" The Colonel looked across the table
at the smooth-faced boy-- he was scarcely else--and reflected.
"Why did you give up the army?"
"The army in America doesn't run to good clothes; the officers
have to work harder than the privates, and, save in Washington,
their social status is nil. Besides, there is too much fighting
going on all the time. Here, an officer is always on dress parade."
"Still, we are always ready. In the past we show up pretty well
in history. But to return to Beauvais, it is very embarrassing, very."
"It will be for him, if I live long enough."
"Eh?"
"Beauvais has promised to push me off the board, to use his own
words. I am wondering how he will do it."
"Don't let that disturb you; he will do nothing--now. Well, well;
it is all a sorry game; and I find that making history has its
disadvantages. But I have dandled Madame as a child on my knee,
and her wish is law; wherever her fortunes lead, I must follow.
She will win; she can not help winning. But I pity that poor
devil of a king, who, they say, is now bereft of speech. Ah, had
he been a man, I could have gone into this heart and soul.
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