When I entered the library, Frederick came forward and kissed me on
both cheeks.
"My dear Armand," he said, "I am pleased beyond expression."
"It's a pity," thought I, "kissing isn't an expression."
"Dehra has told you?" I asked.
He nodded. "But I felt sure of you--so sure, indeed, I have all these
ready for you." He picked up a roll of parchments. "Here is your
Patent as an Archduke of Valeria; here are the title deeds to your
ancestral estates--they have been held as Crown lands since Hugo's
time; here is your commission as Colonel of the Red Huzzars; and here
(and this may please you most) is your commission as Lieutenant-General
in my Army."
I took them mechanically. There, were the seals, the flowing ribbons,
the heavy signature of the King. The sheets rustled and twisted in my
fingers, curling back and forth like things alive. I saw them dimly as
though through a haze; my senses were dulled with sudden wonder and
emotion. And, yet, I had thought of it all many times since yesterday;
Courtney had predicted for me some of these very honors; I, myself, had
even anticipated them--indeed, they had been the powerful inducement
for my decision. And, now, when I had them in my very hands, put there
by the King himself, I was simply overpowered. To some scoffer I may
seem sentimental or childish; and to him I say: "wait until you are in
similar circumstances."
Presently I got my senses and, I trust, thanked His Majesty in proper
words. But he, would have none of it.
"They are yours by right of birth, you have simply come to your own,"
he said.
"But only by your gracious favor," I protested.
"Then, do me a small return: wear the Huzzar uniform this evening."