"Your excellency," said he in German, stepping forward and addressing the Austrian general, "I have the honor to congratulate you.

" He bowed his head and scraped first with one foot and then with the other, awkwardly, like a child at a dancing lesson.

The member of the Hofkriegsrath looked at him severely but, seeing the seriousness of his stupid smile, could not but give him a moment's attention.

He screwed up his eyes showing that he was listening.

"I have the honor to congratulate you.