"Your majesty," cried Captain von Düring, "my wishes are nothing, you have but to command,--it would be my greatest happiness; yet," he added with some hesitation, "I must tell your majesty plainly, that idleness is contrary to my whole nature."
"You shall not be unemployed, my dear Düring," said the king, proudly raising his head. "I have every intention of again obtaining my inheritance, and when the political situation permits the attempt I shall require men capable of forming an army, and of leading it."
Captain von Düring's face brightened.
"Your majesty," he cried, "I can only lay my sword, my life, and my future at the feet of my king."
"I appoint you my equerry," said the king, "remain here, you shall do no court duty," he added, laughing. "Au revoir, I shall expect you to dinner at five o'clock."
Captain von Düring bowed low.
"I cannot express to your majesty the gratitude I feel," he said; "may I have the opportunity of proving it by my deeds!"
And he left the cabinet.
"Has your majesty any commands for me?" asked Count Wedel.
"Did the queen give you no commission to me?" asked the king in a penetrating voice.