"One minute more before you thank me. A captaincy in the Guards carries with it a certain increase in pay; there are also posts which are generally filled from the Guards, I mean those of military secretaries, they also have the good side of extra pay to them. I shall appoint you to one which is now vacant, and I think with a little economy you can then marry; I think, too, that you will still have time to do your duty to your wife."
A sob broke from him, and for a moment I feared he would break down, but he recovered himself.
"How can I thank your Majesty? You save my life first, and then add to that by giving me so much."
"Save your life?" I was frankly puzzled.
"I was the officer whom your Majesty carried out of fire near the bridge of Atar."
"I thought your face was familiar, Landsberg, and I am pleased that my efforts were so successful. No, no, don't try to say any more, say all that to Mademoiselle."
He stayed where he was, for I promised to send Sonia to him; so when I regained the others I said to her:
"There is some one at the end of the shrubbery who has something terribly important to say to you, mademoiselle; I think he has found a four-leaved clover or something."
I sat down next to my host.
"Prince, I have lost no time in doing what I promised, as I do not know when I shall be recalled; I have therefore done my best to upset your household arrangements by making Landsberg a captain in my Guards, and one of my military secretaries. This will be confirmed as soon as he has passed his examination, and then, of course, the matter rests with you. Let us walk a little, shall we?"