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The fact was not surprising, but the remark was disquieting. You look, she went on, more sober, more sedate; youre almost careworn, and I declare youre thinner. Surely its not possible that youve begun to take anything seriously? The princess seemed to hold of the King much the same opinion that Lady Burlesdon held of me. I braced myself up to the conversation. Would that please you? I asked softly, Oh, you know my views, said she, turning her eyes away. Whatever pleases you I try to do, I said; and, as I saw her smile and blush, I thought that I was playing the Kings hand very well for him. So I continued and what I said was perfectly true: I assure you, my dear cousin, that nothing in my life has affected me more than the reception Ive been greeted with today. She smiled brightly, but in an instant grew grave again, and whispered: Did you notice Michael? Yes, said I, adding, he wasnt enjoying himself. Do be careful! she went on. You dontindeed you dontkeep enough watch on him. You know I know, said I, that he wants what Ive got. Yes. Hush! Thenand I cant justify it, for I committed the King far beyond what I had a right to doI suppose she carried me off my feetI went on: And perhaps also something which I havent got yet, but hope to win some day. This was my answer. Had I been the King, I should have thought it encouraging: Havent you enough responsibilities on you for one day, cousin? Bang, bang! Blare, blare! We were at the Palace. Guns were firing and trumpets blowing. Rows of lackeys stood waiting, and, handing the princess up the broad marble staircase, I took formal possession, as a crowned King, of the House of my ancestors, and sat down at my own table, with my cousin on my right hand, on her other side Black Michael, and on my left his Eminence the Cardinal. Behind my chair stood Sapt; and at the end of the table, I saw Fritz von Tarlenheim drain to the bottom his glass of champagne rather sooner than he decently should. I wondered what the King of Ruritania was doing. |
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