When the desert was served Philippe rose and said: "Fill your glasses, my friends! I ask permission to propose the first toast."
"He said my friends, don't fill your glass," whispered Renard to Max.
Max poured out some wine.
"To the Grand Army!" cried Philippe, with genuine enthusiasm.
"To the Grand Army!" was repeated with acclamation by every voice.
At this moment eleven private soldiers, among whom were Benjamin and
Kouski, appeared at the door of the room and repeated the toast,—
"To the Grand Army!"
"Come in, my sons; we are going to drink His health."
The old soldiers came in and stood behind the officers.
"You see He is not dead!" said Kouski to an old sergeant, who had perhaps been grieving that the Emperor's agony was over.