"Is it the Pardon?" asked Gordon.
"No, something else—perhaps, in a sense, something better," said the old man.
He had received an unofficial message from the War Office to say that the King, taking no half measures, intended to promote Gordon to the rank of Major-General, and appoint him to the command of the British Forces in Egypt.
Helena could hardly contain her joy at this fresh proof of good fortune, but Gordon made no demonstration. He watched the pained expression in the old man's face, and felt sure that something else was coming.
"It's a remarkable, perhaps unparalleled instance of clemency," continued the Consul-General, "and under the circumstances it may be said to open up as momentous a mission as was ever confided to a military commander."
"And you, father?" asked Gordon, not without an effort.
The old man laughed. A flush overspread his pale face for a moment. Then he said—
"I? Oh, I ... I am dismissed."
"Dismissed?"
Gordon had gasped. Helena's lips had parted.