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diff --git a/6921-h/6921-h.htm b/6921-h/6921-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6800f55 --- /dev/null +++ b/6921-h/6921-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,25600 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + Temporal Power, by Marie Corelli + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: right; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; margin-left: 0.8em; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Temporal Power, by Marie Corelli + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Temporal Power + +Author: Marie Corelli + + +Release Date: November, 2004 [EBook #6921] +This file was first posted on February 11, 2003 +Last Updated: November 3, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TEMPORAL POWER *** + + + + +Text file produced by Charles Adarondo and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + TEMPORAL POWER + </h1> + <h2> + A STUDY IN SUPREMACY + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Marie Corelli + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. — THE KING’S PLEASAUNCE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. — MAJESTY CONSIDERS AND + RESOLVES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. — A NATION OR A CHURCH? </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. — SEALED ORDERS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. — “IF I LOVED YOU!” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. — SERGIUS THORD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. — THE IDEALISTS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. — THE KING’S DOUBLE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. — THE PREMIER’S SIGNET </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. — THE ISLANDS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. — “GLORIA—IN EXCELSIS!” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. — A SEA PRINCESS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. — SECRET SERVICE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. — THE KING’S VETO </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. — “MORGANATIC” OR—? </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. — THE PROFESSOR ADVISES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. — AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. — ROYAL LOVERS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. — OF THE CORRUPTION OF THE + STATE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. — THE SCORN OF KINGS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. — AN INVITATION TO COURT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. — A FAIR DÉBUTANTE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. — THE KING’S DEFENDER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. — A WOMAN’S REASON </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. — “I SAY—‘ROME’!” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. — “ONE WAY,—ONE WOMAN!” + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. — THE SONG OF FREEDOM </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. — “FATE GIVES—THE + KING!” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. — THE COMRADE OF HIS FOES + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. — KING AND SOCIALIST </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI. — A VOTE FOR LOVE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII. — BETWEEN TWO PASSIONS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII. — SAILING TO THE INFINITE + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV. — ABDICATION </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. — THE KING’S PLEASAUNCE + </h2> + <p> + “In the beginning,” so we are told, “God made the heavens and the earth.” + </p> + <p> + The statement is simple and terse; it is evidently intended to be wholly + comprehensive. Its decisive, almost abrupt tone would seem to forbid + either question or argument. The old-world narrator of the sublime event + thus briefly chronicled was a poet of no mean quality, though moved by the + natural conceit of man to give undue importance to the earth as his own + particular habitation. The perfect confidence with which he explains ‘God’ + as making ‘two great lights, the greater light to rule the day, the lesser + light to rule the night,’ is touching to the verge of pathos; and the + additional remark which he throws in, as it were casually,—‘He made + the stars also,’ cannot but move us to admiration. How childlike the + simplicity of the soul which could so venture to deal with the + inexplicable and tremendous problem of the Universe! How self-centred and + sure the faith which could so arrange the work of Infinite and Eternal + forces to suit its own limited intelligence! It is easy and natural to + believe that ‘God,’ or an everlasting Power of Goodness and Beauty called + by that name, ‘created the heavens and the earth,’ but one is often + tempted to think that an altogether different and rival element must have + been concerned in the making of Man. For the heavens and the earth are + harmonious; man is a discord. And not only is he a discord in himself, but + he takes pleasure in producing and multiplying discords. Often, with the + least possible amount of education, and on the slightest provocation, he + mentally sets Himself, and his trivial personal opinion on religion, + morals, and government, in direct opposition to the immutable laws of the + Universe, and the attitude he assumes towards the mysterious Cause and + Original Source of Life is nearly always one of three things; + contradiction, negation, or defiance. From the first to the last he + torments himself with inventions to outwit or subdue Nature, and in the + end dies, utterly defeated. His civilizations, his dynasties, his laws, + his manners, his customs, are all doomed to destruction and oblivion as + completely as an ant-hill which exists one night and is trodden down the + next. Forever and forever he works and plans in vain; forever and forever + Nature, the visible and active Spirit of God, rises up and crushes her + puny rebel. + </p> + <p> + There must be good reason for this ceaseless waste of human life,—this + constant and steady obliteration of man’s attempts, since there can be no + Effect without Cause. It is, as if like children at a school, we were set + a certain sum to do, and because we blunder foolishly over it and add it + up to a wrong total, it is again and again wiped off the blackboard, and + again and again rewritten for our more careful consideration. Possibly the + secret of our failure to conquer Nature lies in ourselves, and our own + obstinate tendency to work in only one groove of what we term + ‘advancement,’—namely our material self-interest. Possibly we might + be victors if we would, even to the very vanquishment of Death! + </p> + <p> + So many of us think,—and so thought one man of sovereign influence + in this world’s affairs as, seated on the terrace of a Royal palace + fronting seaward, he pondered his own life’s problem for perhaps the + thousandth time. + </p> + <p> + “What is the use of thinking?” asked a wit at the court of Louis XVI. “It + only intensifies the bad opinion you have of others,—or of + yourself!” + </p> + <p> + He found this saying true. Thinking is a pernicious habit in which very + great personages are not supposed to indulge; and in his younger days he + had avoided it. He had allowed the time to take him as it found him, and + had gone with it unresistingly wherever it had led. It was the best way; + the wisest way; the way Solomon found most congenial, despite its end in + ‘vanity and vexation of spirit.’ But with the passing of the years a veil + had been dropped over that path of roses, hiding it altogether from his + sight; and another veil rose inch by inch before him, disclosing a new and + less joyous prospect on which he was not too-well-pleased to look. + </p> + <p> + The sea, stretching out in a broad shining expanse opposite to him, + sparkled dancingly in the warm sunshine, and the snowy sails of many + yachts and pleasure-boats dipped now and again into the glittering waves + like white birds skimming over the tiny flashing foam-crests. Dazzling and + well-nigh blinding to his eyes were the burning glow and exquisite + radiance of colour which seemed melted like gold and sapphire into that + bright half-circle of water and sky,—beautiful, and full of a + dream-like evanescent quality, such as marks all the loveliest scenes and + impressions of our life on earth. There was a subtle scent of violets in + the air,—and a gardener, cutting sheafs of narcissi from the edges + of the velvety green banks which rolled away in smooth undulations upward + from the terrace to the wider extent of the palace pleasaunce beyond, + scattered such perfume with his snipping shears as might have lured + another Proserpine from Hell. Cluster after cluster of white blooms, + carefully selected for the adornment of the Royal apartments, he laid + beside him on the grass, not presuming to look in the direction where that + other Workman in the ways of life sat silent and absorbed in thought. That + other, in his own long-practised manner, feigned not to be aware of his + dependant’s proximity,—and in this fashion they twain—human + beings made of the same clay and relegated, to the same dust—gave + sport to the Fates by playing at Sham with Heaven and themselves. Custom, + law, and all the paraphernalia of civilization, had set the division and + marked the boundary between them,—had forbidden the lesser in + world’s rank to speak to the greater, unless the greater began + conversation,—had equally forbidden the greater to speak to the + lesser lest such condescension should inflate the lesser’s vanity so much + as to make him obnoxious to his fellows. Thus,—of two men, who, if + left to nature would have been merely—men, and sincere enough at + that,—man himself had made two pretenders,—the one as + gardener, the other as—King! The white narcissi lying on the grass, + and preparing to die sweetly, like sacrificed maiden-victims of the + flower-world, could turn true faces to the God who made them,—but + the men at that particular moment of time had no real features ready for + God’s inspection,—only masks. + </p> + <p> + “C’est mon metier d’être Roi!” So said one of the many dead and gone + martyrs on the rack of