A few hours more, and then joy beyond
expression, or an end of all. Death or Josephine! Then he remembered
that this very Josephine wished to marry him to Rose. Then he remembered
Raynal had saved his life. Cold chills crossed his breaking heart.
Of all that could happen to him death alone seemed a blessing without
alloy.
He stood there so torn with conflicting passions, that he noted neither
the passing hours nor the flying bullets.
He was only awakened from his miserable trance by the even tread of
soldiers marching towards him; he looked up and there were several
officers coming along the edge of the trench, escorted by a corporal's
guard.
He took a step or two to meet them. After the usual salutes, one of the
three colonels delivered a large paper, with a large seal, to Dujardin.
He read it out to his captains and lieutenants, who had assembled at
sight of the cocked hats and full uniforms.
"Attack by the army to-morrow upon all the lines. Attack of the bastion
St. Andre this evening. The 22d, the 24th, and 12th brigades will
furnish the contingents; the operation will be conducted by one of the
colonels of the second division, to be appointed by General Raimbaut.
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