At this moment, I heard the clang of a sabre, and the jingle of spurs on
the stairs, and the group was joined by my captor, Colonel-----.
"Ah, Colonel!" exclaimed the aides, in a volley, "where the devil have you
come from? We thought you were in Bruxelles at the nearest."
The colonel put his hand on his lips and smiled, and then slapped the
young officer who spoke first with his glove. "Never mind, boys, I have
come to help you here--you will need help before long;--but how is--?"
Here he made a comical contortion of his face, and drew his ungloved hand
across his throat. The young officers laughed, and pointed to the door.
He moved towards it, preceded by the youngest of them, who led the way
into a very lofty and handsome room, elegantly furnished, with some fine
pictures on the walls, a handsome sideboard of plate, a rich Turkey carpet
an unusual thing in Germany--on the floor, and a richly gilt pillar, at
the end of the room farthest from us, the base of which contained a stove,
which, through the joints of the door of it, appeared to be burning
cheerily.
There were some very handsome sofas and ottomans scattered through the
room, and a grand piano in one corner, the furniture being covered with
yellow, or amber--coloured velvet, with broad heavy draperies of gold
fringe, like the bullion of an epaulet. There was a small round table
near the stove, on which stood a silver candlestick, with four branches
filled with wax tapers; and bottles of wine, and glasses.
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