sovereignty. Alas, poor soul, thou would’st have + been happier in any other ‘métier’ I warrant! For kingship is a profession + which cannot be abandoned for a change of humour, or cast aside in light + indifference and independence because a man is bored by it and would have + something new. It is a routine and drudgery to which some few are born, + for which they are prepared, to which they must devote their span of life, + and in which they must die. “How shall we pass the day?” asked a weary + Roman emperor, “I am even tired of killing my enemies!” + </p> + <p> + ‘Even’ that! And the strangest part of it is, that there are people who + would give all their freedom and peace of mind to occupy for a few years + an uneasy throne, and who actually live under the delusion that a monarch + is happy! + </p> + <p> + The gardener soon finished his task of cutting the narcissi, and though he + might not, without audacity, look at his Sovereign-master, his + Sovereign-master looked at him, furtively, from under half-closed eyelids, + watching him as he bound the blossoms together carefully, with the view of + giving as little trouble as possible to those whose duty it would be to + arrange them for the Royal pleasure. His work done, he walked quickly, yet + with a certain humble stealthiness,—thus admitting his consciousness + of that greater presence than his own,—down a broad garden walk + beyond the terrace towards a private entrance to the palace, and there + disappeared. + </p> + <p> + The King was left alone,—or apparently so, for to speak truly, he + was never alone. An equerry, a page-in-waiting,—or what was still + more commonplace as well as ominous, a detective,—lurked about him, + ever near, ever ready to spring on any unknown intruder, or to answer his + slightest call. + </p> + <p> + But to the limited extent of the solitude allowed to kings, this man was + alone,—alone for a brief space to consider, as he had informed his + secretary, certain documents awaiting his particular and private perusal. + </p> + <p> + The marble pavilion in which he sat had been built by his father, the late + King, for his own pleasure, when pleasure was more possible than it is + now. Its slender Ionic columns, its sculptured friezes, its painted + ceilings, all expressed a gaiety, grace and beauty gone from the world, + perchance for ever. Open on three sides to the living picture of the + ocean, crimson and white roses clambered about it, and tall plume-like + mimosa shook fragrance from its golden blossoms down every breath of wind. + The costly table on which this particular Majesty of a nation occasionally + wrote his letters, would, if sold, have kept a little town in food for a + year,—the rich furs at his feet would have bought bread for hundreds + of starving families,—and every delicious rose that nodded its + dainty head towards him with the breeze would have given an hour’s joy to + a sick child. Socialists say this kind of thing with wildly eloquent + fervour, and blame all kings in passionate rhodomontade for the tables, + the furs and the roses,—but they forget—it is not the sad and + weary kings who care for these or any luxuries,—they would be far + happier without them. It is the People who insist on having kings that + should be blamed,—not the monarchs themselves. A king is merely the + people’s Prisoner of State,—they chain him to a throne,—they + make him clothe himself in sundry fantastic forms of attire and exhibit + his person thus decked out, for their pleasure,—they calculate, + often with greed and grudging, how much it will cost to feed him and keep + him in proper state on the national premises, that they may use him at + their will,—but they seldom or never seem to remember the fact that + there is a Man behind the King! + </p> + <p> + It is not easy to govern nowadays, since there is no real autocracy, and + no strong soul likely to create one. But the original idea of sovereignty + was grand and wise;—the strongest man and bravest, raised aloft on + shields and bucklers with warrior cries of approval from the people who + voluntarily chose him as their leader in battle,—their utmost Head + of affairs. Progress has demolished this ideal, with many others equally + fine and inspiring; and now all kings are so, by right of descent merely. + Whether they be infirm or palsied, weak or wise, sane or crazed, still are + they as of old elected; only no more as the Strongest, but simply as the + Sign-posts of a traditional bygone authority. This King however, here + written of, was not deficient in either mental or physical attributes. His + outward look and bearing betokened him as far more fit to be lifted in + triumph on the shoulders of his battle-heroes, a real and visible Man, + than to play a more or less cautiously inactive part in the modern + dumb-show of Royalty. Well-built and muscular, with a compact head regally + poised on broad shoulders, and finely formed features which indicated in + their firm modelling strong characteristics of pride, indomitable + resolution and courage, he had an air of rare and reposeful dignity which + made him much more impressive as a personality than many of his + fellow-sovereigns. His expression was neither foolish nor sensual,—his + clear dark grey eyes were sane and steady in their regard and had no + tricks of shiftiness. As an ordinary man of the people his appearance + would have been distinctive,—as a King, it was remarkable. + </p> + <p> + He had of course been called handsome in his childhood,—what heir to + a Throne ever lived that was not beautiful, to his nurse at least?—and + in his early youth he had been grossly flattered for his cleverness as + well as his good looks. Every small attempt at witticism,—every poor + joke he could invent, adapt or repeat, was laughed at approvingly in a + chorus of admiration by smirking human creatures, male and female, who + bowed and bobbed up and down before the lad like strange dolphins + disporting themselves on dry land. Whereat he grew to despise the + dolphins, and no wonder. When he was about seventeen or eighteen he began + to ask odd questions of one of his preceptors, a learned and ceremonious + personage who, considering the extent of his certificated wisdom, was yet + so singularly servile of habit and disposition that he might have won a + success on the stage as Chief Toady in a burlesque of Court life. He was a + pale, thin old man, with a wizened face set well back amid wisps of white + hair, and a scraggy throat which asserted its working muscles visibly + whenever he spoke, laughed or took food. His way of shaking hands + expressed his moral flabbiness in the general dampness, looseness and + limpness of the act,—not that he often shook hands with his pupil, + for though that pupil was only a boy made of ordinary flesh and blood like + other boys, he was nevertheless heir to a Throne, and in strict etiquette + even friendly liberties were not to be too frequently taken with such an + Exalted little bit of humanity. The lad himself, however, had a certain + mischievous delight in making him perform this courtesy, and being young + and vigorous, would often squeeze the old gentleman’s hesitating fingers + in his strong clasp so energetically as to cause him the severest pain. + Student of many philosophies as he was, the worthy pedagogue would have + cried out, or sworn profane oaths in his agony, had it been any other than + the ‘Heir-Apparent’ who thus made him wince with torture,—but as + matters stood, he merely smiled—and bore it. The young rascal of a + prince smiled too,—taking note of his obsequious hypocrisy, which + served an inquiring mind with quite as good a field for logical + speculation as any problem in Euclid. And he went on with his questions,—questions, + which if not puzzling, were at least irritating enough to have secured him + a rap on the knuckles from his tutor’s cane, had he been a grocer’s lad + instead of the eldest son of a Royal house. + </p> + <p> + “Professor,” he said on one occasion, “What is man?” + </p> + <p> + “Man,” replied the professor sedately, “is an intelligent and reasoning + being, evolved by natural processes of creation into his present condition + of supremacy.” + </p> + <p> + “What is Supremacy?” + </p> + <p> + “The state of being above, or superior to, the rest of the animal + creation.” + </p> + <p> + “And is he so superior?” + </p> + <p> + “He is generally so admitted.” + </p> + <p> + “Is my father a man?” + </p> + <p> + “Assuredly! The question is superfluous.” + </p> + <p> + “What makes him a King?” + </p> + <p> + “Royal birth and the hereditary right to his great position.” + </p> + <p> + “Then if man is in a condition of supremacy over the rest of creation, a + king is more than a man if he is allowed to rule men?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, pardon me!—a king is not more than a man, but men choose him + as their ruler because he is worthy.” + </p> + <p> + “In what way is he worthy? Simply because he is born as I am, heir to a + throne?” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely.” + </p> + <p> + “He might be an idiot or a cripple, a fool or a coward,—he would + still be King?” + </p> + <p> + “Most indubitably.” + </p> + <p> + “So that if he were a madman, he would continue to hold supremacy over a + nation, though his groom might be sane?” + </p> + <p> + “Your Royal Highness pursues the question with an unwise flippancy;”—remonstrated + the professor with a pained, forced smile. “If an idiot or a madman were + unfortunately born to a throne, a regency would be appointed to control + state affairs, but the heir would, in spite of natural incapability, + remain the lawful king.” + </p> + <p> + “A strange sovereignty!” said the young prince carelessly. “And a still + stranger patience in the people who would tolerate it! Yet over all men,—kings, + madmen, and idiots alike,—there is another ruling force, called + God?” + </p> + <p> + “There is a force,” admitted the professor dubiously—“But in the + present forward state of things it would not be safe to attempt to explain + the nature of that force, and for the benefit of the illiterate masses we + call it God. A national worship of something superior to themselves has + always been proved politic and necessary for the people. I have not at any + time resolved myself as to why it should be so; but so it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Then man, despite his ‘supremacy’ must have something more supreme than + himself to keep him in order, if it be only a fetish wherewith to tickle + his imagination?” suggested the prince with a touch of satire,—“Even + kings must bow, or pretend to bow, to the King of kings?