"Who fired?" cried the Landgrave, too deeply moved to say more,--for a prince does not wish his wife to die a violent death in his presence and the court's, however estranged he may be from her. "I took the liberty, your highness," said Dick, handing back the gun to the guardsman, and approaching the Landgrave. "You have saved the Landgravine's life," said his highness. "I lack words in which to express my gratitude. You shall hear from me." And the Landgrave rode quickly over to the Landgravine, who was being supported to her carriage. "You don't need a Good Samaritan any longer. Your fortune is made!" said Lord George, as Dick remounted. CHAPTER XIX. THE FAVOR OF A PRINCE. Dick now seemed to stride towards felicity with seven-league boots. His famous long shot, decidedly the most remarkable given at that afternoon's exhibition of shooting, speedily became famous. His place of abode being learned through Lord George, he was invited to court to receive the thanks of the Landgravine in person, with a present of a jewelled watch and a diamond ring. Returning from the palace to his hotel opposite the glover's, he found awaiting him an equerry with a superb black horse, a gift from the Landgrave. He had no sooner seen this animal stabled, and gone to his room, than he was visited by Count Mesmer, accompanied by a lackey bearing a gold-hilted dress sword, another token of his highness's gratitude. Mesmer then sounded him as to his future, in such a manner as to raise suspicion of Lord George's having dropped a hint in a proper quarter. The next day Dick received an appointment to a post in the Academy of Arts, which favor was to be considered a high one, for the Landgrave was a great patron of the arts and took pride in his museum. Lord George now departed from Cassel, but Dick did not suffer loneliness. His intimacy with the St. Valiers increased. He saw Gerard every day, and Catherine whenever she came to visit her brother. He made friends among officers and civilians, and he had the constant society of Rembrandts, Van Dycks, Raphaels, Titians, and other creations of Dutch and Italian masters. His duties brought him into frequent presence of the Landgrave, who often visited the picture gallery.