I was sitting alone in the library late that night when Courtney came in. He had been to some function at the French Embassy, from which I had begged off, and seemed surprised to see me.
"Taps are a bit late to-night," he remarked, pouring a measure of Scotch and shooting in the soda.
"I've been thinking," I answered.
"For Heaven's sake. Major," he began—then put down his glass and looked at me curiously.
"You were about to say?" I questioned.
He glanced at the clock. "When a man of your age sits up thinking until two in the morning it is either financial trouble or love."
"My finances are all right," I volunteered.
"Ergo," said he, and began to sip his Scotch.
"And I'm not——" then I stopped—"in the marrying class, you know," I ended.
"It's a pity to have such excellent raw material go to waste," he commented, and smiled.
"The truth is, Courtney, I waited up for you."
He put down his glass again. "Business?" he inquired, quickly. "Anything amiss?"
I shook my head; "It's nothing amiss diplomatically; but it is business in a way; only, it's my personal business. I want your advice."
He looked at me, sharply, an instant. "Drive on, old man; I'm all attention," he said.
"I've been at the Summer Palace," I began.
He nodded.
"And breakfasted with the Princess Royal," I went on.
"Alone! Be careful, my dear Major," he cautioned.
"Lady Helen Radnor was there; and the King also, for a bit," I explained.
"Good," said he; "you are progressing famously."
"Oh, it was all accidental."
He smiled broadly.
"I went for an early morning ride; Lady Helen happened to overtake me; we chanced upon the Princess; she asked us to breakfast; and the King came in during the meal."
Courtney was studying the point of a paper-cutter. "Very wonderful, indeed," he commented.
"What; the paper-cutter?" I asked, a trifle impatiently.
"No; the series of accidents."
"They are only preliminary."
"Preliminaries are often most important."
"Not here," said I. "What I want to consult you about is this: The King has asked me to accept the titles of old Hugo, and to take my place at Court."
Courtney laid the paper-cutter carefully on the blotter, and drawing out his cigarette case, he selected one and slowly lit it. I knew his way and waited patiently.
"And Lotzen—and the Crown?" he said presently.
"Do you care for the whole story?" I asked.
"Yes, let me have it all," and, settling back in his chair, he closed his eyes and prepared to listen.
Then I told him everything of the meeting with the King in his library, repeating, as well as I could remember, Frederick's exact language, describing his attitude toward me and his evident desire in the matter.
"That is the situation and the problem," I ended, "and the answer is due to-morrow, I am to dine at the Summer Palace."
Courtney sat up and began to polish his eye-glasses. "I assume you have made no decision?" he asked presently.
"If I had," said I, "I would have gone to bed."
He nodded and kept on at the eye-glasses. At last they seemed to suit him, and he shoved them into place and lit another cigarette.
"It seems to me," he said, at length, "the matter is wholly one of personal inclination; with no obligation upon you to decide it upon any other basis. Therefore, the first question is simply this: Which do you prefer to be—an American officer and citizen or a Valerian Archduke?"
"That is just what I don't know," said I.
"Well, would it be any easier to answer if I were to add: 'With a chance for the Crown'?"
"That complicates it even more, I think."
He looked at me hard for a moment. I knew he was thinking of the Princess and I shook my bead.
"Better look at it only on the first proposition," he said: "'an American officer or an Archduke.'"
"If I accept," said I, "I shall play for all the stakes."
"Of course," said he, "but you may lose."
"It is more than likely I shall."
"Yet, even if you do, you will still be the Archduke," he argued.
"I think I would not accept it without the other chances," I said.
"Yet you would adventure those very chances without being sure of the Archdukeship?" he insisted.
I nodded, and Courtney laughed and fingered his imperial.
"You have lost several hours of sleep to-night, my dear Major, very needlessly," he said. "You know quite well you will accept Frederick's offer."
"Do you advise me to accept?" I demanded.
"Do you fancy I would advise you to do anything else?"
"You say that as my best friend?" I persisted.
"I do—and more; I urge it."
"I think I am growing childish," I said, "I can't make a decision; I'm afraid of the Dark, as it were."
Courtney nodded. "That is precisely why I am able to see the matter more clearly than you—there is no Dark to make me fearful."
"And my commission and American citizenship?"
Courtney smiled. "You will have in exchange the Patent of an Archduke of Valeria with all its powers and privileges; and, at the very least, the commission of General of Brigade in the Valerian Army. That's a trifle more than you are giving up, don't you think?"
I made no answer.
