Part 18 (1/2)
”If they knew who it was, they must die,” said the King in evident concern and excitement.
Stenovics contented himself with a bow of obedience. The King rose and gave Sophy his hand.
”We shall hope to see you again soon,” he said, very graciously.
”Meanwhile, General Stenovics has something to say to you in my name which will, I trust, prove agreeable to you.” His eyes dwelt on her face for a moment as she took her leave.
Stenovics made his communication later in the day, paying Sophy the high compliment of a personal call at the sign of the Silver c.o.c.k for that purpose. His manner was most cordial. Sophy was to receive an honorary appointment in the Royal Household at an annual salary of ten thousand paras, or some four hundred pounds.
”It isn't riches--we aren't very rich in Kravonia--but it will, I hope, make you comfortable and relieve you from the tiresome lessons which Markart tells me you're now burdened with.”
Sophy was duly grateful, and asked what her appointment was.
”It's purely honorary,” he smiled. ”You are to be Keeper of the Tapestries.”
”I know nothing about tapestries,” said Sophy, ”but I dare say I can learn; it'll be very interesting.”
Stenovics leaned back in his chair with an amused smile.
”There aren't any tapestries,” he said. ”They were sold a good many years ago.”
”Then why do you keep a--”
”When you're older in the royal service, you'll see that it's convenient to have a few sinecures,” he told her, with a good-humored laugh. ”See how handy this one is now!”
”But I shall feel rather an impostor.”
”Merely the novelty of it,” he a.s.sured her consolingly.
Sophy began to laugh, and the General joined in heartily. ”Well, that's settled,” said he. ”You make three or four appearances at Court, and nothing more will be necessary. I hope you like your appointment?”
Sophy laughed delightedly. ”It's charming--and very amusing,” she said.
”I'm getting very much interested in your country, General.”
”My country is returning your kind compliment, I can a.s.sure you,” he replied. His tone had grown dry, and he seemed to be watching her now.
She waved her hands towards the Virgin with the lamp: the ma.s.sive figure stood in its old place by the window.
”What a lot I owe to her!” she cried.
”We all owe much,” said Stenovics.
”The Prince thought some people might be angry with me--because Captain Mist.i.tch is a favorite.”
”Very possible, I'm afraid, very possible. But in this world we must do our duty, and--”
”Risk the consequences? Yes!”
”If we can't control them, Mademoiselle de Gruche.” He paused a moment, and then went on: ”The court-martial on Mist.i.tch is convened for Sat.u.r.day. Sterkoff won't be well enough to be tried for another two or three weeks.”
”I'm glad he's not dead, though if he recovers only to be shot--! Still, I'm glad I didn't kill him.”
”Not by your hand,” said Stenovics.