But I don't know many people, and with a room full of generals and colonels, and three or four men to each lady, there won't be much chance of getting partners." When they reached the village Stapleton said good-by to them, as his company lay half a mile further on; and Captain O'Connor and Ralph entered their quarters.

They found their servants busy packing up the baggage.
"What is this all about, O'Connor ?" Lieutenant Desmond asked.
"It is in orders that the whole division is to assemble to-night in readiness to march at a moment's notice.

News has come that the French have attacked the Prussian outposts, and the duke is not to be caught napping.

Of course it may be nothing but an outpost skirmish; still it may be the beginning of operations on a grand scale." "And there is an order," Desmond said dolefully, "that only one officer in each company is to go to the ball." "You want to go--eh, Desmond ?" "Well, of course I should like to go, and so would everyone I suppose, however, it can't be helped; for of course you will go yourself." "Well, I have made up my mind to look in for an hour or two.

Conway doesn't wish to go.