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, you have expressed the fact with felicity;” replied the professor + gravely—“His Majesty, your august father, attends public worship + with punctilious regularity, and you are accustomed to accompany him. It + is a rule which you will find necessary to keep in practice, as an example + to your subjects when you are called upon to reign.” + </p> + <p> + The young man raised his eyebrows deprecatingly, with a slight ironical + smile, and dropped the subject. But the learned professor as in duty + bound, reported the conversation to his pupil’s father; with the + additional observation that he feared, he very humbly and respectfully + feared, that the developing mind of the prince appeared undesirably + disposed towards discursive philosophies, which were wholly unnecessary + for the position he was destined to occupy. Whereupon the King took his + son to task on the subject with a mingling of kindness and humour. + </p> + <p> + “Do not turn philosopher!” he said—“For philosophy will not so much + content you with life, as with death! Philosophy will chill your best + impulses and most generous enthusiasms,—it will make you + over-cautious and doubtful of your friends,—it will cause you to be + indifferent to women in the plural, but it will hand you over, a weak and + helpless victim to the <i>one</i> woman,—when she comes,—as + she is bound to come. There is no one so hopelessly insane as a + philosopher in love! Love women, but not <i>a</i> woman!” + </p> + <p> + “In so doing I should follow the wisest of examples,—yours, Sir!” + replied the prince with a familiarity more tender than audacious, for his + father was a man of fine presence and fascinating manner, and knew well + the extent of his power to charm and subjugate the fairer sex,—“But + I have a fancy that love,—if it exists anywhere outside the dreams + of the poets,—is unknown to kings.” + </p> + <p> + The monarch bent his brows frowningly, and his eyes were full of a deep + and bitter melancholy. + </p> + <p> + “You mistake!” he said slowly—“Love,—and by that name I mean a + wholly different thing from Passion,—comes to kings as to commoners,—but + whereas the commoner may win it if he can, the king must reject it. But it + comes,—and leaves a blank in the proudest life when it goes!” + </p> + <p> + He turned away abruptly, and the conversation was not again resumed. But + when he died, those who prepared his body for burial, found a gold chain + round his neck, holding the small medallion portrait of a woman, and a + curl of soft fair hair. Needless to say the portrait was not that of the + late Queen-Consort, who had died some years before her Royal spouse, nor + was the hair hers,—but when they brought the relic to the new King, + he laid it back with his own hands on his father’s lifeless breast, and + let it go into the grave with him. For, being no longer the crowned + Servant of the State, he had the right as a mere dead man, to the + possession of his love-secret. + </p> + <p> + So at least thought his son and successor, who at times was given to + wondering whether if, like his father, he had such a secret he would be + able to keep it as closely and as well. He thought not. It would be + scarcely worth while. It can only be the greatest love that is always + silent,—and in the greatest,—that is, the ideal and + self-renouncing love,—he did not believe; though in his own life’s + experience he had been given a proof that such love is possible to women, + if not to men. When he was about twenty, he had loved, or had imagined he + loved, a girl,—a pretty creature, who did not know him as a prince + at all, but simply as a college student. He used to walk with her hand in + hand through the fields by the river, and gather wild flowers for her to + wear in her little white bodice. She had shy soft eyes, and a timid, yet + trusting look, full of tenderness and pathos. Moved by a romantic sense of + honour and chivalry, he promised to marry her, and thereupon wrote an + impulsive letter to his father informing him of his intention. Of course + he was summoned home from college at once,—he was reminded of his + high destiny—of the Throne that would be his if he lived to occupy + it,—of the great and serious responsibilities awaiting him,—and + of how impossible it was that the Heir-Apparent to the Crown should marry + a commoner. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” he cried passionately—“If she be good and true she is as + fit to be a queen as any woman royally born! She is a queen already in her + own right!” + </p> + <p> + But while he was being argued with and controlled by all the authorities + concerned in king’s business, his little sweetheart herself put an end to + the matter. Her parents told her all unpreparedly, and with no doubt + unnecessary harshness, the real position of the college lad with whom she + had wandered in the fields so confidingly; and in the bewilderment of her + poor little broken heart and puzzled brain, she gave herself to the river + by whose flowering banks she had sworn her maiden vows,—though she + knew it not,—to her future King; and so, drowning her life and love + together, made a piteous exit from all difficulty. Before she went forth + to die, she wrote a farewell to her Royal lover, posting the letter + herself on her way to the river, and, by the merest chance he received it + without a spy’s intervention. It was but one line, scrawled in a round + youthful hand, and blotted with many tears. + </p> + <p> + “Sir—my love!—forgive me!” + </p> + <p> + It would be unwise to say what that little scrap of ill-formed writing + cost the heir to a throne when he heard how she had died,—or how he + raged and swore and wept. It was the first Wrong forced on him as Right, + by the laws of the realm; and he was young and generous and honest, and + not hardened to those laws then. Their iniquity and godlessness appeared + to him in plain ugly colours undisguised. Since that time he had perforce + fallen into the habit and routine of his predecessors, though he was not + altogether so ‘constitutional’ a sovereign as his father had been. He had + something of the spirit of one who had occupied his throne five hundred + years before him; when strength and valour and wit and boldness, gave more + kings to the world than came by heritage. He did unconventional things now + and then; to the grief of flunkeys, and the alarm of Court parasites. But + his kingdom was of the South, where hot blood is recognized and excused, + and fiery temper more admired than censured, and where,—so far as + social matters went,—his word, whether kind, cold, or capricious, + was sufficient to lead in any direction that large flock of the silly + sheep of fashion who only exist to eat, and to be eaten. Sometimes he + longed to throw himself back into bygone centuries and stand as his + earliest ancestor stood, sword in hand, on a height overlooking the + battle-field, watching the swaying rush of combat,—the glitter of + spears and axes—the sharp flight of arrows—the tossing + banners, the grinding chariots, the flying dust and carnage of men! There + was something to fight for in those days,—there was no careful + binding up of wounds,—no provision for the sick or the mutilated,—nothing, + nothing, but ‘Victory or Death!’ How much grander, how much finer the old + fierce ways of war than now, when any soldier wounded, may write the + details of his bayonet-scratch or bullet-hole to the cheap press, and the + surgeon prys about with Rontgen-ray paraphernalia and scalpel, to discover + how much or how little escape from dissolution a man’s soul has had in the + shock of contest with his foe! Of a truth these are paltry days!—and + paltry days breed paltry men. Afraid of sickness, afraid of death, afraid + of poverty, afraid of offences, afraid to think, afraid to speak, Man in + the present era of his boasted ‘progress’ resembles nothing so much as a + whipped child,—cowering under the outstretched arm of Heaven and + waiting in whimpering terror for the next fall of the scourge. And it is + on this point especially, that the monarch who takes part in this + unhesitating chronicle of certain thoughts and movements hidden out of + sight,—yet deeply felt in the under-silences of the time,—may + claim to be unconventional;—he was afraid of nothing,—not even + of himself as King! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. — MAJESTY CONSIDERS AND RESOLVES + </h2> + <p> + The little episode of his first love, combined with his ungovernable fury + and despair at its tragic conclusion, had of course the natural result + common in such a case, to the fate of all who are destined to occupy + thrones. A marriage was ‘arranged’ for him; and pressing reasons of state + were urged for the quick enforcement and carrying out of the + ‘arrangement.’ The daughter of a neighbouring potentate was elected to the + honour of his alliance,—a beautiful girl with a pale, cold clear-cut + face and brilliant eyes, whose smile penetrated the soul with an icy + chill, and whose very movement, noiseless and graceful as it was, reminded + one irresistibly of slowly drifting snow. She was attended to the altar, + as he was, by all the ministers and plenipotentiaries of state that could + possibly be gathered together from the four quarters of the globe as + witnesses to the immolation of two young human lives on the grim + sacrificial stone of a Dynasty; and both prince and princess accepted + their fate with mutually silent and civil resignation. Their portraits, + set facing each other with a silly smile, or taken in a linked arm-in-arm + attitude against a palatial canvas background, appeared in every paper + published throughout the world, and every scribbler on the Press took + special pains to inform the easily deluded public that the Royal union + thus consummated was ‘a romantic love-match.’ For the People still have + heart and conscience,—the People, taken in the rough lump of + humanity, still believe in love, in faith, in the dear sweetness of home + affections. The politicians who make capital out of popular emotion, know + this well enough,—and are careful to play the tune of their own + personal interest upon the gamut of National Sentiment in every stump + oration. For how terrible it would be if the People of any land learned to + judge their preachers and teachers by the lines of fact alone! Inasmuch as + fact would convincingly prove to them that their leaders prospered and + grew rich, while they stayed poor; and they might take to puzzling out + reasons for this inadequacy which would inevitably cause trouble. For + this, and divers other motives politic, the rosy veil of sentiment is + always delicately flung more or less over every new move on the national + debating-ground,—and whether marriageable princes and princesses + love or loathe each other, still, when they come to wed, the words + ‘romantic love-match’ must be thrown in by an obliging Press in order to + satisfy the tender scruples of a people who would certainly not abide the + thought of a Royal marriage contracted in mutual aversion. Thus much + soundness and right principle there is at least, in what some superfine + persons call the ‘common’ folk,—the folk whose innermost sense of + truth and straightforwardness, not even the proudest statesman dare + outrage. + </p> + <p> + But with what unuttered and unutterable scorn the youthful victims of the + Royal pairing accepted the newspaper-assurances of the devoted tenderness + they entertained for each other! With what wearied impatience both prince + and princess received the ‘Wedding Odes’ and ‘Epithalamiums,’ written by + first-class and no-class versifiers for the occasion! What shoals of these + were cast aside unread, to occupy the darkest dingiest corner of one of + the Royal ‘refuse’ libraries! The writers of such things expected great + honours, no doubt, each and every man-jack of them,—but apart from + the fact that the greatest literature has always lived without any + official recognition or endowment from kings,—being in itself the + supremest sovereignty,—poets and rhymesters alike never seem to + realize that no one is, or can be, so sickened by an ‘Ode’ as the man or + woman to whom it is written! + </p> + <p> + The brilliant marriage ceremony concluded, the august bride and bridegroom + took their departure, amid frantically cheering crowds, for a stately + castle standing high among the mountains, a truly magnificent pile, which + had been placed at their disposal for the ‘honeymoon’ by one of the + wealthiest of the King’s subjects,—and there, as soon as equerries, + grooms-in-waiting, flunkeys, and every other sort of indoor and outdoor + retainer would consent to leave them alone together, the Royal wife came + to her Royal husband, and asked to be allowed to speak a few words on the + subject of their marriage, ‘for the first and last time,’ said she, with a + straight glance from the cold moonlight mystery of her eyes. Beautiful at + all times, her beauty was doubly enhanced by the regal attitude and + expression she unconsciously assumed as she made the request, and the + prince, critically studying her form and features, could not but regard + himself as in some respects rather particularly favoured by the political + and social machinery which had succeeded in persuading so fair a creature + to resign herself to the doubtful destiny of a throne. She had laid aside + her magnificent bridal-robes of ivory satin and cloth-of-gold,—and + appeared before him in loose draperies of floating white, with her rich + hair unbound and rippling to her knees. + </p> + <p> + “May I speak?” she murmured, and her voice trembled. + </p> + <p> + “Most assuredly!”—he replied, half smiling—“You do me too much + honour by requesting the permission!” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, he bowed profoundly, but she, raising her eyes, fixed them + full upon him with a strange look of mingled pride and pain. + </p> + <p> + “Do not,” she said, “let us play at formalities! Let us be honest with + each other for to-night at least! All our life together must from + henceforth be more or less of a masquerade, but let us for to-night be as + true man and true woman, and frankly face the position into which we have + been thrust, not by ourselves, but by others.” + </p> + <p> + Profoundly astonished, the prince was silent. He had not thought this girl + of nineteen possessed any force of character or any intellectual power of + reasoning. He had judged her as no doubt glad to become a great princess + and a possible future queen, and he had not given her credit for any finer + or higher feeling. + </p> + <p> + “You know,”—she continued—“you must surely know—” here, + despite the strong restraint she put upon herself, her voice broke, and + her slight figure swayed in its white draperies as if about to fall. She + looked at him with a sense of rising tears in her throat,—tears of + which she was ashamed,—for she was full of a passionate emotion too + strong for weeping—a contempt of herself and of him, too great for + mere clamour. Was he so much of a man in the slow thick density of his + brain she thought, as to have no instinctive perception of her utter + misery? He hastened to her and tried to take her hands, but she drew + herself away from him and sank down in a chair as if exhausted. + </p> + <p> + “You are tired!” he said kindly—“The tedious ceremonial—the + still more tedious congratulations,—and the fatiguing journey from + the capital to this place have been too much for your strength. You must + rest!” + </p> + <p> + “It is not that!”—she answered—“not that! I am not tired,—but—but—I + cannot say my prayers tonight till you know my whole heart!” + </p> + <p> + A curious reverence and pity moved him. All day long he had been in a + state of resentful irritation,—he had loathed himself for having + consented to marry this girl without loving her,—he had branded + himself inwardly as a liar and hypocrite when he had sworn his marriage + vows ‘before God,’ whereas if he truly believed in God, such vows taken + untruthfully were mere blasphemy;—and now she herself, a young thing + tenderly brought up like a tropical flower in the enervating hot-house + atmosphere of Court life, yet had such a pure, deep consciousness of God + in her, that she actually could not pray with the slightest blur of a + secret on her soul! He waited wonderingly. + </p> + <p> + “I have plighted my faith to you before God’s altar to-day,” she said, + speaking more steadily,—“because after long and earnest thought, I + saw that there was no other way of satisfying the two nations to which we + belong, and cementing the friendly relations between them. There is no + woman of Royal birth,—so it has been pointed out to me—who is + so suitable, from a political point of view, to be your wife as I. It is + for the sake of your Throne and country that you must marry—and I + ask God to forgive me if I have done wrong in His sight by wedding you + simply for duty’s sake. My father, your father, and all who are connected + with our two families desire our union, and have assured me that, it is + right and good for me to give up my life to yours. All women’s lives must + be martyred to the laws made by men,—or so it seems to me,—I + cannot expect to escape from the general doom apportioned to my sex. I + therefore accept the destiny which transfers me to you as a piece of human + property for possession and command,—I accept it freely, but I will + not say gladly, because that would not be true. For I do not love you,—I + cannot love you! I want you to know that, and to feel it, that you may not + ask from me what I cannot give.” + </p> + <p> + There were no tears in her eyes; she looked at him straightly and + steadfastly. He, in his turn, met her gaze fully,—his face had paled + a little, and a shadow of pained regret and commiseration darkened his + handsome features. + </p> + <p> + “You love someone else?” he asked, softly. + </p> + <p> + She rose from her chair and confronted him, a glow of passionate pride + flushing her cheeks and brow. + </p> + <p> + “No!” she said—“I would not be a traitor to you in so much as a + thought! Had I loved anyone else I would never have married you,—no!—though + you had been ten times a prince and king! No! You do not understand. I + come to you heartwhole and passionless, without a single love-word + chronicled in my girlhood’s history, or a single incident you may not + know. I have never loved any man, because from my very childhood I have + hated and feared all men! I loathe their presence—their looks—their + voices—their manners,—if one should touch my hand in ordinary + courtesy, my instincts are offended and revolted, and the sense of outrage + remains with me for days. My mother knows of this, and says I am + ‘unnatural,’—it may be so. But unnatural or not, it is the truth; + judge therefore the extent of the sacrifice I make to God and our two + countries in giving myself to you!” + </p> + <p> + The prince stood amazed and confounded. Did she rave? Was she mad? He + studied her with a curious, half-doubting scrutiny, and noted the + composure of her attitude, the cold serenity of her expression,—there + was evidently no hysteria, no sur-excitation of nerves about this calm + statuesque beauty which in every line and curve of loveliness silently + mutinied against him, and despised him. Puzzled, yet fascinated, he sought + in his mind for some clue to her meaning. + </p> + <p> + “There are women” she went on—“to whom love, or what is called love, + is necessary,—for whom marriage is the utmost good of existence. I + am not one of these. Had I my own choice I would live my life away from + all men,—I would let nothing of myself be theirs to claim,—I + would give all I am and all I have to God, who made me what I am. For + truly and honestly, without any affectation at all, I look upon marriage, + not as an honour, but a degradation!” + </p> + <p> + Had she been less in earnest, he might have smiled at this, but her + beauty, intensified as it was by the fervour of her feeling, seemed + transfigured into something quite supernatural which for the moment + dazzled him. + </p> + <p> + “Am I to understand—” he began. + </p> + <p> + She interrupted him by a swift gesture, while the rich colour swept over + her face in a warm wave. + </p> + <p> + “Understand nothing”—she said,—“but this—that I do not + love you, because I can love no man! For the rest I am your wife; and as + your wife I give