The sofa-cover was a sacred relic, a present to the mess-house from an officer in the East African forces, who had formerly belonged to the regiment. It was a magnificent specimen of Oriental art. The orderly found the thick gold embroidery very uncomfortable to his cheek; but then it certainly was a fine thing to scratch his head with!
When Reimers, who had left early, reached his quarters, he was surprised to find his servant waiting up for him.
"Why on earth are you not in bed?" he inquired.
Gähler answered respectfully, "Beg pardon, sir, on such occasions the count used sometimes to need me; he often went out again."
"Well, I don't. So remember that in future," enjoined Reimers.
Gähler still waited, and asked, "Would you like some tea, sir?"
Reimers looked up. Not a bad idea that! He was too much excited to sleep, for he had been obliged to pledge his comrades far too often, and a cup of tea would be just the thing. After that he would read a few pages, and only then try to go to sleep.
"Yes, make me some tea," he assented, "but not too strong."
He put on a comfortable smoking-jacket. Gähler brought his tea almost immediately, and with it a plate of anchovy sandwiches.
Reimers smiled. It certainly paid to have for one's servant the quondam groom of an elegant cavalry officer. He gave Gähler a friendly nod, and said, "I think, Gähler, that we shall get on capitally together."