The fiery spirit seemed to touch a chord of memory.
"But what about my wife?" he demanded, suddenly. "Does she know I'm a—hic—general?"
"Certainly, sir. In fact, she has been trying to find you all day."
Petroff's face paled.
"What does she want?" he gasped.
"Merely to offer your Excellency her congratulations."
Here was a new mystery.
"That's very strange. She never wanted to—hic—congratulate me before."
"But she has only just heard of your promotion, sir."
The look of dismay faded from the old man's countenance, and a placid smile took its place.