our regimental bureau used to be filled with officers: some expecting
money, some letters, and others newspapers. The packets were usually
opened on the spot, items of news were communicated from one to another,
and the bureau used to present a very animated picture. Silvio used to
have his letters addressed to our regiment, and he was generally there
to receive them.

One day he received a letter, the seal of which he broke with a look of
great impatience. As he read the contents, his eyes sparkled. The
officers, each occupied with his own letters, did not observe anything.

"Gentlemen," said Silvio, "circumstances demand my immediate departure;
I leave to-night. I hope that you will not refuse to dine with me for
the last time. I shall expect you, too," he added, turning towards me.
"I shall expect you without fail."

With these words he hastily departed, and we, after agreeing to meet at
Silvio's, dispersed to our various quarters.

I arrived at Silvio's house at the appointed time, and found nearly the
whole regiment there. All his things were already packed; nothing
remained but the bare, bullet-riddled walls. We sat down to table. Our
host was in an excellent humor, and his gayety was quickly communicated
to the rest. Corks popped every moment, glasses foamed incessantly, and,
with the utmost warmth, we wished our departing friend a pleasant
journey and every happiness. When we rose from the table it was already
late in the evening. After having wished everybody good-bye, Silvio took
me by the hand and detained me just at the moment when I was preparing
to depart.