WELLINGTON
That’s interesting. I wonder what the news could have been?
HILL
Something about Boney’s army in Saxony would be most probable.
Though I question if there’s time yet for much to have been
decided there.
BERESFORD
Well, I wouldn’t say that. A hell of a lot of things may have
happened there by this time.
COLBORNE
It was tantalizing, but they were just able to destroy the paper
before we could prevent them.
WELLINGTON
Did you question them?
COLBORNE
Oh yes. But they stayed sulking at being taken, and would tell us
nothing, pretending that they knew nothing. Whether much were going
on, they said, or little, between the army of the Emperor and the
army of the Allies, it was none of their business to relate it; so
they kept a gloomy silence for the most part.
WELLINGTON
They will cheer up a bit and be more communicative when they have had
some dinner.
COLE
They are dining here, my lord?
WELLINGTON
I sent them an invitation an hour ago, which they have accepted.
I could do no less, poor devils. They’ll be here in a few minutes.
See that they have plenty of Madeira to whet their whistles with.
It well screw them up into a better key, and they’ll not be so
reserved.
[The conversation on the day’s battle becomes general. Enter as
guests French officers of the Eighty-eighth regiment now prisoners
on parole. They are welcomed by WELLINGTON and the staff, and all
sit down to dinner.
For some time the meal proceeds almost in silence; but wine is
passed freely, and both French and English officers become
talkative and merry.
WELLINGTON [to the French Commandant]
More cozy this, sir, than—I’ll warrant me—
You found it in that damned redoubt to-day?