Good old George was in high spirits, and I could see in his eye that he intended to get drunk and, if possible, to bring me, also, to that happy condition.

After many goblets of wine, he remarked:-- "The king of France will probably be upon us within a fortnight after he hears the sad news from Nancy." Yolanda immediately sat upright in her chair, abandoning Twonette's soft hand and softer cheek.
"Why do you believe so, uncle ?" she asked nervously.
"Because he has waited all his life for this untoward event to happen." "Preparations should be made to receive him," said Yolanda.
"Ah, yes," replied Castleman, "but Burgundy's army is scattered to the four winds.

It has given its blood for causes in which its heart was not.

We lack the strong arm of the duke, to force men to battle against their will.

King Louis must be fought by policy, not by armies; and Hymbercourt is absent." "Do you know aught of him, Sir Karl ?" asked Yolanda.
"I do not, Fraeulein," I answered, "save that he was alive and well when we left Nancy." "That, at least, is good news," she replied, "and I make sure he will soon come to Burgundy's help." "I am sure he is now on his way," I answered.
"What can Burgundy do ?" she asked, turning to Castleman and me.