Mathilde seemed a long time in coming, and when at length she
appeared Desiree could scarcely repress a movement of surprise.
Mathilde was dressed, all in her best, as for a fete.
At breakfast Lisa brought the news told to her at the door that the
Governor would re-enter the city in state with his staff at midday.
The citizens were invited to decorate their streets, and to gather
there to welcome the returning garrison.
"And the citizens will accept the invitation," commented Sebastian,
with a curt laugh. "All the world has sneered at Russia since the
Empire existed--and yet it has to learn from Moscow what part a
citizen may play in war. These good Dantzigers will accept the
invitation."
And he was right. For one reason or another the city did honour to
Rapp. Even the Poles must have known by now that France had made
tools of them. But as yet they could not realize that Napoleon had
fallen. There were doubtless many spies in the streets that cold
December day--one who listened for Napoleon; and another, peeping to
this side and that, for the King of Prussia. Sweden also would need
to know what Dantzig thought, and Russia must not be ignorant of the
gossip in a great Baltic port.
Enveloped in their stiff sheepskins, concealed by the high collars
which reached to the brim of their hats--showing nothing but eyes
where the rime made old faces and young all alike, it was difficult
for any to judge of his neighbour--whether he were Pole or Prussian,
Dantziger or Swede.
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