.

The Captain now renewed his affability as though he had forgotten what he had just said.

He wished to present him to his companions-at-arms.

His Excellency, Count Meinbourg, the Major General, upon learning that he was a relative of the von Hartrotts, had done him the honor of inviting him to his table.
Invited into his own demesne, he finally reached the dining room, filled with men in mustard color and high boots.

Instinctively, he made an inventory of the room.