"And then," he went on, "you can throw it all over and come back to us if you get tired of your new job."
"I may be glad enough to get back to you and my American commission."
"Bother your commission! What does a man of your age and position want in the hard-working American army?" he exclaimed.
"What does a man of your age and wealth want bothering with diplomacy?" I asked.
"Because I enjoy the business, I reckon."
"Just as someone else may enjoy being a Major of Engineers."
"Come," said he; "if that's all that bothers you, I'll engage to put you back in our Army any time within two years, if you wish it."
"You are very good, Courtney," I said. "I fear, however, the War Department would not be so gracious."
He snapped his fingers. "That, for the War Department,'" he said contemptuously.
"Besides, I'm too old to learn a new profession," I objected.
"A new profession?" he questioned.
I nodded. "The profession of being an Archduke."
"If I might judge by the Birthday Ball," he laughed, "you will have very little to learn."
"Oh, I'm not bothered about the women; I can manage them all right."
"For the love of Heaven: don't say that so loud," he exclaimed. "One of them might hear you, and then——" and he raised his hands expressively.
"We are growing frivolous," said I, "let us go to bed."
He tossed his cigarette into the grate. "Sometimes it is well to sleep over a problem," he said. He poured two measures of liquor. "Here's to a clear mind and a right decision in the morning."
We drank it standing—and I, at least, with feeling.
I cannot say if a good night's rest had anything to do with it, but, when I awoke, my mind was made up, and I was ready to give answer to the King. It chanced that Courtney and I met at breakfast—the American customs as to meals prevailed at the Embassy—and had the room to ourselves; possibly, because we were very late and the day was very charming.
"Well," said he, "I see you've made your decision; which gets it, Valeria or America?"
"Behold a prospective Archduke!" said I.
He arose and, hand over heart, bowed low. "I salute Your Royal Highness!" he said.
"Nonsense!" I exclaimed, "don't be ridiculous."
"I am quite serious. It's an unusual pleasure to have one worth saluting."
I waved the compliment aside. "If it is to terminate my old friendships or bring formality into private intercourse I shall remain American," I declared.
The diplomat smiled. "Don't you see it all rests with yourself? You can be as formal or as familiar as you please."
"I can revise my List of Friends, so to speak—drop those I don't care for and enter such new ones as I wish?"
"Exactly."
"Well, that much of the new order will be quite to my liking," said I, and turned to my mail.
The letters lay face downward, of course, and I opened them in their order without bothering to examine the superscription. Presently, I came upon one sealed with a blurred dab of green wax. Rather curious, I turned it over; it was unstamped and was marked: "Personal and Important." I did not know the hand-writing; but, then, Lady Helen Radnor's was the only one in all Dornlitz I could have known.
"Here," said I to Courtney, "is a letter marked 'Personal and Important'; what is it; an invitation to contribute to the professionally destitute?"
"More likely an invitation to some gambling den."
I tossed it over. "Take a look at it and guess again," I said.
He glanced languidly at the envelope; then picked it up quickly and scrutinized it sharply.
"We both are wrong," he said, and he motioned for the servant to return it to me.
I knew he had recognized the writing and that it called for more respect than a careless fling across the table. I broke the seal and drew out the letter. It bore the Royal Arms over the word "Dornlitz." Beneath, it read:
"MY DEAR COUSIN:"His Majesty has told me of the meeting in the Library this morning. I know I have no right to meddle—but, won't you please accept and come back to your own? The King wants you. We shall welcome you with all our hearts. Come, Armand!"DEHRA."
I read it slowly a second time—and then a third time—wondering, the while, whether I should show it to Courtney.
"You know who wrote this?" I asked.
"I know who wrote the address."
"Then know the note, also," said I, and read it to him.
His face was quite expressionless as I read; but, at the end, he gave the faintest nod of approval. "If that does not hold you to the task, you are——" he stopped. "God, Sir! You ought to be proud to be her cousin," he ended.
I spent the balance of the day arranging the affairs of my office, to the end that I could instantly sever all official relations with the American Government, and, so assume my new rank with the least possible embarrassment to Courtney. He would, doubtless, find it unfortunate enough to have, as a Royal Archduke, one who but lately was his Military Attaché, and familiar with much of his policy and purpose. I said as much to him that evening, as we rode toward the Summer Palace, but he laughed it off.
"Embarrass me!" he exclaimed. "I shall be the most envied of the Ambassadors; sought after by all the Court for a word to my friend, the new Archduke—'that may be King hereafter.'"
