noon
Perhaps the delay was intended to test my prudence as to secrecy ; and perhaps it was deemed fitting that my name should not appear except in the general list : in any case , the long-wished reward was mine , -- the proud distinction I had desired for so many a day and night . The distribution of the `` cordons '' was always made the occasion of a grand military spectacle , and the Emperor determined that the present one should convey a powerful impression of the effective strength of his army , as well as of its perfect equipment ; and accordingly orders were despatched to the different generals of division within twelve or fifteen leagues of Berlin , to march their corps to the capital . The 28th of November was the day fixed for this grand display , and all was bustle and preparation for the event . On the morning of the 22d , I received an official note from the bureau of the adjutant-general desiring me to wait on him before noon that same day . Concluding it referred to my promised promotion to the `` Legion , '' it was with somewhat of a fluttered and excited feeling I found myself , at some few minutes after eleven o'clock , in the antechamber , which already was crowded with officers , some seeking , some summoned to an interview . In the midst of the buzz of conversation , which , despite the reserve of the place , still prevailed , I heard my name called , and followed an aide-de-camp along a passage into a large room , which opened into a smaller apartment , where , standing with his back to the fire , I perceived Marshal Berthier , his only companion being an officer in a staff uniform , busily engaged writing at a table . `` You are Captain Burke , of the Eighth Hussars , I believe , sir ? ''