“And if Frank will be but patient—”
“He may be a corporal within a year, Madame,” said the Feld, gravely, and with the air of a man who had advanced a somewhat bold pledge.
“But he must be an officer within a week, sir,” said Kate, taking the General's hand within her own. “I seldom ask favors, and as seldom are they refused me. The chivalry of Austria will surely suffer no attaint from one whose distinction it is to be your relative, and a Dalton. Nay, dear uncle, this is the first, the very first request I have ever made of you. It would not be meet for me to say, in your presence, what a guerdon is his name for his good conduct.”
“You are too sanguine, Madame. You do not know this boy.”
“Every thought of his heart I know,—every hope that sustains him. He himself has told me all his shortcomings.”
“His insubordination?”
“Yes.”
“Extravagance?”
“Yes.”
“His days of imprisonment?”