Do something as a a favor

Hi,

What does the author mean by as a favor to the boss:

Archie stayed two weeks at Haggar's, and in that time, became fully indoctrinated. Not only did he learn to stack pants, as all new employees had to do, but he was given the opportunity to escort Rose Haggar to the country club one evening, as a favor to the boss, who had to be away on business.

Does the author want to say that the boss asked Archie for a favor, because he was out of town?

I saw it here: https://books.google.co.cr/books?id=Np22AAAAIAAJ&q=man+asked++to+escort+boss%27+wife&dq=man+asked++to+escort+boss%27+wife&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjrkLGfl7DYAhVHyyYKHUa4D7A4ChDoAQhUMAk

Thanks in advance.