The secretaries
moved the papers, maps, etc.; and the table, which a moment before
had quite a business-like aspect, was now changed into an enticing
buffet.
Soltikow looked on enraptured, but the marquis cast an anxious and
significant look upon the Austrian general, which was answered with
a slight shrug of the shoulders. Both knew that the brave General
Soltikow, next to the thunder of cannon and the mad whirl of battle,
loved nothing so well as the springing of corks and the odor of
wine. Both knew that the general was as valiant and unconquerable a
soldier as he was a valiant and unconquerable drinker--who was most
apt while drinking to forget every thing else but the gladness of
the moment. The marquis tried to make another weak attempt to remind
him of more earnest duties.
"Look you, your excellency, your secretaries appear very melancholy.
Will you not first hold a council of war? and we can then give
ourselves undisturbed to joy and enjoyment."
"Why is a council of war necessary?" said Soltikow, sinking down
into a chair and handing his cup to the Cossack behind him to be
filled for the second time. "Away with business and scribbling! The
dispatches to my empress are completed; seal them, Pietrowitch, and
send the courier off immediately; every thing else can wait till
morning.
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