myself to you and your nation wholly and in all things—save + love!” + </p> + <p> + He advanced and took her hands in his. + </p> + <p> + “This is a strange bargain!” he said, and gently kissed her. + </p> + <p> + She answered nothing,—only a faint shiver trembled through her as + she endured the caress. For a moment or two he surveyed her in silence,—it + was a singular and novel experience for him, as a future king, to be the + lawful possessor of a woman’s beauty, and yet with all his sovereignty to + be unable to waken one thrill of tenderness in the frozen soul imprisoned + in such exquisite flesh and blood. He was inclined to disbelieve her + assertions,—surely he thought, there must be emotion, feeling, + passion in this fair creature, who, though she seemed a goddess newly + descended from inaccessible heights of heaven was still <i>only</i> a + woman? And upon the whole he was not ill-pleased with the curious + revelation she had made of herself. He preferred the coldness of women to + their volcanic eruptions, and would take more pains to melt the snow of + reserve than to add fuel to the flame of ardour. + </p> + <p> + “You have been very frank with me,” he said at last, after a pause, as he + loosened her hands and moved a little apart from her—“And whether + your physical and mental hatred of my sex is a defect in your nature, or + an exceptional virtue, I shall not quarrel with it. I am myself not + without faults; and the chiefest of these is one most common to all men. I + desire what I may not have, and covet what I do not possess. So! We + understand each other!” + </p> + <p> + She raised her eyes—those beautiful deep eyes with the moonlight + glamour in them,—and for an instant the shining Soul of her, pure + and fearless, seemed to spring up and challenge to spiritual combat him + who was now her body’s master. Then, bending her head with a graceful yet + proud submission, she retired. + </p> + <p> + From that time forth she never again spoke on this, or any other subject + of an intimate or personal nature, with her Royal spouse. Cold as an + iceberg, pure as a diamond, she accepted both wifehood and motherhood as + martyrdom, with an evident contempt for its humiliation, and without one + touch of love for either husband or children. She bore three sons, of whom + the eldest, and heir to the throne was, at the time this history begins, + just twenty. The passing of the years had left scarcely a trace upon her + beauty, save to increase it from the sparkling luminance of a star to the + glory of a full-orbed moon of loveliness,—and she had easily won a + triumph over all the other women around her, in the power she possessed to + command and retain the admiration of men. She was one of those brilliant + creatures who, like the Egyptian Cleopatra, never grow old,—for she + was utterly exempt from the wasting of the nerves through emotion. Her + eyes were always bright and clear; her skin dazzling in its whiteness, + save where the equably flowing blood flushed it with tenderest rose,—her + figure remained svelte, lithe and graceful in all its outlines. Finely + strung, yet strong as steel in her temperament, all thoughts, feelings and + events seemed to sweep over her without affecting or disturbing her mind’s + calm equipoise. She lived her life with extreme simplicity, regularity, + and directness, thus driving to despair all would-be scandal-mongers; and + though many gifted and famous men fell madly in love with their great + princess, and often, in the extremity of a passion which amounted to + disloyalty, slew themselves for her sake, she remained unmoved and + pitiless. + </p> + <p> + Her husband occasionally felt some compassion for the desperate fellows + who thus immolated themselves on the High Altar of her perfections, though + it must be admitted that he received the news of their deaths with + tolerable equanimity, knowing them to have been fools, and as such, better + out of the world than in it. During the first two or three years of his + marriage he had himself been somewhat of their disposition, and as mere + man, had tried by every means in his power to win the affection of his + beautiful spouse, and to melt the icy barrier which she, despite their + relations with each other, had resolutely kept up between herself and him. + He had made the attempt, not because he actually loved her, but simply + because he desired the satisfaction of conquest. Finding the task + hopeless, he resigned himself to his fate, and accepted her at the costly + valuation she set upon herself; though for pastime he would often pay + court to certain ladies of easy virtue, with the vague idea that perhaps + the spirit of jealousy might enter that cold shrine of womanhood where no + other demon could force admission, and wake up the passions slumbering + within. But she appeared not to be at all aware of his many and open + gallantries; and only at stray moments, when her frosty flashing glance + fell upon him engaged in some casual flirtation, would a sudden smarting + sense of injury make him conscious of her contempt. + </p> + <p> + But he could reasonably find no fault with her, save the fault of being + faultless. She was a perfect hostess, and fulfilled all the duties of her + exalted position with admirable tact and foresight,—she was ever + busy in the performance of good and charitable deeds,—she was an + excellent mother, and took the utmost personal care that her sons should + be healthily nurtured and well brought up,—she never interfered in + any matter of state or ceremony,—she simply seemed to move as a star + moves, shining over the earth but having no part in it. Irresponsive as + she was, she nevertheless compelled admiration,—her husband himself + admired her, but only as he would have admired a statue or a painting. For + his was an impulsive and generous nature, and his marriage had kept his + heart empty of the warmth of love, and his home devoid of the light of + sympathy. Even his children had been born more as the sons of the nation + than his own,—he was not conscious of any very great affection for + them, or interest in their lives. And he had sought to kindle at many + strange fires the heavenly love-beacon which should have flamed its living + glory into his days; so it had naturally chanced that he had spent by far + the larger portion of his time on the persuasion of mere Whim,—and + as vastly inferior women to his wife had made him spend it. + </p> + <p> + But at this particular juncture, when the curtain is drawn up on certain + scenes and incidents in his life-drama, a change had been effected in his + opinions and surroundings. For eighteen years after his marriage, he had + lived on the first step of the Throne as its next heir; and when he passed + that step and ascended the Throne itself, he seemed to have crossed a vast + abyss of distance between the Old and the New. Behind him the Past rolled + away like a cloud vanishing, to be seen no more,—before him arose + the dim vista of wavering and uncertain shadows, which no matter how they + shifted and changed,—no matter how many flashes of sunshine + flickered through them,—were bound to close in the thick gloom of + the inevitable end,—Death. This is what he was chiefly thinking of, + seated alone in his garden-pavilion facing the sea on that brilliant + southern summer morning,—this,—and with the thought came many + others no less sad and dubious,—such as whether for example, his + eldest son might not already be eager for the crown?—whether even + now, though he had only reigned three years, his people were not more or + less dissatisfied under his rule? + </p> + <p> + His father, the late King, had died suddenly,—so suddenly that there + was neither help nor hope for him among the hastily summoned physicians. + Stricken numb and speechless, he kept his anguished eyes fixed to the last + upon his son, as one who should say—“Alas, and to thee also, falls + this curse of a Crown!” Once dead, he was soon forgotten,—the pomp + of the Royal obsequies merely made a gala-day for the light-hearted + Southern populace, who hailed the accession of their new King with as much + gladness as a child, who, having broken one doll, straightway secures + another as good, if not better. As Heir-Apparent the succeeding sovereign + had won great popularity, and was much more generally beloved than his + father had been,—so that it was on an extra high wave of jubilation + and acclamation that he and his beautiful consort were borne to the + Throne. + </p> + <p> + Three years had passed since then; and so far his reign had been + untroubled by much difficulty. Difficulty there was, but he was kept in + ignorance of it,—troubles were brooding, but he was not informed of + them. Things likely to be disagreeable were not conveyed to his ears,—and + matters which, had he been allowed to examine into them, might have + aroused his indignation and interference, were diplomatically hushed up. + He was known to possess much more than the limited intelligence usually + apportioned to kings; and certainly, as his tutor had said of him in his + youth, he was dangerously “disposed towards discursive philosophies.” He + was likewise accredited with a conscience, which many diplomats consider + to be a wholly undesirable ingredient in the moral composition of a + reigning monarch. Therefore, those who move a king, as in the game of + chess, one square at a time and no more,—were particularly cautious + as to the ‘way’ in which they moved him. He had shown himself difficult to + manage once or twice; and interested persons could not pursue their usual + course of self-aggrandisement with him, as he was not susceptible to + flattery. He had a way of asking straight questions, and what was still + worse, expecting straight answers, such as politicians never give. