The room fell silent at once.
Everyone wondered if they had heard wrong.
General Massena?
General Massena, who had only arrived in Reims yesterday at the head of the triumphant army?
Lately, his name had seemed to be on everyone's lips at all times, and now he was actually coming here?!
Old Twaite was the first to recover. Knocking over two chairs, he rushed frantically to the door, opened it, and stammered, "Y-yes, um, you, General sir, ah, please come in..."
The Captain outside smiled and nodded to him. "You are Mr. Twaite, I presume? General Massena will be here shortly. My name is Moeno, and I am a Meritorious Soldier Assistant Officer from the Military Affairs Department."
Old Twaite froze where he stood, bent at the waist with his head lowered, utterly at a loss for what to do.
Moeno looked up and saw Sergeant Twaite. Understanding the identity of the middle-aged man before him, he helped him back into the house.
The six or seven soldiers behind him began hanging ribbons and arranging flowers inside and outside the house. Finally, they stretched a banner over the doorway bearing the words: "Twaite, Meritorious Soldier of France."
Moeno then came before Twaite and warmly inquired after his well-being. He took a paper-wrapped parcel from the leather case he carried and placed it on the table.
"Honorable Sergeant Twaite, this is your disability pension, totaling 6,000 Francs.
"Of course, this small sum is far from enough to repay the immense contribution you have made to France. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you may come directly to the Military Affairs Department. We will do everything in our power to assist you."
Elijah had recovered his senses by then. He was somewhat surprised when he heard the figure of 6,000