the mocking eyes, the open mouths-- Olivier with his great black
bristles, Pelletan thin and sneering, even the young
sub-lieutenants convulsed with merriment. Heavens, the indignity
of it! But my rage had dried my tears. I was myself again,
cold, quiet, self-contained, ice without and fire within.

"May I ask, sir," said I to the major, "at what hour the regiment
is paraded?"

"I trust, Captain Gerard, that you do not mean to alter our
hours," said he, and again there was a burst of laughter, which
died away as I looked slowly round the circle.

"What hour is the assembly?" I asked, sharply, of Captain
Pelletan.

Some mocking answer was on his tongue, but my glance kept it
there. "The assembly is at six," he answered.

"I thank you," said I. I then counted the company and found that
I had to do with fourteen officers, two of whom appeared to be
boys fresh from St. Cyr. I could not condescend to take any
notice of their indiscretion.

There remained the major, four captains, and seven lieutenants.

"Gentlemen," I continued, looking from one to the other of them,
"I should feel myself unworthy of this famous regiment if I did
not ask you for satisfaction for the rudeness with which you have
greeted me, and I should hold you to be unworthy of it if on any