"Why, yes, of course, I am," said Blucher, sullenly. "I must make my entry, I must keep my word, and get into Paris after aiding in getting HIM out of it."
"That is to say," cried Dr. Voelzke, "you intend to break your pledge, and prove faithless to your oath?"
"What oath?" asked Blucher, greatly surprised.
"Did you not solemnly pledge me your word four days ago, your excellency, to submit to my treatment for two weeks, and adhere to my instructions?"
"Yes, and I think I have kept my word. I have swallowed your medicines, pills, and powders, rubbed in your salves, and applied your plasters, in accordance with your directions, although I must say that all this did not help me any."
"But your eyes have not grown any worse, and they will soon improve, if you continue my treatment."
"Well, what do you want me to do, then?"
"You must stay here. You must not be six or eight hours on horseback; you must not expose yourself so long to the dust and sun."
"What! I am not to participate in the entrance of the monarchs into
Paris?" cried Blucher, indignantly.
"I implore your excellency not to do so," said the physician, in an impressive tone. "Give yourself a few days' rest and recreation, and your eyes will get well; but if you expose yourself to-day I shall never again cross your threshold, for I do not care to be disgraced by the report that Field-Marshal Blucher lost his eyesight while under my care; and I tell you, you will be blind, and then I can do nothing for you."