“It is the only language, after all.”

“You must be well up in the graces of His Majesty, the King of Prussia, who loves everything French, although he fights France.”

“Well, yes. You think me a major, or a colonel, perhaps, in the King’s body-guard.”

“Majors and colonels do not have the staff that came with you into this room just now. You are a general at least.”

“No. Higher.”

“A field-marshal?”

“Higher still.”

“Prince Henry of Prussia?”

“Prince Henry rises when I speak to him.”

Madame Ziska rose and made him a profound courtesy.