"General Arentschildt and Colonel Dammers await your majesty's commands," said General Brandis; "and here are the necessary papers," he added.
"Ask the gentlemen to come in," cried the king. "My dear count, we shall meet at dinner, if I may make the request, in campaigning costume."
He held out his hand to the Austrian ambassador.
"Count Platen, I commit Count Ingelheim to your care, trusting he may find all the comforts our headquarters afford."
The two gentlemen withdrew. At the door they met the officers.
General von Arentschildt was not tall, but remarkably thin, with sharply-marked, somewhat withered features, and an enormous grey moustache, hanging completely over the mouth. He entered the room first, and was closely followed by Colonel Dammers, a man who was still young, extremely fair, with a red fresh colour, and quick energetic movements. His clear grey eyes took in everything with a sharp firm glance, and were then fixed expectantly upon the king.
They were followed by General Brandis.
"Gentlemen," said George V. gravely, and with a certain degree of proud reserve, "my minister of war has imparted to you why I have sent for you at this moment, so full of danger to myself and the country. I am persuaded that the confidence in you, so universally expressed, and of which I give so signal a proof, will be completely justified. I beg you to commence your duties without delay; and I request you, General von Arentschildt, to give us your opinion upon our further march as soon as possible."
"Your majesty," exclaimed the general, striking his hand vehemently upon his breast,--"Your majesty, I am highly honoured by your confidence, and I will do everything an old soldier can do, to justify it. I beg your majesty----"
"What?" asked the king.