Colonel Raynal saluted Colonel Dujardin ceremoniously. Colonel Dujardin returned the salute in the same style.
“You thought I was in Egypt,” said Raynal with grim significance that caught Dujardin’s attention, though he did not know quite how to interpret it.
He answered mechanically, “Yes, I did.”
“I am sent here by General Bonaparte to take a command,” explained Raynal.
“You are welcome. What command?”
“Yours.”
“Mine?” cried Dujardin, his forehead flushing with mortification and anger. “What, is it not enough that you take my”—He stopped then.
“Come, colonel,” said the other calmly, “do not be unjust to an old comrade. I take your demi-brigade; but you are promoted to Raimbaut’s brigade. The exchange is to be made to-morrow.”
“Was it then to announce to me my promotion you came to my quarters?” and Camille looked with a strange mixture of feelings at his old comrade.
“That was the first thing, being duty, you know.”