noon
`` It is not a position for myself I seek , General , '' said I. `` Wherever I can best serve the Emperor , there only I desire to be . '' `` I have ventured to leave that point to General Damrémont , '' said he , smiling . `` Your motives do not require much explanation . Let us to breakfast now , and by noon we shall have everything in readiness for your departure . '' Thus rapidly , and as it were by the merest accident , was I again become a soldier of the Emperor ; and that same day was once more at the head of a squadron , on my way to Châlons . My troop were , indeed , very unlike the splendid array of my old Hussars of the Guard . They were hurriedly raised , and not over well equipped , but still they were stout-looking , hardy peasants , who , whatever deficiency of drill they might display , I knew well would exhibit no lack of courage before an enemy .