midday
thought Laurence , `` there 's the sub-lieutenant after all ; he wants to be paid for his mercy . '' The marquis bowed without replying . Happily at this moment General Rapp rushed into the hut . `` Sire , the cavalry of the Guard , and that of the Grand-duc de Berg can not be set up before midday to-morrow . '' `` Never mind , '' said Napoleon , turning to Berthier , `` we , too , get our reprieves ; let us profit by them . '' At a sign of his hand the marquis and Laurence retired and again entered their carriage ; the corporal showed them their road and accompanied them to a village where they passed the night . The next day they left the field of battle behind them , followed by the thunder of the cannon , -- eight hundred pieces , -- which pursued them for ten hours .