s when we are
in your neighborhood, and show us your glory through a transparent wall
that we may admire and envy. When you are living in peace and harmony,
you avoid us sedulously; then the German finds himself entirely too
educated, too refined, for the barbaric Russian. But when you quarrel
and strive with each other, and cannot lay the storm, then you suddenly
remember that the Russian is your neighbor and friend, that he wields
a good sword, and knows how to hew with it right and left. You call
lustily on him for help, and offer him your friendship--that means, just
so long as hostilities endure and you have use for us. Even when you
call us your friends you distrust us and suspect our good-will. Constant
charges are brought against us in Vienna. Spresain languishes in
chains--Austria charges him with treachery and want of zeal in the good
cause; Fermor and Butterlin are also accused of great crimes--they
have sought to make both their sincerity and ability suspected by the
empress, and to bring them into reproach. This they have not deserved. I
know, also, that they have charged me with disinclination to assist the
allies--they declare that I have no ardor for the common cause. This
makes bad blood, messieurs; and if it were not for the excellent wine
in your beautiful Germany, I doubt if our friendship would stand upon
a sure footing. Therefore, sir general, take your cup and let us drink
together--drink this glorious wine to the health of our friendship. Make
your glasses ring, messieurs, and that the general may see that we mean
honorably with our toast, empty them at a draught."

They all accepted the challenge and emptied a cup of the old, fiery
Rhine wine, which Soltikow so dearly loved; their eyes flashed, their
cheeks were glowing.

Loudon saw this with horror, and he cast an anxious glance at
Montalembert, who returned it with a significant shrug of the shoulder.

"And now, your excellency," said Loudon, "that we have enjoyed the
German wine, let us think a little of Germany and the enemy who can no
longer disturb her peace, if we act promptly. Our troops have had some
hours' rest, and will now be in a condition to advance."

"Always the same old song," said Soltikow, laughing; "but I shall not
be waked up from my comfortable quarters; I have done enough! my troops
also."

"I have just received a courier from Daun," said Loudon, softly; "he
makes it my duty to entreat your excellency to follow up our