"Don't," said I; "it's likely to be quite bad enough without calling on Macbeth's Witches."
He leaned over and put his hand on my arm. "Brace up, old chap," he said; "there's no boiling caldron and no witches."
"There are troubles of sorts other than those the caldron brewed," I remarked.
We turned a bend in the road. "And witches of other sorts than those of Fores' Heath," he laughed. "Behold!"
A hundred yards ahead, rode the Princess and Lady Helen Radnor.
"Here's your opportunity, Courtney," I observed.
He stared at me.
"To escort Lady Helen back to town." I explained.
"Thank you," he said, and shrugged his shoulders.
"Don't be a bear," said I; "most men would be glad enough for the chance."
Then we reined aside and saluted.
"Will you join us?" said the Princess.
"We shall be delighted," I said and swung over beside her.
"I don't know what to do with Lady Helen," she whispered hurriedly.
"Courtney will look after her," I volunteered.
But she did not seem to hear. "I came alone to meet you," she went on, "and overtook her on the way."
"You came to meet me?" I asked.
She nodded. "I fear you will think me very forward, but I—well, I wanted to know your decision."
"Have you any doubt of it after the note—and now?"
"Then you will accept?" she exclaimed, so loudly I raised my hand in warning.
"Yes," said I. "I shall accept—are you glad?"
She plucked at her horse's mane and glanced at me covertly; then she turned and smiled—one of those overpowering smiles that had clung to me through the years.
"Yes, Armand, I am glad. You are a—dear."
I reined over closer. "Sometime," I began——
She stopped me. "A dearcousin, I mean," she cut in.
I went back to my side of the road; but I took another smile with me.
Then Lady Helen pressed forward. "It is growing late, Your Royal Highness. I shall have to turn toward town," she said.
I glanced at Courtney and he nodded that he would ride back with her. And the Princess saw and understood; and would not have it so.
"No, my dear Helen," said she, "you and Mr. Courtney and Major Dalberg shall dine with His Majesty and me this evening."
"But, Your Highness,"——Lady Helen began.
"But me no buts," said Dehra; "it will been famille; come along."
Courtney gave me an amused smile and shook his head; but, like a good courtier, he made no protest. For my part, I was very glad for his company on this particular evening.
We entered the Park by a narrow gate opening on a bridle path leading to one of the private doors of the Palace. As I lifted the Princess down, she whispered:
"I think you should see the King at once."
"I am in your hands," I answered.
"The others would scarcely think so," she smiled.
Then I realized I was holding her as tightly as when I had swung her out of saddle. I stepped back with a quick apology.
"Oh, they didn't see it," she said, and ran up the steps.
I smiled. She, too, like Lady Helen, had not forgotten to look about her. Women, it would seem, are rather prudent at such times.
"Well," said Courtney, a bit later, when we were alone, "this is a queer go, sure enough. What did the Princess mean by bringing Lady Helen and me to a family party, and at such a time?"
"I think she meant to be considerate to you and good to me. She thought, doubtless, we might be glad to be in together, at the death, so to speak."
"She is very kind," said he; "but, why Lady Helen?"
"It was all a sudden inspiration and she had to take her to get you."
"I suppose the Princess will explain my presence to the King."
"Oh, he will be glad to see you; he counted on your aiding him in this matter."
"Then, it's well I didn't fail him—or my usefulness as the American Ambassador would be ended."
"Surely, he would not have held that against you?"
Courtney smiled rather grimly. "Presently, my dear Major, you will know a bit more of Courts and Monarchs."
Then the summons came from the King. Instinctively I held out my hand to Courtney. He gripped it hard.
"Good-bye, old man, and God bless you," he said.
Then I followed the flunkey.
When I entered the library, Frederick came forward and kissed me on both cheeks.
"My dear Armand," he said, "I am pleased beyond expression."
"It's a pity," thought I, "kissing isn't an expression."
"Dehra has told you?" I asked.
He nodded. "But I felt sure of you—so sure, indeed, I have all these ready for you." He picked up a roll of parchments. "Here is your Patent as an Archduke of Valeria; here are the title deeds to your ancestral estates—they have been held as Crown lands since Hugo's time; here is your commission as Colonel of the Red Huzzars; and here (and this may please you most) is your commission as Lieutenant-General in my Army."
