"Aha, my dear count, so you did, for a moment, look upon my success as possible? And Lupin does not strike you as quite a charlatan? Make your mind easy, Waldemar: Lupin has more than one string to his bow. I shall succeed."
"Before twelve o'clock to-morrow?"
"Before twelve o'clock to-night. But, for the moment, I am starving with hunger. And, if your kindness would go so far. . . ."
He was taken to the sergeants' mess and a substantial meal prepared for him, while the count went to make his report to the Emperor.
Twenty minutes later, Waldemar returned and they sat down and dined together, opposite each other, silent and pensive.
"Waldemar, a good cigar would be a treat. . . . I thank you. . . . Ah, this one crackles as a self-respecting Havana should!"
He lit his cigar and, after a minute or two:
"You can smoke, count; I don't mind in the least; in fact, I rather like it."
An hour passed. Waldemar dozed and, from time to time, swallowed a glass of brandy to wake himself up.