"Yes, sire—two daughters."
"And you are not rich, I believe?"
"The salary which I receive from your majesty, united to my practice, affords us a comfortable independence."
The emperor nodded. "You must do a little commission for me," said he, turning to the escritoire and writing a few lines, which he presented to Quarin.
"Take this paper to the court chancery and present it to the bureau of finances. You will there receive ten thousand florins wherewith to portion your daughters."
"Oh, sire!" exclaimed Quarin, deeply moved, "I thank you with all the strength of my paternal heart."
"No," replied Joseph, gently, "it is my duty to reward merit. [Footnote: These are the emperor's words. This scene is historical.—Hubner. ii., p. 496.] In addition to this, I would wish to leave you a personal souvenir of my friendship. I bestow upon you, as a last token of my affection, the title of freiherr, and I will take out the patent for you myself. Not a word, dear friend, not a word! Leave me now, for I must work diligently. Since my hours are numbered, I must make the most of them. Farewell! Who knows how soon I may have to recall you here?"
The physician kissed the emperor's hand with fervor, and turned hastily away. Joseph sank back in the chair. His large eyes were raised to heaven, and his wan face beamed with something brighter than resignation.
At that moment the door of the chancery was opened, and the first privy-councillor came hastily forward.
"What is it?" said Joseph, with a slight start.