I took them mechanically. There, were the seals, the flowing ribbons, the heavy signature of the King. The sheets rustled and twisted in my fingers, curling back and forth like things alive. I saw them dimly as though through a haze; my senses were dulled with sudden wonder and emotion. And, yet, I had thought of it all many times since yesterday; Courtney had predicted for me some of these very honors; I, myself, had even anticipated them—indeed, they had been the powerful inducement for my decision. And, now, when I had them in my very hands, put there by the King himself, I was simply overpowered. To some scoffer I may seem sentimental or childish; and to him I say: "wait until you are in similar circumstances."
Presently I got my senses and, I trust, thanked His Majesty in proper words. But he, would have none of it.
"They are yours by right of birth, you have simply come to your own," he said.
"But only by your gracious favor," I protested.
"Then, do me a small return: wear the Huzzar uniform this evening."
I must have looked my surprise.
"We are pretty much of a size and I think mine will fit you," he observed.
"It is very little you ask, Sire." I answered.
"Then my valet will squire you," and he rang for the servant.
And it was well he did; for I was not used to fancy uniforms, with their peculiar fastenings and adornments, and I might have spent the entire evening in solving them. But Adolph attired me with astonishing celerity, and then, swinging a cheval glass before me, he inquired:
"Are you satisfied, sir?"
"You are a wonderful valet, Adolph," I said, ignoring the mirror.
I did not need it to know that I was clad in scarlet and gold, with a black, fur-bound dohlman over one shoulder and a tall black busby on my head. I hung the Eagle of the Cincinnati about my neck and went back to the King.
He looked me over critically and nodded. "You'll do, my boy," he said. Then he raised the Eagle and examined it. "It is a great Order," he said; "one of the greatest in the world, but a Prince of Valeria must wear his country's also," and he pinned the Star of the Lion on my tunic. "And now, come, I want to show you to your cousin."
At the door of the Princess's apartments he waved aside the footman and, himself, announced:
"His Royal Highness, the Grand Duke Armand!"
It was so unexpected and sounded so queer, withal, that, for a moment, I hesitated; then I took a fresh grip on my busby and followed the King. The next instant, I was bending over the Princess's hand and listening to her words of welcome and congratulation. When I turned to Lady Helen she curtsied deeply, even as she would have done for one of her own Princes.
"God save Your Royal Highness," she said.
And, as I raised her hand and kissed it, I tried, in vain, to read in her eyes whether she meant it or was only mocking me.
Then, we went in to dinner—and, here, was a surprise for me, also.
It was the same room we had breakfasted in the previous day, but now, upon the wall, fronting us as we entered, hung a full-length portrait of an officer in the uniform of the Red Huzzars. It was the Great Henry; but it could just as well have been myself. Surely, outwardly, at least, he was myalter ego.
Even Courtney's astonishment pierced his heavy equanimity; and Lady Helen stopped sharply and gazed at the painting and, then, at me, and, then, at the painting, again, in silent wonder. For although they both knew, generally, of the resemblance, it needed the uniform to bring it out in full effect.
"Your Majesty has given us a series of surprises to-night," said Courtney.
"It is surely wonderful—almost beyond belief," said Lady Helen.
"Now, you know something of my sensations when I first met him," said Frederick, "though, then, I had not the benefit of the Huzzar attire."
"And you, Princess?" asked Lady Helen.
The King laughed aloud; Courtney became absorbed in the picture; I tugged at my sword-knot—we all were thinking of the kiss before the Ball. But Dehra, naturally, thought of the meeting in the forest six years before.
"It was a long time ago, but I think I did notice the resemblance in a casual way," she said.
The King stared at her in surprise; Courtney smiled slightly and glanced at me, and Lady Helen's eyes shot from Dehra to me and back again in a vain attempt to understand. Frederick, however, was on the point of asking an explanation when the Princess gave him a glance, and he instantly dropped the matter and motioned us to our seats.
Mine was on Dehra's right; Courtney's on her left. Presently, I heard the King say to Lady Helen:
"Come, confess you are curious how the American military attaché becomes a Valerian Archduke?"
And, through Dehra's talk, I detected the laughing answer, pitched high enough to reach me:
"'Curious' is quite too mild a word, Sire."
Then, as the King began the story, she glanced over at me and I nodded my thanks. It would have been a bit awkward, just then, if she had shown she already knew my history. To-morrow it mattered not to me if it were known the Kingdom over; aye, and farther, too. But to-morrow was the future; to-night was mine. I was in favor; a King across the table; a beautiful woman beside me. What more could any man wish?
And, when Dehra whispered: "Do you know, Armand, you are very handsome to-night?" I tossed all discretion overboard and made violent love to her before them all. Nor heeded Courtney's warning looks, nor Lady Helen's curious glances. It was Dehra, herself, who brought me up sharply, after a space.
