COLBORNE
I cannot say, my lord, I only know that the latest number of the _Imperial Gazette_ was seen in the hands of some of them before the capture. They had been reading the contents, and were cast down.
WELLINGTON
That"s interesting. I wonder what the news could have been?
HILL
Something about Boney"s army in Saxony would be most probable.
Though I question if there"s time yet for much to have been decided there.
BERESFORD
Well, I wouldn"t say that. A h.e.l.l of a lot of things may have happened there by this time.
COLBORNE
It was tantalizing, but they were just able to destroy the paper before we could prevent them.
WELLINGTON
Did you question them?
COLBORNE
Oh yes. But they stayed sulking at being taken, and would tell us nothing, pretending that they knew nothing. Whether much were going on, they said, or little, between the army of the Emperor and the army of the Allies, it was none of their business to relate it; so they kept a gloomy silence for the most part.
WELLINGTON
They will cheer up a bit and be more communicative when they have had some dinner.
COLE
They are dining here, my lord?
WELLINGTON
I sent them an invitation an hour ago, which they have accepted.
I could do no less, poor devils. They"ll be here in a few minutes.
See that they have plenty of Madeira to whet their whistles with.
It well screw them up into a better key, and they"ll not be so reserved.
[The conversation on the day"s battle becomes general. Enter as guests French officers of the Eighty-eighth regiment now prisoners on parole. They are welcomed by WELLINGTON and the staff, and all sit down to dinner.
For some time the meal proceeds almost in silence; but wine is pa.s.sed freely, and both French and English officers become talkative and merry.
WELLINGTON [to the French Commandant]
More cozy this, sir, than--I"ll warrant me-- You found it in that d.a.m.ned redoubt to-day?
COMMANDANT
The devil if "tis not, monseigneur, sure!
WELLINGTON
So "tis for us who were outside, by G.o.d!
COMMANDANT [gloomily]
No; we were not at ease! Alas, my lord, "Twas more than flesh and blood could do, to fight After such paralyzing tidings came.
More life may trickle out of men through thought Than through a gaping wound.
WELLINGTON
Your reference Bears on the news from Saxony, I infer?
SECOND FRENCH OFFICER
Yes: on the Emperor"s ruinous defeat At Leipzig city--brought to our startled heed By one of the _Gazettes_ just now arrived.
[All the English officers stop speaking, and listen eagerly.]
WELLINGTON
Where are the Emperor"s headquarters now?
COMMANDANT