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless he had, up to the present, ruled his conduct very much on the + lines laid down by his predecessors, and during his brief reign had been + more or less content to passively act in all things as his ministers + advised. He had bestowed honours on fools because his ministers considered + it politic,—he had given his formal consent to the imposition of + certain taxes on his people, because his ministers had judged such taxes + necessary,—in fact he had done everything he was expected to do, and + nothing that he was not expected to do. He had not taken any close + personal thought as to whether such and such a political movement was, or + was not, welcome to the spirit of the nation, nor had he weighed + intimately in his own mind the various private interests of the members of + his Government, in passing, or moving the rejection of, any important + measure affecting the well-being of the community at large. And he had + lately,—perhaps through the objectionable ‘discursive philosophies’ + before mentioned,—come to consider himself somewhat of a stuffed + Dummy or figure-head; and to wonder what would be the result, if with + caution and prudence, he were to act more on his own initiative, and speak + as he often thought it would be wise and well to speak? He was but + forty-five years old,—in the prime of life, in the plenitude of + health and mental vigour,—was he to pass the rest of his days + guarded by detectives, flunkeys and physicians, with never an independent + word or action throughout his whole career to mark him Man as well as + Monarch? Nay, surely that would be an insult to the God who made him! But + the question which arose in his mind and perplexed him was, How to begin? + How, after passive obedience, to commence resistance? How to break through + the miserable conventionalism, the sordid commonplace of a king’s + surroundings? For it is only in medieval fairy-tales that kings are + permitted to be kingly. + </p> + <p> + Yet, despite custom and usage, he was determined to make a new departure + in the annals of modern sovereignty. Three years of continuous slavery on + the treadmill of the Throne had been sufficient to make him thirst for + freedom,—freedom of speech,—freedom of action. He had tacitly + submitted to a certain ministry because he had been assured that the said + ministry was popular,—but latterly, rumours of discontent and + grievance had reached him,—albeit indistinctly and incoherently,—and + he began to be doubtful as to whether it might not be the Press which + supported the existing state of policy, rather than the People. The Press! + He began to consider of what material this great power in his country was + composed. Originally, the Press in all countries, was intended to be the + most magnificent institution of the civilized world,—the voice of + truth, of liberty, of justice—a voice which in its clamant + utterances could neither be bribed nor biassed to cry out false news. + Originally, such was meant to be its mission;—but nowadays, what, in + all honesty and frankness, is the Press? What was it, for example, to this + king, who from personal knowledge, was able to practically estimate and + enumerate the forces which controlled it thus:—Six, or at the most a + dozen men, the proprietors and editors of different newspapers sold in + cheap millions to the people. Most of these newspapers were formed into + ‘companies’; and the managers issued ‘shares’ in the fashion of tea + merchants and grocers. False news, if of a duly sensational character, + would sometimes send up the shares in the market,—true information + would equally, on occasion, send them down. These premises granted, might + it not follow that for newspaper speculators, the False would often prove + more lucrative than the True? And, concerning the persons who wrote for + these newspapers,—of what calling and election were they? Male and + female, young and old, they were generally of a semi-educated class + lacking all distinctive ability,—men and women who were, on an + average, desperately poor, and desperately dissatisfied. To earn daily + bread they naturally had to please the editors set in authority over them; + hence their expressed views and opinions on any subject could only be + counted as <i>nil</i>, being written, not independently, but under the + absolute control of their employers. Thus meditating, the King summed up + the total of his own mental argument, and found that the vast sounding + ‘power of the Press’ so far as his own dominion was concerned, resolved + itself into the mere trade monopoly of the aforesaid leading dozen men. + What he now proposed to himself to discover among other things, was,—how + far and how truly these dozen tradesmen voiced the mind of the People over + whom he was elected to reign? Here was a problem, and one not easy to + solve. But what was very plain and paramount to his mind was this,—that + he was thoroughly sick and tired of being no more than a ‘social’ figure + in the world’s affairs. It was an effeminate part to play. It was time, he + considered, that he should intelligently try his own strength, and test + the nation’s quality. + </p> + <p> + “If there is corruption in the state,” he said to himself, “I will find + its centre! If I am fooled by my advisers then I will be fooled no longer. + With whatsoever brain and heart and reason and understanding the Fates + have endowed me, I will study the ways, the movements, the desires of my + people, and prove myself their friend, as well as their king. Suppose they + misunderstand me?—What matter!—Let the nation rise against me + an’ it will, so that I may, before I die, prove myself worthy of the mere + gift of manhood! To-day”—and, rising from his chair, he advanced a + step or two and faced the sea and sky with an unconscious gesture of + invocation; “To-day shall be the first day of my real monarchy! To-day I + begin to reign! The past is past,—for eighteen long years as prince + and heir to the throne I trifled away my time among the follies of the + hour, and laughed at the easy purchase I could make of the assumed + ‘honour’ of men and women; and I enjoyed the liberty and license of my + position. Since then, for three years I have been the prisoner of my + Parliament,—but now—now, and for the rest of the time granted + to me on earth, I will live my life in the belief that its riddle must + surely meet with God’s own explanation. To me it has become evident that + the laws of Nature make for Truth and Justice; while the laws of man are + framed on deception and injustice. The two sets of laws contend one + against the other, and the finite, after foolish and vain struggle, + succumbs to the infinite,—better therefore, to begin with the + infinite Order than strive with the finite Chaos! I, a mere earthly + sovereign, rank myself on the side of the Infinite,—and will work + for Truth and Justice with the revolving of Its giant wheel! My people + have seen me crowned,—but my real Coronation is to-day—when I + crown myself with my own resolve!” + </p> + <p> + His eyes flashed in the sunshine;—a rose shook its pink petals on + the ground at his feet. In one of the many pleasure-boats skimming across + the sea, a man was singing; and the words he sang floated distinctly along + on the landward wind. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Let me be thine, O love, + But for an hour! I yield my heart and soul + Into thy power,—Let me be thine, O Love of mine, + But for an hour!” + </pre> + <p> + The King listened, and a faint shadow darkened the proud light on his + face. + </p> + <p> + “‘But for an hour!’” he said half aloud—“Yes,—it would be + enough! No woman’s love lasts longer!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. — A NATION OR A CHURCH? + </h2> + <p> + An approaching step echoing on the marble terrace warned him that he was + no longer alone. He reseated himself at his writing-table, and feigned to + be deeply engrossed in perusing various documents, but a ready smile + greeted the intruder as soon as he perceived who it was,—one Sir + Roger de Launay, his favourite equerry and intimate personal friend. + </p> + <p> + “Time’s up, is it, Roger?” he queried lightly,—then as the equerry + bowed in respectful silence—“And yet I have scarcely glanced at + these papers! All the same, I have not been idle—I have been + thinking.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger de Launay, a tall handsome man, with an indefinable air of + mingled good-nature and lassitude about him which suggested the + possibility of his politely urging even Death itself not to be so much of + a bore about its business, smiled doubtfully. “Is it a wise procedure, + Sir?” he enquired—“Conducive to comfort I mean?” + </p> + <p> + The King laughed. + </p> + <p> + “No—I cannot say that it is! But thought is a tonic which sometimes + restores a man’s enfeebled self-respect. I was beginning to lose that + particular condition of health and sanity, Roger!—my self-respect + was becoming a flaccid muscle—a withering nerve;—but a little + thought-exercise has convinced me that my mental sinews are yet on the + whole strong!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger offered no reply. His eyes expressed a certain languid + wonderment; but duty being paramount with him, and his immediate errand + being to remind his sovereign of an appointment then about due, he began + to collect the writing materials scattered about on the table and put them + together for convenient removal. The smile on the King’s face deepened as + he watched him. + </p> + <p> + “You do not answer me, De Launay,”—he resumed, “You think perhaps + that I am talking in parables, and that my mind has been persuaded into a + metaphysical and rambling condition by an hour’s contemplation of the + sunlight on the sea! But come now!—have you not yourself felt a + longing to break loose from the trammels of conventional routine,—to + be set free from the slavery of answering another’s beck and call,—to + be something more than my attendant and friend——” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, more than your friend I have never desired to be!” said Sir Roger, + simply. + </p> + <p> + The King extended his hand with impulsive quickness, and Sir Roger as he + clasped it, bent low and touched it with his lips. There was no + parasitical homage in the act, for De Launay loved his sovereign with a + love little known at courts; loyally, faithfully, and without a particle + of self-seeking. He had long recognized the nobility, truth and courage + which graced and tempered the disposition of the master he served, and + knew him to be one, if not the only, monarch in the world likely to confer + some lasting benefit on his people by his reign. