"That will do, sir," she managed to say firmly. "It's very nice of you,
but after this pay your homage in English," she went on, taking a long
chance on his remark. It must have been complimentary, she reasoned. As
for Baldos, the faintest sign of a smile touched his lips and his eyes
were twinkling as he bent his head quickly. Franz was right; she did not
know a word of the Graustark language.
"I have entered the service for six months, your highness," he said in
English. "You have honored me, and I give my heart as well as my arm to
your cause."
Beverly, breathing easier, was properly impressed by this promise of
fealty. She was looking with pride upon the figure of her stalwart
protege.
"I hope you have destroyed that horrid black patch," she said.
"It has gone to keep company with other devoted but deserted friends,"
he said, a tinge of bitterness in his voice.
"The uniform is vastly becoming," she went on, realizing helplessly that
she was providing intense amusement for the unseen auditors.
"It shames the rags in which you found me."
"I shall never forget them, Baldos," she said, with a strange
earnestness in her voice.
"May I presume to inquire after the health of your good Aunt Fanny
and--although I did not see him--your Uncle Sam? "he asked, with a face
as straight and sincere as that of a judge. Beverly swallowed suddenly
and checked a laugh with some difficulty.
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