History, I believe, will reckon it justly."

"Your place is secure--no one can gainsay that," broke in Armitage.

"If you would do something for me--for me--do something for Austria, do
something for my country and yours! You have wits; I dare say you have
courage. I don't care what that service may be; I don't care where or how
you perform it. I am not so near gone as you may think. I know well
enough that they are waiting for me to die; but I am in no hurry to
afford my enemies that pleasure. But stop this babble of yours about
democracy. _Do something for Austria_--for the Empire that I have held
here under my hand these difficult years--then take your name again--and
you will find that kings can be as just and wise as mobs."

"For the Empire--something for the Empire?" murmured the young man,
wondering.

Count Ferdinand von Stroebel rose.

"You will accept the commission--I am quite sure you will accept. I leave
on an early train, and I shall not see you again." As he took Armitage's
hand he scrutinized him once more with particular care; there was a
lingering caress in his touch as he detained the young man for an
instant; then he sighed heavily.

"Good night; good-by!" he said abruptly, and waved his caller toward the
door.