"I am afraid, Armand," said she, "if you flirt so strenuously with me to-night, you will have no cards left for the balance of our game."
"Our game?" I echoed blankly, forgetting for the moment the compact of the Ball.
She smiled. "You see, you play it better than I ever can. I don't even know enough to forget it is a game."
I turned and looked her in the eyes. "Then, in all you have done lately, you have been only playing the game?" I asked.
"Is that quite a fair question?" she answered.
"Yes—under the circumstances."
"But I thought you called it a game?"
"I did."
"And, yet, you ask me to spread my cards on the table?"
"Not exactly; I ask to see only the tricks that are turned," said I.
She shook her head. "It's all the same—we must play fair."
"Was it quite fair to write me that note unless you were sincere?" I asked.
She looked me straight. "Tell me," she demanded, "tell me, on your honor; had you not already made decision when my note reached you?"
I hesitated. "It clinched the matter," I said, lamely.
The Princess smiled.
"And, had the decision been otherwise, the note would have reversed it," I added.
The smile broadened. "But, since the note was in no way responsible, nor even persuasive, its sincerity does not matter," she said.
"But, if I were to change my mind?" I replied.
She glanced at my uniform and at the gleaming Star of the Lion.
"They can be removed," I said; "they are only borrowed."
"No, Your Royal Highness," said she, "they cannot be removed—not in the way you mean; your word is passed to your King."
Your King! It was the first reminder I was no longer a free American, and it gave me something of a shock. And Dehra understood, and showed no mercy.
"And, as an Archduke of Valeria, and almost the Heir Presumptive, you must know what it means to give your word to your King," she said.
"I trust I know what it means to give my word to anyone," I returned.
"Now, don't get on your dignity, Armand," she laughed. "You understand me perfectly."
I raised my hands in protest. "Understand you perfectly!" I exclaimed. "I wish I understood you even a little."
"You're not as nice as you were during the first part of the dinner."
"Did you ever hear the slang Americanism 'there are others'?" I asked.
She took a cigarette and lighted it—and passed it to me; then lighted another for herself.
"What was it you asked about that note?" she said, and gave me one of those subduing smiles.
I dropped my hand below the table and found her fingers. "You meant it, Dehra; truly?" I asked.
Sue released her fingers and placed both hands on the cloth. "Of course I meant it—when I wrote it," she said.
"That's quite as much as I've any right to expect," I answered.
"That's the proper frame of mind, cousin," said she.
"And the sort you prefer in your admirers?"
She raised her eyebrows—"In my relatives—undoubtedly."
"Come," said I, "we must not quarrel."
"It would be the regular thing; I fight with all my relatives."
A footman handed the King a card, received a message, and withdrew.
"Then let me prove an exception," I cut in.
"I am quite willing; squabbles are so stupid."
"Speaking of cousins; have you quarrelled with Lotzen?"
"Scores of times; we are in the distant bowing stage now."
"Good," said I. "I trust it will continue indefinitely."
"We always make up and get very chummy after he has been absent for any time," she returned.
"I wonder how he will view his new cousin?" I said.
The Princess laughed. "With considerable surprise, I fancy; particularly if he meet you in that uniform in a dimly-lighted corridor of the palace, at night."
"Have the Dalbergs no ghost such as is appurtenant to all well-regulated royal families?"
"Alas! We have not; but you could give us a fine one."
"Well, I won't," I said.
"And yet, who knows?" she reflected with sudden seriousness; "your very resemblance to yonder picture may, sometime, be of service to you."
"Then, I shall not hesitate to use it."
"At any rate, I hope I shall be by when my cousin of Lotzen gets his first look at you."
"As the family spectre orin propria persona?"
"As both; butin persona, first," she said.
Just then, the corridor door swung back, and a voice announced:
"His Royal Highness, the Duke of Lotzen!"
The Princess caught her breath, in surprise, and glanced quickly at the King.
"Does His Highness always grant your wishes so promptly?" I asked.
But she did not hear me. She was watching the Duke as he advanced to the King and bent knee.
And I, too, watched him; and with interest—this man, with whom I proposed to make a contest for the throne.
He had the grace of one reared in Courts and the ease of one born to high command. He made me feel awkward even as I sat. His height was not above the medium, but his figure was so well proportioned he seemed almost my own size—and, yet, I knew I would top him by three inches. He wore the full dress uniform of a Lieutenant-General of Cavalry; and, with his black hair and moustache and well-cut face, he looked, in every line, the dashing beau sabreur.
