"You thought I was in Egypt," said Raynal with grim significance
that caught Dujardin's attention, though he did not know quite how to
interpret it.
He answered mechanically, "Yes, I did."
"I am sent here by General Bonaparte to take a command," explained
Raynal.
"You are welcome. What command?"
"Yours."
"Mine?" cried Dujardin, his forehead flushing with mortification and
anger. "What, is it not enough that you take my"--He stopped then.
"Come, colonel," said the other calmly, "do not be unjust to an old
comrade. I take your demi-brigade; but you are promoted to Raimbaut's
brigade. The exchange is to be made to-morrow."
"Was it then to announce to me my promotion you came to my quarters?"
and Camille looked with a strange mixture of feelings at his old
comrade.
"That was the first thing, being duty, you know."
"What? have you anything else to say to me, then?"
"I have."
"Is it important? for my own duties will soon demand me."
"It is so important that, command or no command, I should have come
further than the Rhine to say it to you.
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