in the evenings, and then boys would go around shooting clouds of
perfume against the ceilings. Ugh! I can taste now that awful mixture of
smoke, perfume and thrice-breathed air! Ah! that feels better! It's like
a breath from heaven!"

"Ready now? We're going down to breakfast with my mother and sister."

"Yes. How do I look in this uniform, Lannes?"

"Very well. But, Oh, you Americans! we French are charged with vanity,
but you have it."

John had thought little of his raiment until he came to the house of
Lannes, but now there was a difference. He gave the last touch to his
coat, and he and Philip went down together. Madame Lannes and Julie
received them. They were dressed very simply, Julie in white and Madame
Lannes in plain gray. Their good-morning to John was quiet, but he saw
that it came from the heart. They recognized in him the faithful comrade
in danger, of the son and brother, and he saw once more that French
family affection was very powerful.

It was early, far earlier than the ordinary time for the European
breakfast, and he knew that it had been served so, because he and Lannes
were to depart. He sat facing a window, and he saw the dawn come over
Paris in a vast silver haze that soon turned to a cloud of gold. He
again stole glances at Julie Lannes. In all her beautiful fairness of
hair and complexion she was like one of the blonde American girls of his
own country.

When breakfast was over and the two young men rose to go John said the