When he had greeted the King, and spoken to Lady Helen, he turned and, with eyes on Dehra, came toward us. Courtney and I arose and stepped back. The Princess swung around in her chair and gave him her hand, but without a word of welcome—and he spoke none. Then, as he unbent, his eyes rested on me for the first time.
Then, as he unbent, his eyes rested on me for the first time.[Illustration: Then, as he unbent, his eyes rested on me for the first time.]
Then, as he unbent, his eyes rested on me for the first time.[Illustration: Then, as he unbent, his eyes rested on me for the first time.]
I have never ceased to admire the self-control Lotzen showed then. He gave me an instant's glance; flung another at the portrait behind me; and, then, clicking his heels sharply together, he raised his hand in salute—but, whether to me or to the portrait, I could not know. My own hand went up with his and remained a moment longer; for I was the junior in actual rank, though he could not know it, for my present uniform was no guide.
"Since no one has presented the Colonel of the Red Huzzars, will he not do the service for himself?" he said, very courteously.
"I cry your pardon, gentlemen," exclaimed the King; "and I herewith present, to the Duke of Lotzen, his cousin, the Grand Duke Armand."
Lotzen extended his hand in frank greeting. "You are a Dalberg—any one could see—but whence?"
"From America," I answered.
He knew his family records well. "Then, you are the heir of Hugo," he said instantly. "And you come in good time, cousin; there have been few enough Dalbergs in Valeria this generation."
"Your cousin will appreciate your welcome," said the King, before I could make reply. Then he raised his glass. "I give you: The New Archduke," he said.
I bowed low; yet, not so low, but that I caught the smile Dehra gave me, over her glass, and the sharp glance with which Lotzen noted it.
"Is he friend or foe?" I wondered—though the answer was evident. Plainly, he was no fool and, therefore, why should he be my friend?
And such was the view of another; for, a bit later, as I swung the Lady Helen into saddle, she whispered:
"Lotzen will bear watching."
"I shall need friends," I answered, slowly, arranging her skirt.
"Sometimes, a woman's wit is helpful."
"And I may count on yours?"
"Surely—mine, and another's, too, I fancy," she smiled.
Then she and Courtney rode away—but halted almost instantly, and he called back to me to stop at the Embassy on the morrow and sign some papers.
For, of course, now, I could not live, even for a night, at the American Legation; and, already, a suite had been prepared for me in the Palace.
The four of us went to the King's library; and, after a while, Lotzen withdrew on the plea of an official appointment. But His Majesty and the Princess and I sat until late in the night discussing themodus vivendifor me. Many matters were determined by them; and, in all, I acquiesced instantly; for they knew what was proper and I did not.
It was decided that, for the present, I was to reside in the Palace. I did not care for a separate establishment until I had more experience in the dignities of an Archduke. Neither did I desire, now, a full military staff; and so I was to have only two aides—whom Frederick selected after much thought.
The senior was Colonel Bernheim—who had brought the invitation to the Birthday Ball, and the commands of the Princess to dance with her that night. His tour of duty with the Royal Aides was about ended, and, being an officer of much experience in the Court, he would be able to keep me straight, so to speak.
The other aide was a Major Moore—an Irish soldier of fortune, who had been in the Valerian Army some ten years, and, by his efficiency, had become attached to the General Staff. He was of noble birth—the younger son of a younger son of an Irish Earl—and "as an Irishman is more than half an American he will, doubtless, be congenial," the King said.
I had liked Bernheim's manner, and I was willing to risk an Irishman's faith to his chief. I asked, only, whether either was an intimate of the Duke of Lotzen.
"That is a perfectly reasonable question," said Frederick instantly. "I know that Bernheim has never liked the Heir Presumptive and that Moore is not a favorite with the Prince."
"Then, I am quite content with them," said I.
"And you may also feel content," said he, "in that I appreciate your position here and its difficulties, and I shall stand behind you. But a King's favorite, even though of the Royal Family, is rarely popular, so I shall obtrude no more than is necessary to show you have my good will. When you want more, ask for it."
The following morning I was formally presented to the Royal Council and took my place at the Board, on the left of the King, the Duke of Lotzen being on his right. His Majesty stated briefly my descent, the law of the case as laid down by the Great Henry, and that I had accepted a restitution of the rights and privileges due to the eldest male heir of Hugo.
"I ask your consideration for him, my Lords, the same as though he were our own son," he ended. "I will answer for him—he is a Dalberg."
