'I have received my dismission unwished for, without advancement, and without pension.'
'You jest!' cried the governor; 'how could it be possible?'
'I know no other reason,' answered Megret, 'than the obligations under which I have laid the queen and her husband. Great obligations! It has cost me much to serve them, very much! perhaps too much! The queen might possibly have despaired of being able suitably to reward me, and has therefore chosen the most convenient way in which the great of the earth reward past services. She repays with ingratitude!'
'These are strange observations, colonel,' said Arwed distrustfully, 'and you would do us a favor by giving a commentary upon the mysterious text.'
'Let us speak of something more agreeable,' said Megret, drawing his hand over his forehead, as though he would have wiped something from it. 'How does the charming countess?'
The governor trembled with agitation, and looked beseechingly at Arwed, as if he would have called him to his aid.
Just as Arwed was about to answer for him the servant entered to announce a Laplander from the parish of Lyksale, who had a secret and important communication to make to the governor.
'Conduct him to my cabinet!' commanded the latter, rising from his seat, and glad of the interruption.
'You have not yet answered my question,' said Megret; but the governor merely pointed to Arwed as he went out.
'Am I directed to you for my answer?' he asked Arwed with anxious interest. 'This evasion of my simple question surprises me, and would seem to indicate some misfortune. I hope no mischance has befallen Christine?'