The Missourian, a hero half-splendid and half-grotesque, is one of that band of Confederate who, under Joe Shelby, refused even at the eleventh hour to surrender to the Federal forces and conceived the idea of complete expatriation by offering their services to the tottering throne of Mexico.With this offer of military aid, Din Driscoll, Missourian, Confederate Lieutenant Colonel, and storm centre in every fight, is sent to Mexico, where he sees the vision of a dissolving empire, and of course, finds love.s, whose floors are as well watered as the vineyards outside. And your France too, Michel, giving you only your clean linen to disguise the sergeant and remind us of the marshal of the First Empire. Of course," she added kindly, "there is the bravery. I had forgotten that, O grandson of the 'brave des braves.' But then?--Bonté divine, there's no rank in courage, mon ami! It's not the epaulette of a French uniform--it's the merest lining." "And that," the youth cried doggedly, "is still enough to----" "To do things for France, eh petit piou-piou?" "Hélas! our France can't expect much from me. But you, mademoiselle, you will do things for her!" It was a spontaneous tribute, just that, without thought of prying into the secret of her mission, "While I," he ended dismally, "can only fight." "But you forget," she answered gravely, "that after all a woman can only give." That cynicism of life which had become a part of the young girl was yet gaiety itself. Youth and
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