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you,” pursued the King, “that there is something in the mortal + composition of every man which is beyond mortality, something which + clamours to be heard, and seen, and proved. We may call it conscience, + intellect, spirit or soul, and attribute its existence, to God, as a spark + of the Divine Essence, but whatever it is, it is in every one of us; and + there comes a moment in life when it must flame out, or be quenched + forever. That moment has come to me, Roger,—that something in me + must have its way!” + </p> + <p> + “Your Majesty no doubt desires the impossible!”—said Sir Roger with + a smile, “All men do,—even kings!” + </p> + <p> + “‘Even kings!’” echoed the monarch—“You may well say ‘even’ kings! + What are kings? Simply the most wronged and miserable men on earth! I do + not myself put in a special claim for pity. My realm is small, and my + people are, for aught I can learn or am told of them, contented. But other + sovereigns who are my friends and neighbours, live, as it were, under the + dagger’s point,—with dynamite at their feet and pistols at their + heads,—all for no fault of their own, but for the faults of a system + which they did not formulate. Conspirators on the threshold—poison + in the air,—as in Russia, for example!—where is the joy or the + pride of being a King nowadays?” + </p> + <p> + “Talking of poison,” said Sir Roger blandly, as he placed the last + document of those he had collected, neatly in a leather case and strapped + it—“Your Majesty may perhaps feel inclined to defer giving the + promised audience to Monsignor Del Fords of the Society of Jesus?” + </p> + <p> + “By Heaven, I had forgotten him!” and the King rose. “This is what you + came to remind me of, Roger? He is here?” + </p> + <p> + De Launay bowed an assent. + </p> + <p> + “Well! We have kept a messenger of Mother Church waiting our pleasure,—and + not for the first time in the annals of history! But why do you associate + his name with poison?” + </p> + <p> + “Really, Sir, the connection is inexplicable,—unless it be the + memory of a religious lesson-book given to me in my childhood. It was an + illustrated treasure, and one picture showed me the Almighty in the + character of an old gentleman seated placidly on a cloud, smiling;—while + on the earth below, a priest, exactly resembling this Del Fortis, poured a + spoonful of something,—poison—or it might have been boiling + lead—down the throat of a heretic. I remember it impressed me very + much with the goodness of God.” + </p> + <p> + He maintained a whimsical gravity as he spoke, and the King laughed. + </p> + <p> + “De Launay, you are incorrigible! Come!—we will go within and see + this Del Fortis, and you shall remain present during the audience. That + will give you a chance to improve your present impression of him. I + understand he is a very brilliant and leading member of his Order,—likely + to be the next Vicar-General. I know his errand,—the papers + concerning his business are there—,” and he waved his hand towards + the leather case Sir Roger had just fastened—“Bring them with you!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger obeyed, and the King, stepping forth from the pavilion, walked + slowly along the terrace, watching the sparkling sea, the flowering + orange-trees lifting their slender tufts of exquisitely scented bloom + against the clear blue of the sky, the birds skimming lightly from point + to point of foliage, and the white-sailed yachts dipping gracefully as the + ocean rose and fell with every wild sweet breath of the scented wind. + Pausing a moment, he presently took out a field-glass and looked through + it at one of the finest and fairest of these pleasure-vessels, which, as + he surveyed it, suddenly swung round, and began to scud away westward. + </p> + <p> + “The Prince is on board?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Sir,” replied De Launay—“His Royal Highness intends sailing as + far as The Islands, and remaining there till sunset.” + </p> + <p> + “Alone, as usual?” + </p> + <p> + “As usual, Sir, alone, save for his captain and crew.” + </p> + <p> + The King walked on in silence for a minute. Then he paused abruptly. + </p> + <p> + “I do not like it, De Launay!”—he said decisively—“I do not + like his abnormal love of solitude. Books are all very well—poetry + is in its way excellent,—music, as we are told ‘hath charms’—but + the boy broods too much, and stays away too much from Court. What woman + attracts him?” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger’s eyes opened wide as the King turned suddenly round upon him + with this question. + </p> + <p> + “Woman, Sir? I know of none. The Prince is but twenty——” + </p> + <p> + “At twenty,” said the King,—“boys love—the wrong girl. At + thirty they marry—the wrong woman. At forty they meet the only true + and fitting soul’s companion,—and cry for the moon till the end! My + son is in the first stage, or I am much mistaken,—he loves—the + wrong girl!” + </p> + <p> + He walked on,—and De Launay followed, with a vague sense of + amusement and disquietude in his mind. What had come to his Royal master, + he wondered? His ordinary manner had changed somewhat,—he spoke with + less than the customary formality, and there was an expression of freedom + and authority, combined with a touch of defiance in his face, that was + altogether new to the observation of the faithful equerry. + </p> + <p> + Arrived at the palace, and passing through one of the long and spacious + painted corridors, lit by richly coloured mullioned windows from end to + end, the King came face to face with a lady-in-waiting carrying a large + cluster of Madonna lilies. She drew aside, with a deep reverence, to allow + him to pass; but he stopped a moment, looking at the great gorgeous white + flowers faint with fragrance, and at the slight retiring figure of the + woman who held them. + </p> + <p> + “Are these for the chapel, Madame?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “No, Sir! For the Queen.” + </p> + <p> + ‘For the Queen!’ A quick sigh escaped him. He still stood, caught by a + sudden abstraction, looking at the dazzling whiteness of the snowy blooms, + and thinking how fittingly they would companion his beautiful, cold, pure + Queen Consort, who had never from her marriage day uttered a word of love + to him, or given him a glance of tenderness. Their rich odours crept into + his warm blood, and the bitter old sense of unfulfilled longing, longing + for affection, for comprehension, for all that he had not possessed in his + otherwise brilliant life, vexed and sickened him. He turned away abruptly, + and the lady-in-waiting, having curtsied once more profoundly, passed on + with her glistening sheaf of bloom and disappeared vision-like in a gleam + of azure light falling through one of the further and higher casements. + The King watched her disappear, the meditative line of sadness still + puckering his brow, then, followed by his equerry, he entered a small + private audience chamber, where Sir Roger de Launay notified an attendant + gentleman usher that his Majesty was ready to receive Monsignor Del + Fortis. + </p> + <p> + During the brief interval occupied in waiting for his visitor’s approach, + the King selected certain papers from those which Sir Roger had brought + from the garden pavilion and placed them in order on the table. + </p> + <p> + “For the past six months,” he said “I have had this Jesuit’s name before + me, and have been in twenty minds a month about granting or refusing what + his Society demands. The matter has been discussed in the Press, too, with + the usual pros and cons of hesitation, but it is the People I am thinking + of, the People! and I am just now in the humour to satisfy a Nation rather + than a Church!” + </p> + <p> + De Launay said nothing. His opinion was not asked. + </p> + <p> + “It is a case in which the temporal overbalances the spiritual,” continued + the King—“Which plainly proves that the spiritual must be lacking in + some essential point somewhere. For if the spiritual were always truly of + God, then would it always be the strongest. The question which brings + Monsignor Del Fortis here as special emissary of the Vicar-General of the + Society of Jesus, is simply this: Whether or no a certain site in a + particularly fertile tract of land belonging chiefly to the Crown, shall + be granted to the Jesuits for the purpose of building thereon a church and + monastery with schools attached. It seems a reasonable request, set forth + with an apparently religious intention. Yet more than forty petitions have + been sent in to me from the inhabitants of the towns and villages adjacent + to the lands, imploring me to refuse the concession. By my faith, they + plead as eloquently as though asking deliverance from the plague! It is a + curious dilemma. If I grant the people’s request I anger the priests; if I + satisfy the priests I anger the people.” + </p> + <p> + “You mentioned a discussion in the Press, Sir—” hinted Sir Roger. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the Press is like a weathercock—it turns whichever way the wind + of speculation blows. One day it is ‘for,’ another ‘against.’ In this + particular case it is diplomatically indifferent, except in one or two + cases where papal money has found its way into the newspaper offices.” + </p> + <p> + At that moment the door was flung open, and Monsignor Del Fortis was + ceremoniously ushered into the presence of his Majesty. At the first + glance it was evident that De Launay had reasonable cause for associating + the mediaeval priestly torturer pictured in his early lesson-book with the + unprepossessing personage now introduced. Del Fortis was a dark, + resentful-looking man of about sixty, tall and thin, with a long + cadaverous face, very strongly pronounced features and small sinister + eyes, over which the level brows almost met across the sharp bridge of + nose. His close black garb buttoned to the chin, outlined his wiry angular + limbs with an almost painful distinctness, and the lean right hand which + he placed across his breast as he bowed profoundly to the King, looked + more like the shrunken hand of a corpse than that of a living man. The + King observed him attentively, but not with favour; while thoughts, + strange, and for him as a constitutional monarch audacious, began to move + in the undercurrents of his mind, stirring him to unusual speech and + action. Sir Roger, retiring to the furthest end of the room stood with his + back against the door, a fine upright soldierly figure, as motionless as + though cast in bronze, though his eyes showed keen and sparkling life as + they rested on his Royal master, watching his every gesture, as well as + every slightest movement on the part of his priestly visitor. + </p> + <p> + “You are welcome, Monsignor Del Fortis,”—said the King, at last + breaking silence.