All eyes went from Lafayette to Gates. It was plain that the latter was the person to be toasted; and he stood smilingly expectant. Lafayette lifted his hand.
“Gentlemen,” said he, “I see by the clock that the time which I had to give this delightful occasion is more than passed. I must make the first stage of the journey back to Valley Forge before daybreak.”
“A toast! A toast!” cried the others.
“Very well,” said Lafayette. “Charge your glasses, since you insist.”
With a shout this was done; and all stood with eyes upon the youthful Frenchman.
“Gentlemen,” said he, “I give you the commander-in-chief of the American army—General Washington!”
A silence—pall-like and complete, fell upon all; if a writing in letters of fire had appeared upon the wall their surprise could not have been more great. For a moment Lafayette stood regarding them, contempt plain in his eyes; then he placed his glass upon the table, and said to Gates:
“General, I am yours to command whenever my services are needed.”
And with a formal salute, he turned and stalked from the room, leaving them speechless with surprise.