Five minutes later he returned and bowing with particular courtesy ushered Prince Andrew before him along a corridor to the cabinet where the Minister of War was at work.

The adjutant by his elaborate courtesy appeared to wish to ward off any attempt at familiarity on the part of the Russian messenger.

Prince Andrew's joyous feeling was considerably weakened as he approached the door of the minister's room.

He felt offended, and without his noticing it the feeling of offense immediately turned into one of disdain which was quite uncalled for.

His fertile mind instantly suggested to him a point of view which gave him a right to despise the adjutant and the minister.