These words relieved poor Jenő's breast of a heavy load. His mother was out of danger and he was free to act for himself.
"Well, have you considered my proposal?" asked Rideghváry.
"Yes. I have decided to accept the appointment."
Rideghváry pressed the young man's hand. "I was sure you would," said he; "and, to show you my confidence in you, I have your certificate of appointment all made out." He took an official document from his table-drawer and handed it to Jenő. "To-morrow you will take the oath of office, and then you will be free to wind up your affairs here in Vienna."
Luckily the Baroness Plankenhorst was up and dressed betimes that morning, else Jenő would certainly have sought her out in her boudoir. Hastening into the proud lady's presence, he began, without a moment's loss of time, the speech which he had been rehearsing on the way.
"Madam," said he, "you will perhaps recall your parting words to me yesterday,—'whether to-morrow or next month or next year.' That 'to-morrow' has come, and I am here,—no longer a nobody." To prove his assertion, he produced his certificate of appointment to the secretaryship of the embassy to Russia, and handed it to the baroness.
With a look of the utmost surprise, and a smile of hearty congratulation, she received the document and read it. "I am indeed delighted," she exclaimed, giving the young appointee her hand. "Do you wish Alfonsine to be informed of this?"
"If you please."
The baroness had to go no farther than the next room to find her daughter. Leading her in by the hand, she presented "the secretary of the Austrian legation at the court of St. Petersburg."