“I have heard your request, sir. Where is your commission? Have you got it with you?”
I handed it to him in silence. He examined it rapidly; and then turning the reverse, read the few lines inscribed by the minister of war.
“I could have given you a post this day, sir, this very hour,” said he, “but for a blunder of our commissariat people. There's a troop here waiting for a re-mount, but the order has not come down from Paris; and our officials here will not advance the money till it arrives, as if these were times for such punctilio. They are to form part of General Kellermann's force, which is sadly deficient. Remain here, however, and perhaps by to-morrow—”
“How much may the sum be, sir?” asked I, interrupting.
The general almost started with surprise at the abruptness of my question, and in a tone of half reproof answered,—
“The amount required is beside the matter, sir; unless,” added he, sarcastically, “you are disposed to advance it yourself.”
“Such was the object of my question,” said I, calmly, and determining not to notice the manner he had assumed.
“Parbleu!” exclaimed he, “that is very different. Twenty thousand francs, however, is a considerable sum.”
“I have as much, and something more, if need be, in my carriage,—if English gold be no objection.”
“No, pardie! that it is not,” cried he, laughing; “I only wish we saw more of it. Are you serious in all this?”