Pagina 437 de 3800

"That's for them all," he said to the officer who came up.

"Get well soon, lads!" he continued, turning to the soldiers.

"There's plenty to do still."

"What news, sir?" asked the officer, evidently anxious to start a

conversation.

"Good news!... Go on!" he shouted to the driver, and they

galloped on.

It was already quite dark when Prince Andrew rattled over the

paved streets of Brunn and found himself surrounded by high

buildings, the lights of shops, houses, and street lamps, fine

carriages, and all that atmosphere of a large and active town

which is always so attractive to a soldier after camp life.

Despite his rapid journey and sleepless night, Prince Andrew when

he drove up to the palace felt even more vigorous and alert than

he had done the day before. Only his eyes gleamed feverishly and

his thoughts followed one another with extraordinary clearness

and rapidity. He again vividly recalled the details of the

battle, no longer dim, but definite and in the concise form in

which he imagined himself stating them to the Emperor Francis. He

vividly imagined the casual questions that might be put to him

and the answers he would give. He expected to be at once

presented to the Emperor.