"It is a proof of his favour, that he asks your permission to do a thing which he can as easily do without it. From this you should see that he desires to retain you in your present position."
"Only because he has need of me," muttered Hoym.
Vitzthum sat down on the sofa.
"Dear Count, think it well over; when I leave the room it will be too late."
Again Hoym rushed wildly about the room, overthrowing everything that came in his way. At length, throwing himself down on a chair, he began to laugh; but it was a laugh full of bitterness.
"Hoym, the King is awaiting your decision," said Vitzthum.
"It is mere irony to ask a man whom you have stripped of his clothes, for permission to keep them, and threaten him with a club should he refuse. Therefore, my dear brother-in-law, you will tell His Majesty that I am very grateful to him for taking the burden of that woman from me. Tell him I consent, that I am glad, happy, merry, that I kiss His Majesty's hand. It is a great honour to be able to offer the King a half-eaten fruit--ha! ha! ha!"
"You had better drink a glass of iced-water," said Vitzthum, taking his hat.
He shook hands with Hoym.
"Believe me," said he, in a whisper, "you have come out of this better than any of the others. I will tell the King you consent. You will cool off after a time."