A QUESTION OF MEMORY
corrected her, with a look of gentle reproach. "You were naturally excited," he went on. "Isn't it possible that your memory has played you a trick? Think carefully. Two men's lives may depend on it."
"I heard Captain Mistitch call the Prince' Sergius Stefanovitch,'" said Sophy.
"This lady will be a most important witness," observed the King.
"Very, sir," Stenovics assented dryly. Sophy had grown eager. "Doesn't the Prince say they knew him?"
"His Royal Highness hasn't been asked for any account at present," Stenovics answered.
"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 Cock 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.
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