Monsieur Maurice bowed, laid his hand upon his heart, and said:—
“I promise it, your Majesty, on my word of honour as a gentleman, a soldier, and a Frenchman.”
“You are probably in need of present funds,” the King then said; “and if so, our Secretary shall make you out an order on the Treasury for five hundred thalers.”
“Believing myself to be beggared of all I once possessed, I gratefully accept your Majesty's bounty,” replied Monsieur Maurice.
The King then held out his hand for Monsieur Maurice to kiss, which he did on bended knee, and so went out from the royal presence, a free man.
Half an hour later, he and I were strolling hand in hand under the trees. His step was slow, and the hand that held mine had grown sadly thin and transparent.
“Let us sit here awhile, and rest,” he said, as we came to the bench by the fountain.
I reminded him that we had sat and rested in the same spot the very last time we walked together.
“Ay,” he replied, with a sigh. “I was stronger then.”
“You will get strong again, now that you are free,” I said.