o that
the wretch whom I am about to punish may not be able to complain that I
have neglected what good manners prescribe.'

He drew the pistols from his bosom, and laid them aside. Then ringing
for his servant, he dressed himself with unusual care. The rich gala
uniform contrasted strangely and frightfully with the suppressed anger
upon his beautiful pale face. He buckled on his sword again, and
proceeded to the Ritterholm in search of his antagonist.

The parade before the palace had commenced. The troops were already
marched to the square, and the officers were walking to and fro in
masses, or conversing together in isolated groups. 'Have you heard of
it?' asked adjutant Kolbert, slopping up to Arwed; Baumgardt has become
a major general, and had conferred upon him the order of the seraphim.
It will be announced to-day in general orders.'

'There he comes already,' scoffingly observed count Posse, who had
joined the group; 'and his face shines as did that of Moses when he
retired from the presence of the Most Holy.'

'I am glad of it,' said Arwed, 'I shall have an opportunity to
congratulate him upon the spot.'

Meanwhile Baumgardt had descended the palace steps with a stately air,
and now approached them. Already, at a distance, glistened the star and
band upon his breast, and with proud condescension he bowed right and
left to the subaltern officers who gathered round for the purpose of
congratulating him.

With firm and rapid strides Arwed stepped directly in front of the
fortunate man. The latter was somewhat surprised when he recognised
him, and turned pale upon observing the frightful earnestness expressed
by his features. 'I must most respectfully request a short conversation
with you, sir major general,' said Arwed very courteously. 'You will
have the goodness to remember that I reserved this claim when we
separated at Amal.'

'I know not....' stammered Baumgardt, in the embarrassment of his
surprise.

'You allowed yourself,' proceeded Arwed, 'in the parsonage at Tanum and
in the camp before Frederickshall, to use certain expressions injurious
to my honor, and my situation now for the first time allows me to ask
an explanation of them.'

'Whatever I may have said,' answered Baumgardt sullenly, 'was in the
discharge of my official duty, and therefore I am not to be called to
account for it by any person.'

'According to my view,' said Arwed coolly, 'on that occasion you
overstepped the bounds of