noon
In fact , as an army it has almost ceased to exist ; and your Marlborough will be able to besiege the fortresses of Flanders as he likes . There has been a council of all the general officers here this morning . I am to carry some dispatches to Versailles -- not altogether a pleasant business , but some one must do it , and of course he will have heard the main incidents direct from Villeroi . I leave at noon , Rupert , and you will accompany me , unless indeed you would prefer remaining here on the chance of getting an earlier exchange . '' Rupert naturally declared at once for the journey to Paris . Officers on parole were in those days treated with great courtesy , especially if they happened to have a powerful friend . He therefore looked forward to a pleasant stay in Paris , and to a renewal of his acquaintance with Adele , and to a sight of the glories of Versailles , which , under Louis XIV , was the gayest , the most intellectual , and the most distinguished court of Europe .