"It seems to me, though, that as you are only at present a lieutenant your marriage must be postponed for some time."
"Unfortunately that is the case, your Majesty."
"You know I don't approve of officers marrying until they have reached the rank of captain, the majority of them have no time to do anything but learn."
"Yes, your Majesty."
"Now from what I have learned of you, I gather that you love your profession. Am I right?"
"With all my heart."
"H'm! what would Mademoiselle say to that?"
"She is already jealous of my profession, your Majesty."
"Well, well! Now listen to me, Landsberg. You know I am against favouritism in my army, but in my Guards I appoint my own officers; that being so, I intend to offer you a captaincy in that regiment as soon as you have passed the examination for that rank."
He gave a cry of joy, but before he could say anything I continued: