"I simply complained that Madame the countess had kept me too long under the stars.

But here is Colonel Mollendorf, freshly returned from Brunnstadt to inform you that the army is fully prepared for any emergency.

Is not that true, Colonel ?" as he beheld that individual standing in the doorway.
"Yes; but how the deuce--your pardon, ladies!--did you find that out ?" demanded the Colonel.
"I guessed it," was the answer.

"But there will be no need of an army now.

Come, John, the Colonel, who is no relative of the king's minister of police, has not the trick of concealing his impatience.