--Wilhehn, put up the stuhl wagen."
He had scarcely returned into the breakfast--room, when the door opened,
and the very handsome young officer, the aide--de--camp of the Prince,
whom I had seen the night I was carried before Davoust, entered, splashed
up to the eyes, and much heated and excited. I noticed blood on the hilt
of his sword. His orderly sat on his foaming steed, right opposite where
I stood, wiping his bloody sabre on his horse's mane. The women grew
pale; but still they had presence of mind enough to do the honours with
self--possession.
The stranger wished us a good morning; and on being asked to sit down to
breakfast, he unbuckled his sword, threw it from him with a clash on the
floor, and then, with all the grace in the world, addressed himself to
discuss the comestibles. He tried a slight approach to jesting now and
then; but seeing the heaviness of heart which prevailed amongst the women,
he, with the good breeding of a man of the world, forbore to press his
attentions.
Breakfast being finished, and the ladies having retired, he rose, buckled
on his sword again, drew on his gloves, and taking his hat in his hand, he
advanced to the window, and desired his men to "fall in."
"Men--what men?" said poor Mr-----.
"Why, the Marshal has had a company of sapeurs for these three days back
in the adjoining village--they are now here."
"Here!" exclaimed-----; "what do the sappers here?" Two of the soldiers
carried slow matches in their hands, while their muskets were slung at
their backs.
Pages:
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59