There had been a cessation in that stream of pitiable men who
staggered across the bridge from the Konigsberg road. Some instinct
had turned it southwards. Now it began again, and the rumour spread
throughout the city that Rapp was coming. At length, in the middle
of December, an officer brought word that Rapp with his staff would
arrive next day.
Desiree heard the news without comment.
"You do not believe it?" asked Mathilde, who had come in with
shining eyes and a pale face.
"Oh yes, I believe it."
"Then you forget," persisted Mathilde, "that Charles is on the
staff. They may arrive to-night."
While they were speaking Sebastian came in. He looked quickly from
one to the other.
"You have heard the news?" he asked.
"That the General is coming back?" said Mathilde.
"No; not that. Though it is true. Macdonald is in full retreat on
Dantzig. The Prussians have abandoned him--at last."
He gave a queer laugh and stood looking towards the window with
restless eyes that flitted from one object to another, as if he were
endeavouring to follow in mind the quick course of events. Then he
remembered Desiree and turned towards her.
"Rapp returns to-morrow," he said. "We may presume that Charles is
with him."
"Yes," said Desiree, in a lifeless voice.
Sebastian wrinkled his eyes and gave an apologetic laugh.
"We cannot offer him a fitting welcome," he said, with a gesture of
frustrated hospitality.
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