At this there was applause and the members of the Council pressed forward and welcomed me as an Archduke of the Kingdom, taking my hand and bending knee before me. It seemed a bit queer, but I got through it satisfactorily to myself—particularly so since there was no kissing in it.
Then the Council began its business and the Prime Minister, Count Epping, read a tentative proposition of peace, which, he said, he understood had already been practically accepted by Titia.
It provided that Murdol should be permitted to determine for itself, by the vote of its citizens, whether it would remain a province of Valeria or become, once more, a part of Titia. In the latter event, Titia was to pay Valeria the value of all the public buildings in Murdol erected or rebuilt by Valeria, and, further, to reimburse Valeria for her war expenses. But, if Murdol voted to remain with Valeria, then, Titia was to pay all the cost of the war.
"I need hardly say to the Council," the Prime Minister remarked, "that, thus far, the terms are entirely satisfactory to His Majesty; but there is another detail, suggested by our friend, the intermediary, which is not so agreeable. It is only a suggestion, but, I fear, has much to do with Titia's acquiescence. It is that the peace be further cemented by a marriage between the Royal Families of Valeria and Titia."
Then the Count sat down, and all faces were turned toward the King.
Frederick ran his eyes slowly around the table. I did the like. There were but three faces which did not show favor for the marriage—and, of course, the three were the King's, Lotzen's, and mine. At least, I assume mine evidenced my repugnance. I am quite sure I felt it.
"It is altogether useless, my Lords, for us to discuss the marriage matter," said Frederick. "I have given my word to Her Royal Highness that she shall not be coerced in her choice of a husband, and it shall not be broken. So long as she weds within her circle, she may marry when and where and whom she will. Save for that restriction, Valeria will make peace with Titia upon the terms specified. We refused the marriage before the war began; we refuse it now; we would refuse it were Casimir's guns thundering without the walls."
They were good courtiers—these men of the Council—for they sprang to their feet and cheered enthusiastically. And so the matter ended, for the time. Altogether, I was well pleased with the doings of the morning.
And so was Courtney, when I told him of it, over a whiskey and soda in his library, later in the day. Possibly, I violated the proprieties in disclosing the business of the Royal Council, but I knew Courtney understood I was talking to my friend and not to the Ambassador.
"I wish," said I, "you would give me your opinion of Lotzen."
Courtney smiled. "He is clever—very clever," he said.
"Even I could guess that after last evening," I cut in.
"He is ambitious, rather unscrupulous, and wholly dangerous," Courtney continued.
"A pleasant sort of rival," I commented.
"And, finally, he is infatuated with the Princess Royal."
"That may be a fatal weakness," said I.
"Truly, you seem to have gained wisdom overnight—Your Highness," said he.
"And shall need many nights and much, very much, wisdom, I fear."
He nodded. "That you will—particularly, if you make a confidant of women."
I frowned.
"Don't imagine Lady Helen told me," Courtney explained. "I chanced to notice her greeting, last night, to the Colonel of the Red Huzzars."
"You are too observant," said I.
"A bit more so, at that moment, than the Princess, I think."
"I trust so," said I.
"You made some rather fast going last night, my friend," he observed. "Now, it's none of my affair—only—isn't it a bit early for top speed?"
"That is exactly what the Princess suggested," said I.
He burst into an amused laugh. "Go it, my boy!" he exclaimed, "you are doing delightfully—and so is the Princess."
"Particularly the Princess," I said.
He nodded.
"And it's more than likely I am riding for a fall."
He shrugged his shoulders. "It's a fast race over a strange course—and they will ride you down if they can."
"I know it," said I, "but I fancy I shall rather enjoy the excitement—and Bernheim and Moore can be depended on, I think."
"Undoubtedly—you may be sure the King chose them advisedly. Consult them in everything—but, on particular occasions, consult——"
"I'll come to you," I filled in.
"And you may always count on my aid—but, I was about to say, upon particular occasions consult the Princess."
"Good," said I. "I shall riot in particular occasions."
"P. V." he amended.
"Oh! I'm her cousin," I laughed.
"And so is Lotzen."
"Damn Lotzen," said I, heartily.
"That's well enough as far as it goes, but it's the King's damn you want."
"I fear he does not swear in English," said I.
"Then, it's up to you to teach him—and the quickest method is to win the Princess. Marry her and you get the Crown for a bridal present."
"It may be the surest method; I doubt if it's the quickest," said I.
"Well, of course, my dear fellow," he said banteringly, "you know the lady better than I do."
