was in the least desirable to delay or embarrass any one was quite out of place in an army like ours. He ought to have known that the true object of the manœuvres was to let the opposing armies, with their baggage and commissariat wagons, meet at a given time and in a given place, there to have a general picnic.
While Hans was buried in these thoughts, the captain finished the sham-fight. He was by no means so pleased with his listener as he had been upon the esplanade; he seemed, somehow, to have become absent-minded.
It was now nine o'clock; but, as Cousin Hans had made up his mind that he would hold out till half-past nine, he dragged through one of the longest half-hours that had ever come within his experience. The captain grew sleepy, Miss Betty gave short and dry answers; Hans had himself to provide the conversation—weary, out of temper, unhappy and love-sick as he was.
At last the clock was close upon half-past nine; he rose, explaining that he was accustomed to go early to bed, because he could read best when he got up at six o'clock.
"Well, well," said the captain, "do you call this going early to bed? I assure you I always turn in at nine o'clock."
Vexation on vexation! Hans said good-night hastily, and rushed down-stairs.
The captain accompanied him to the landing,
