授；支配；摆布 | |
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21
idol
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| n.偶像，红人，宠儿 | |
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22
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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23
aloof
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| adj.远离的；冷淡的，漠不关心的 | |
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24
humility
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| n.谦逊，谦恭 | |
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25
obsequious
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| adj.谄媚的，奉承的，顺从的 | |
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26
professes
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| 声称( profess的第三人称单数 )； 宣称； 公开表明； 信奉 | |
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27
dispensed
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| v.分配( dispense的过去式和过去分词 )；施与；配（药） | |
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28
infinitely
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| adv.无限地，无穷地 | |
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29
ecclesiastic
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| n.教士，基督教会；adj.神职者的，牧师的，教会的 | |
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30
intrigue
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| vt.激起兴趣，迷住；vi.耍阴谋；n.阴谋，密谋 | |
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31
plunge
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| v.跳入，(使)投入，(使)陷入；猛冲 | |
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32
attainment
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| n.达到，到达；［常pl.］成就，造诣 | |
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33
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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reverences
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| n.尊敬，崇敬( reverence的名词复数 )；敬礼 | |
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35
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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36
reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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37
monarch
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| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
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38
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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39
cipher
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| n.零；无影响力的人；密码 | |
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40
galled
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| v.使…擦痛( gall的过去式和过去分词 )；擦伤；烦扰；侮辱 | |
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41
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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42
embittered
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| v.使怨恨，激怒( embitter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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43
jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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44
ascetic
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| adj.禁欲的；严肃的 | |
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45
temperament
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| n.气质，性格，性情 | |
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46
dismal
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| adj.阴沉的，凄凉的，令人忧郁的，差劲的 | |
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47
salons
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| n.（营业性质的）店( salon的名词复数 )；厅；沙龙（旧时在上流社会女主人家的例行聚会或聚会场所）；（大宅中的）客厅 | |
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48
aspired
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| v.渴望，追求( aspire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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intriguing
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| adj.有趣的；迷人的v.搞阴谋诡计(intrigue的现在分词)；激起…的好奇心 | |
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50
shrug
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| v.耸肩(表示怀疑、冷漠、不知等) | |
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51
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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52
fascination
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| n.令人着迷的事物，魅力，迷恋 | |
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53
conspiracies
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| n.阴谋，密谋( conspiracy的名词复数 ) | |
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54
warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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55
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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56
potent
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| adj.强有力的，有权势的；有效力的 | |
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57
miraculous
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| adj.像奇迹一样的，不可思议的 | |
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58
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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59
watchfulness
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| 警惕，留心； 警觉（性） | |
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60
refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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61
conceit
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| n.自负，自高自大 | |
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62
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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63
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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64
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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65
eulogy
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| n.颂词；颂扬 | |
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66
garrison
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| n.卫戍部队；驻地，卫戍区；vt.派(兵)驻防 | |
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67
citadel
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| n.城堡；堡垒；避难所 | |
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68
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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69
baron
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| n.男爵；(商业界等)巨头，大王 | |
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70
stammered
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| v.结巴地说出( stammer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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71
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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72
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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73
humiliated
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| 感到羞愧的 | |
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74
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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75
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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76
beckoned
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| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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77
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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78
exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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79
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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80
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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81
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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82
annihilated
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| v.（彻底）消灭( annihilate的过去式和过去分词 )；使无效；废止；彻底击溃 | |
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83
bantering
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| adj.嘲弄的v.开玩笑，说笑，逗乐( banter的现在分词 )；（善意地）取笑，逗弄 | |
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84
loyalty
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| n.忠诚，忠心 | |
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85
conspired
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| 密谋( conspire的过去式和过去分词 )； 搞阴谋； （事件等）巧合； 共同导致 | |
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86
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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87
addicted
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| adj.沉溺于....的，对...上瘾的 | |
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88
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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89
bind
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| vt.捆，包扎；装订；约束；使凝固；vi.变硬 | |
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90
goodwill
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| n.善意，亲善，信誉，声誉 | |
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91
backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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92
quay
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| n.码头，靠岸处 | |
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93
nought
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| n.／adj.无，零 | |
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94
exultation
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| n.狂喜，得意 | |
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95
solely
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| adv.仅仅，唯一地 | |
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96
baton
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| n.乐队用指挥杖 | |
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97
regiments
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| （军队的）团( regiment的名词复数 )； 大量的人或物 | |
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98
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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99
intrigues
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| n.密谋策划( intrigue的名词复数 )；神秘气氛；引人入胜的复杂情节v.搞阴谋诡计( intrigue的第三人称单数 )；激起…的好奇心 | |
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100
allied
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| adj.协约国的；同盟国的 | |
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101
bigotry
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| n.偏见，偏执，持偏见的行为[态度]等 | |
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102
sects
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| n.宗派，教派( sect的名词复数 ) | |
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103
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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104
insolence
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| n.傲慢；无礼；厚颜；傲慢的态度 | |
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105
warfare
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| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
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106
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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107
permanently
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| adv.永恒地，永久地，固定不变地 | |
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108
contingency
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| n.意外事件，可能性 | |
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109
faction
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| n.宗派，小集团；派别；派系斗争 | |
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110
unstable
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| adj.不稳定的，易变的 | |
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