"I doubt it," said I, "for I think I don't know her even a little bit."
"Good—you are gathering wisdom rapidly; indeed, you are growing almost over-wise."
"I have often wondered how you got your amazing knowledge of women," I observed.
He lit a cigarette and sent a cloud of smoke between us. "It was born in me, I think. At any rate, I've proved it—by letting them alone. Yet," he went on musingly, "were I a Royal Duke and cousin to the Princess of Valeria, I am not so sure—no, I am not so sure."
I looked at him a bit curiously. Surely, it could not be that Courtney—the indifferent—theblasé—envied me; that he would care to be other than he was; or that even a beautiful woman could stir his blood. Then the cloud began to thin out, and he must have noticed my surprise, for he laughed and waved his hand before his face.
"I'm like the fellow in the song," said he, "I've been 'seeing pictures in the smoke.'"
"And you liked the pictures?" I asked.
"Very much, my boy, very much indeed—in smoke."
"Someone else is improving, also," said I. "Time was when you could not have seen such pictures."
He shook his head. "It's only a sign of age. I'm becoming a dreamer; soon you will find me sitting in the sun."
"You need a wife, Courtney," I exclaimed.
He laughed. "No—I need a drink, a good stiff drink. I'm getting old, and lonely for the tried friends I've lost; you are the last deserter."
"Nonsense," I began.
"No, it's true as gospel," he went on. "Our paths separated forever at the Palace, last night. You are a Royal Highness and the possible heir to the Throne. And I am an elderly American diplomat—here, to-day; gone to-morrow."
"You need several good stiff drinks," I interrupted.
He waved aside my banter. "I give you a toast," he went on, pouring a measure for each of us. "The Princess Dehra—and another like her."
"And may you find that other," I cried.
Then we drained our glasses and flung them into the grate.
I was tremendously astonished at this revelation of Courtney's feelings—feelings which I had never even suspected. And, I fear, I had the bad taste to stare at him. For he turned abruptly and walked to the window, and stood, for a moment, with his back to me. I drew on my gloves and hitched up my sword (I was wearing the undress of a general officer) and waited.
"Of course, you understood, last night, that there were no papers for you to sign," he said, as he came slowly back to the table.
"Surely," I laughed.
"What I wanted was the opportunity to tell you that our secret service will be at your command, and that I have given instructions to report to me anything that may be of use to you—particularly, touching Lotzen and his intimates."
"You are more than good, old chap," I said, and we shook hands hard—for the toast was still in mind.
"Present my compliments to Her Highness," he called after me.
I went back to the doorway. "And give mine to The Other Like Her, when she comes," I said.
"She will never come, Armand; she will never come. I am just an old fool." Then he laughed. "Your love-making at dinner tables didn't use to affect me."
"You never followed any of them by a moonlight ride with a pretty girl," I answered.
"At least, never with one as pretty as Lady Helen," he amended.
I was getting surprises with a vengeance.
"Is it possible you have just discovered she is pretty?" I exclaimed.
He smiled frankly. "No—but it may be I've just discovered how pretty."
"And she's more than pretty," said I, "she's thoroughbred."
He studied me for a moment. "I have often wondered—and now I wonder more than ever—why you—why you never——— You understand."
I nodded. "Yes," said I, "I understand and I rather reckon I would, if it had not been that, a year before I ever saw the Lady Helen, I had ridden with the Princess Dehra, alone, in the Palace forest, for an hour."
At last, I saw Courtney's cold face show genuine surprise.
"And you made no effort then to prove your cousinship?" he exclaimed.
"No," said I.
"You let her go; and—and you a Dalberg and a soldier! You don't deserve her—she ought to go to Lotzen—to Casimir—to any one but you. Why, you drivelling idiot, do you realize that, but for the chance of my having lugged—yes, that's the word, lugged you here you would now be doing childish problems in cement and stone in some miserable little Army department headquarters over in America?"
It was delicious to see Courtney roused, once in his life. Choking back my laugh, I answered:
"You have not put it half strongly enough. You may be a fool, as you say—there's no doubt that I've been a colossal one."
"You ought to be in an asylum for weak-minded instead of in that uniform," he ejaculated.
"But, thanks to you, I'm in the uniform and not in the asylum," I answered.
"Pray God you have sense enough, now, to keep in the one and out of the other," he retorted.
"Amen, Courtney, old man," said I, "Amen!"
Then I sprang away and into saddle—waving my hand to him as he came hastily to the door to stay me.