The door, leading to the main palace
through the kitchens, opened, and the Marshal, the princess, and
the maid of honor came down the steps. The Captain, Max and the
surgeon stood at salute. Maurice, however, drew back into the
shadows at the side of the grate. The old soldier gazed down at
the pale face of the young Lieutenant, and smiled kindly.
"Even the best of soldiers make mistakes," he said; "even the
best. No," as von Mitter made an attempt to speak. "I've heard
all about it, and from a most reliable source," nodding toward
the anxious maid of honor. "Colonel," he addressed the Captain,
whose eyes started at this appellation, "Colonel, you will
report to me in the morning to assume your new duties. You have
been a faithful Captain and a good soldier. I know your value,
your name and your antecedents, which till now was more than I
knew of your late predecessor. Von Mitter will take upon himself
your duties as Captain of the household troop; and you,
Scharfenstein, will hereafter take charge of her Royal
Highness's carriage, and you may choose whom you will as your
comrade."
"I have always tried to do my duty," said von Mitter.
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