There was something in her heart which she
had not yet analyzed. First of all, her crown; as to her heart,
there was plenty of time in which to study that peculiar and
unstable organ. The possibility of the prince's arriving in
Bleiberg before her in no way disturbed her. Whenever her attack
was made, failure would not attend it. She broke camp at two
o'clock and took the road leisurely toward Bleiberg.
Thus, the two armies faced each other comparatively in the open.
A battle hung in the air.
The king's forces came to an abrupt halt. Orderlies dashed to
and fro. The artillery came rumbling and creaking to the front,
wheeled, the guns unlimbered and ranged so as to enfilade the
road. The infantry deployed to right and left while the cavalry
swung into position on the flanks. All this was accomplished
with the equanimity of dress parade. Maurice could not control
his admiration. Madame, he thought, might win her crown, but at
a pretty cost.
The Marshal and the staff posted themselves on the right breast
of the hill, from whence, by the aid of binoculars, they could
see the enemy. From time to time General Kronau nervously
smoothed his beard, formed his lips into words, but did not
utter them, and glanced slyly from the corner of his eye at the
Marshal, who was intent on the enemy's approach.
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