very uncomfortable all the
while, Frank and his companion were in due course made known to Baron
Steinberg, Count Von Baumhof, and to the four other guests, whose names
he did not catch; and then, by the help of Captain Murray and Sir
Robert, a difficult conversation was carried on, the German officers
assuming a haughty, condescending manner towards the Guardsmen, who were
most warm in their welcome.

At the end of a few minutes Captain Murray returned to where the two
lads were standing, leaving Sir Robert trying his best to comprehend the
visitors, and translating their words to the colonel and his
brother-officers.

"Rather an unthankful task," said the captain, smiling. "These Germans
treat us as if they had conquered the country, and we were their
servants. Never mind; I suppose it is their nature to."

"Yes," said Andrew warmly; "they make my blood boil. I know I am only a
boy; but that was no reason why they should insult Frank Gowan here and
me with their sneering, contemptuous looks."

"Never mind, my lad. I noticed it. Show them, both of you, that you
are English gentlemen, and know how to treat strangers and guests."

"Yes, yes, of course," said Frank hastily.

"They will be more civil after dinner. Ah, and there it is."

For the door was thrown open, one of the servants announced the dinner,
and the colonel led off with Baron Steinberg, after saying a few words
to Sir Robert, who came directly to his brother-officer.

"The colonel wishes the places to be changed, Murray," he said, "so that
you and I can be closer to the head of the table on either side, to do
the talking with the visitors. I wish you would take my boy here on
your left. Forbes, my lad, you come and sit with me."

Andrew had begun to look a little glum at being set on one side on
account of the German officers; but at Sir Robert's last words he
brightened up a little, and they followed into the messroom, which was
decorated with the regimental colours; the hall looked gay with its fine
display of plate, glass, flowers, and fruit, and the band was playing in
a room just beyond.

The scene drove away all the little unpleasantry, and the dinner
proceeded, with the colonel and his officers doing their best to
entertain their guests, but only seeming to succeed with the two pages
of honour, to whom everything was, in its novelty, thoroughly
delightful. The German officers, though noblemen and gentlemen, gave
their hosts a ver