At the hour appointed, a large party, in gala costumes and with holiday demeanour, assembled in the pavilion of the fort.
The General received his guests with his usual cordiality, and, as soon as the attendants announced that the banquet was prepared, he invited them to accompany him thither.
It was a glorious spring evening. The soldiers greeted the brilliant cortège with loud "Eljens!" as they passed the gates of the castle.
Among the guests was our bearded major, who took the utmost pains to insinuate himself into the good graces of the General, constantly addressing him in the most facetious manner, so that those who heard the conversation might have supposed they were on the most intimate footing possible.
"Your excellency is pleased to survey the ramparts?" he remarked in the softest tone imaginable, which he had learnt as a lord-lieutenant.
"I surveyed them all early this morning," replied the General; "they are in good condition."
"Especially that one which your excellency was pleased to hear me mention yesterday."
"And where we are going to dine to-day," pursued the General.
"He, he! indeed!" The major was ready to burst with pride. "I am truly flattered, rejoiced, that my humble opinion has met with your excellency's approbation."