we have at present a king who recognizes how great a man he is,
and is wise enough to know that although he himself is somewhat
overshadowed, France is made greater and stronger and his own reign
more glorious by his genius." Then he broke off with a smile. "I
was talking to myself rather than to you. I shall ride to St. Denis
at two o'clock today; be here at that time. I will order the horse,
that I have purchased for you, to be brought round here."

Hector was about to express his gratitude, but the general at once
stopped him. "I need no thanks," he said. "I perceived in the
ardour with which you have studied military matters that you would
make a good officer, and you remind me of my own boyhood. I always
like to help forward officers who I see ready, not only to do their
actual business but to go beyond it, in order to acquire knowledge,
and I doubt not that I shall find this in you. But you must remember,
lad, that you are now no longer a civilian, but a soldier, that
you must be not only obedient but respectful to those above you in
rank, that discretion as well as courage is necessary for success,
that you must be thoughtful for the comfort of the soldiers, ready
to expose your life in battle to encourage them, and also to
set them an example of endurance, cheerfulness, and good spirits
in times of hardship and distress. Remember that, to the soldier,
there is no such thing as party; he fights for France and for
France only, and should hold himself aloof from even the smallest
expression of opinion on political matters. Then, at two o'clock."

Hector bowed deeply and left the room. When he returned to the hotel
at two o'clock, six grooms were standing with the horses before
the entrance; he waited outside until the viscount, followed by
four officers, came out.