iness for to-morrow?"

"I think so, but will once more examine to-night."

"To-night? You are crazy. At once. Loafing must stop. And, mark you, I
demand a more respectful tone from you, or I shall report your case to
the colonel. Now bring me my horse!"

"Horse, my gracious lady? That is out with the rest of them. All
horses were ordered out, except these two lame ones," and he pointed
at the two sorry steeds.

"What? My horse ordered out? What new insolence is this? Let it be
brought to me instantly. One of the corporals can go on foot."

But this moment she heard steps approaching, and seeing Borgert she
called out to him in dulcet tones:

"Ah, what a pleasure, my dear First Lieutenant! So early out on duty?
I was just about to give some sugar to my husband's horses, but find
them already gone. My dear husband is so excessively punctual in all
that concerns the service."

"Your interest for the squadron is most praiseworthy, my gracious
lady," said Borgert with a malicious twinkle in his eye. "I have often
remarked you with secret admiration when issuing orders to the men
about the stable."

"Orders? Scarcely that, my dear Borgert. Once in a while I am the
messenger of my dear husband when he has forgotten something. Of
course, I take an interest in all that concerns him and the squadron."

"Frau Captain is quite right, and I can only congratulate you on the
successful way in which your interest in the squadron and in the whole
regiment takes concrete form."

"You are always jesting. But I suppose I shall see you at the Casino
to-night?"

"Assuredly, we are to meet at five to talk over some service matters."

"Yes, you remind me. But that will not last long. It concerns only
some trifling affairs."

"Much obliged for the exact information."

"Oh, of course, I take an interest in everything, as I said. I called
the colonel's attention to divers things, and I presume he will talk
them over with you gentlemen."

"I am curious to learn what they can be. But, pardon me, I see Captain
Koenig coming, with whom I have to transact some business. Good
morning, my most gracious lady!"

"Good morning, _mon cher_!" And she held her hand up high to him,--a
big hand, which was encased in a soiled, worn-out gauntlet of her
husband's.

Then she turned once more to the sergeant-major, while Borgert
hastened to intercept Koenig, who was on the point of turning into the
big courtyard of the third squadron.

"Good