“All?” I asked, as if in astonishment.
“Do you accept the commission in the service of the Prince—or rather of the lady who has offered it you—or in mine?”
“In neither; but as an honour offered to a rich British subject who has taken up permanent residence in Sofia.” His shrewd old eyes lighted at this reply, which he had certainly not expected.
“So that is your line, eh?” he said drily. “Considering that they know nothing of the Hon. Mr. Winthrop’s existence, they have acted a little by accident in honouring a British subject. Don’t you think so?”
I smiled. “At any rate they have made me the offer, and I have decided to accept it. But I preferred to come and tell you, after our interesting little conversation of three days ago.”
“That means, then, you will remain in Sofia?”
“My house is nearly ready for my occupation, and I shall hope to be honoured by your presence in it as my guest.”
“Umph! You have not forgotten our conversation, I see.”
“It was scarcely one to be forgotten.”
“And I understand you claim the rights of a British subject.”