On one of the beds Maurice saw the hussar uniform.

On the dresser were razors and mugs and a pitcher of hot water.
"Ah," he said, with satisfaction.
"The boots may not fit you," said the Colonel, "but if they do not we will manage some way." "I shall not mind the fortnight," said Maurice.

"By the way, Colonel, I notice that French seems to prevail instead of German.

Why is that ?" "It is the common language of politeness, and servants do not understand it.

As for myself, I naturally prefer the German tongue; it is blunt and honest and lacks the finesse of the French, which is full of evasive words and meanings.