"That was the day of Orléans?"
"Yes, General—on the day of the battle of Orléans I received my commission as officer."
"My congratulations on your rapid advancement!" said the General with a smile; but his face darkened again. "Why didn't you introduce yourself to me as comrade?"
"The sea captain apologizes for the Reserve Lieutenant, General."
"Did you receive a decoration?"
"At your service! I received the Cross with my commission."
"And you don't wear the decoration?"
"My dress is a little disordered today," replied Reinhold.
Mieting burst into laughter, in which Reinhold freely joined; and the others smiled—polite, approving, flattering smiles, as it seemed to the Count.
"I fear we have taxed the patience of the ladies too long," he said with a significant gesture.