[A Start in Life by Honore de Balzac]@TWC D-Link bookA Start in Life CHAPTER IV 6/38
"At eighteen I enlisted as a private for the famous campaign of 1813; but I was present at only one battle, that of Hanau, where I was promoted sergeant-major.
In France, at Montereau, I won the rank of sub-lieutenant, and was decorated by,--there are no informers here, I'm sure,--by the Emperor." "What! are you decorated ?" cried Oscar.
"Why don't you wear your cross ?" "The cross of 'ceux-ci'? No, thank you! Besides, what man of any breeding would wear his decorations in travelling? There's monsieur," he said, motioning to the Comte de Serizy.
"I'll bet whatever you like--" "Betting whatever you like means, in France, betting nothing at all," said Mistigris's master. "I'll bet whatever you like," repeated Georges, incisively, "that monsieur here is covered with stars." "Well," said the count, laughing, "I have the grand cross of the Legion of honor, that of Saint Andrew of Russia, that of the Prussian Eagle, that of the Annunciation of Sardinia, and the Golden Fleece." "Beg pardon," said Mistigris, "are they all in the coucou ?" "Hey! that brick-colored old fellow goes it strong!" whispered Georges to Oscar.
"What was I saying ?--oh! I know.
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