'You have commanded my presence my father,' said Arwed, who with a discontented face now entered the cabinet.
'I have reflected further upon your request,' answered the senator. 'I will for this time let the child have his way, to stop his weeping. As soon as your letters of introduction are ready you will set off for the army. From conquered Drontheim shall I expect your first letter.'
'Am I going to Armfelt's corps?' asked Arwed aghast.
'What a question!' observed the father. 'The lieutenant general is my old friend. He will receive you with open arms, and give you an advantageous position.'
'I much regret,' said Arwed, 'that with my thanks for granting my first request, I must prefer a new one. I cannot, indeed, take the letter of recommendation, dear father, and I would not be indebted to old friendship for a commission. What I can win upon the field of honor, that may I thank myself for.'
'Overstrained ideas,' murmured the father peevishly. You will regret the want of patronage when, experience shall have taught you how far merit can go without it.'
'In war the good will of one's comrades is necessary,' proceeded Arwed. 'The soldier who is pushed forward through favoritism, must renounce it; and under Armfelt I foresee that I could not avoid being improperly favored. Wherefore I beg of you to let me go without recommendation to our king before Frederickshall.'
'Even to the most hopeless expedition of the whole campaign!' cried the father. 'Before that unlucky city which during the last year has cost Sweden her military renown, an entire third of her army, and very nearly the life of her king,--where peasants and serving maids suddenly became more furious than the hostile elements and put to flight the conqueror of Moscow. How hast thou become possessed of this foolish fancy?'
'I desire that Sweden's hero should witness my first essay in arms,' answered Arwed.
'Overweening self confidence!' said the father. 'I trust that thou wilt every where maintain the honor of our name, and the coolness of age sees farther than the heat of youth. The king has not yet learned to be sparing of his soldiers, as there is none but God to call him to account for his conduct. The general has more restricted duties. And although I appreciate eagerness for action and am disposed to satisfy it, yet I cannot consent to place your life at the disposal of Charles's mad humour. You go to Armfelt.'