noon
In his farewell speech the joy of his promotion was the predominant note ; but there was an undertone of sadness at parting , after so many years , from comrades and a garrison he had known so long . Often , it is true , he had sighed for a change , and there had been a good deal of worry and annoyance in this world-forgotten little town close to the French frontier ; but now , when the hour of parting came , it cut him , nevertheless , to the quick to have to leave it all behind . Such is the weakness and inconsistency of frail human nature . Next day he left by the noon train , and the officers were assembled at the station in full force to bid him good-bye . Brief military leave-taking , -- just a shake of the hand and a word or two . The colonel formally and affectionately kissed him on the cheek , and then Kahle bade leave to his wife and their little son . His heart was heavy , and it cost him something to conceal the tear which had stolen into a corner of his eye .