“How is that?” asked the general,
turning toward the soldier. “And why?”
“Because it would be a deceit, my general,” answered Lucas, lifting his open hand to his temple. “I am the only one left of my house, and have no sister.”
“I sent for you,” proceeded the general, “to make you one of my orderlies, to keep you near me, have you taught to write, and fit you for a career. You will mount rapidly. I know already that you are intelligent and brave.”
“I do not wish to learn to write, my general.”
“And why?” asked the general, repressing his ill-humor, “since without knowing how to write, you cannot rise?”
“I do not want to rise, my general.”
“The reason is evident,” said the general, with a mocking laugh. “It is not strange that the heir of such a house should disdain the service of the king.”
“He that sees not the king is king to himself,” answered Lucas.
“What is there that you want, brother?” asked Lucia.