—“To save time and trouble, I may tell you that I + need no explanation of the nature of your business.” + </p> + <p> + The Jesuit bowed with an excessive humility. + </p> + <p> + “You wish me to grant to your Society,” continued the monarch—“that + portion of the Crown lands named in your petition, to be held in your + undisputed possession for a long term of years,—and in order to + facilitate my consent to this arrangement, your Vicar-General has sent you + here to furnish the full details of your building scheme. Am I so far + correct?” + </p> + <p> + The priest’s dark secretive eyes glittered craftily a moment as he raised + them to the open and tranquil countenance of the sovereign,—then + once again he bowed profoundly. + </p> + <p> + “Your Majesty has, with your customary care and patience, fully studied + the object of my errand”—he replied in a clear thin, somewhat + rasping voice, which he endeavoured to make smooth and conciliatory—“But + it is impossible that your Majesty, immersed every day in the affairs of + state, should have found time to personally go through the various papers + formally submitted to your consideration. Therefore, the Vicar-General of + our Order considered that if the present interview with your Majesty could + be obtained, I, as secretary and treasurer for the proposed new monastery, + might be able to explain the spiritual, as well as the material advantages + to be gained by the use of the lands for the purpose mentioned.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke slowly, enunciating each word with careful distinctness. + </p> + <p> + “The spiritual part of the scheme is of course the most important to you!”—said + the King with a slight smile,—“But material advantages are never + entirely overlooked, even by holy men! Now I am merely a ‘temporal’ + sovereign; and as such, I wish to know how your plan will affect the + people of the neighbouring town and district. What are your intentions + towards them? Their welfare is my chief concern; and what I have to learn + from you is,—How do you propose to benefit them by maintaining a + monastery, church and schools in their vicinity?” + </p> + <p> + Again Del Fortis gave a furtive glance upward. Seeing that the King’s eyes + were steadily fixed upon him, he quickly lowered his own, and gave answer + in an evidently prepared manner. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, the people of the district in question are untaught barbarians. It + is more for their sakes,—more for the love of gathering the lost + sheep into the fold, than for our own satisfaction, that we seek to pitch + our tents in the desert of their ignorance. They, and their children, are + the prey of heathenish modern doctrines, which alas!—are too + prevalent throughout the whole world at this particular time,—and, + as they are at present situated, no restraint is exercised upon them for + the better controlling of their natural and inherited vices. Unless the + gentle hand of Mother Church is allowed to rescue these, her hapless and + neglected ones; unless she has an opportunity afforded her of leading them + out of the darkness of error into the light of eternal day—” + </p> + <p> + He broke off, his eloquence being interrupted by a gesture from the King. + </p> + <p> + “There is a Government school in the town,”—said the monarch, + referring to one or two documents on the table before him.—“There is + also a Free Public Library, and a Free School of Art. Thus it does not + seem that education is quite neglected.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, Sir, such education is merely disastrous!” said Del Fortis, with a + deep sigh,—“Like the fruit on the tree of knowledge in the Garden of + Eden, it brings death to the soul!” + </p> + <p> + “You condemn the Government methods?” asked the King coldly. + </p> + <p> + The Jesuit moved uneasily, and a dull flush reddened his pale skin. + </p> + <p> + “Far be it from me, Sir, as a poor servant of the Church, to condemn + lawful authorities,—yet we should not forget that the Government is + temporal and changeable,—the Church is spiritual and changeless. We + cannot look for entire success in a scheme of popular education which is + not formulated under the guidance or the blessing of God!” + </p> + <p> + The King leaned forward a little in his chair, and surveyed him fixedly. + </p> + <p> + “How do you know that it is not formulated under the guidance and blessing + of God?” he asked suddenly—“Has the Almighty given you His special + opinion and confidence on the matter?” + </p> + <p> + Monsignor Del Fortis started indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “Sir! Your Majesty——” + </p> + <p> + De Launay made a step forward, but the King motioned him back. Accordingly + he resumed his former position, but his equable temperament was for once + seriously disturbed. He saw that his Royal master was evidently bent on + speaking his mind; and he knew well what a dangerous indulgence that is + for all men who desire peace and quietness in their lives. + </p> + <p> + “I am aware of what you would say,” pursued the King—“You would say + that the Church—your Church—is the only establishment of the + kind which receives direct inspiration from the Creator of Universes. But + I do not feel justified in limiting the control of the Almighty to one + special orbit of Creed. You tell me that a government system of education + for the people is a purely temporal movement, and that, as such, it is not + blessed by the guidance of God. Yet the Pope seeks ‘temporal’ power! It is + explained to us of course that he seeks it in order that he may unite it + to the spiritual in his own person,—theoretically for the good of + mankind, if practically for the advancement of his own particular policy. + But have you never thought, Monsignor, that the marked severance of what + you call ‘temporal’ power, from what you equally call ‘spiritual’ power, + is God’s work? Inasmuch as nothing can be done without God’s will; for + even if there is a devil (which I am inclined to doubt) he owes his + unhappy existence to God as much as I do!” + </p> + <p> + He smiled; but Del Fortis stood rigidly silent, his head bent, and one + hand folded tight across his breast, an attitude Sir Roger de Launay + always viewed in every man with suspicion, as it suggested the concealment + of a weapon. + </p> + <p> + “You will admit” pursued the King, “that the action of human thought is + always progressive. Unfortunately your Creed lags behind human thought in + its onward march, thus causing the intelligent world to infer that there + must be something wrong with its teaching. For if the Church had always + been in all respects faithful to the teaching of her Divine Master, she + would be at this present time the supreme Conqueror of Nations. Yet she is + doing no more nowadays than she did in the middle ages,—she + threatens, she intimidates, she persecutes all who dare to use for a + reasonable purpose the brain God gave them,—but she does not help on + or sympathize with the growing fraternity and civilization of the world. + It is impossible not to recognize this. Yet I have a profound respect for + each and every minister of religion who honestly endeavours to follow the + counsels of Christ,”—here he paused,—then added with slow and + marked emphasis—“in whose Holy Name I devoutly believe for the + redemption of whatever there is in me worth redeeming;—nevertheless + my first duty, even in Christ, is plainly to the people of the country + over which I am elected to rule.” + </p> + <p> + The flickering shadow of a smile passed over the Jesuit’s dark features, + but he still kept silence. + </p> + <p> + “Therefore,” went on the King—“it is my unpleasant task to be + compelled to inform you, Monsignor, that the inhabitants of the district + your Order seeks to take under its influence, have the strongest objection + to your presence among them. So strong indeed is their aversion towards + your Society, that they have petitioned me in numerous ways, (and with + considerable eloquence, too, for ‘untaught barbarians’) to defend them + from your visitation. Now, to speak truly, I find they have all the + advantages which modern advancement and social improvement can give them,—they + attend their places of public worship in considerable numbers, and are on + the whole decent, God-fearing, order-loving subjects to the Throne,—and + more I do not desire for them or for myself. Criminal cases are very rare + in the district,—and the poor are more inclined to help than to + defraud each other. All this is so far good,—and, I should imagine,—not + displeasing to God. In any case, as their merely temporal sovereign, I + must decline to give your Order any control over them.” + </p> + <p> + “You refuse the concession of land, Sir?” said Del Fortis, in a voice that + trembled with restrained passion. + </p> + <p> + “To satisfy those of my subjects who have appealed to me, I am compelled + to do so,” replied the King. + </p> + <p> + “I pray your Majesty’s pardon, but a portion of the land is held by + private persons who are prepared to sell to us——” + </p> + <p> + A quick anger flashed in the King’s eyes. + </p> + <p> + “They shall sell to me if they sell at all,”—he said,—“I + repeat, Monsignor, the fact that the law-abiding people of the place have + sought their King’s protection from priestly interference;—and,—by + Heaven!—they shall have it!” + </p> + <p> + There was a sudden silence. Sir Roger de Launay drew a sharp breath,—his + habitual languor of mind was completely dissipated, and he studied the + inscrutable face of Del Fortis with deepening suspicion and disfavour. Not + that there was the slightest sign of wrath or dismay on the priest’s + well-disciplined countenance;—on the contrary, a chill smile + illumined it as he spoke his next words with a serious, if somewhat forced + composure. + </p> + <p> + “Your Majesty is, without doubt, all powerful in your own particular + domain of society and politics,” he said—“But there is another + Majesty higher than yours,—that of the Church, before which dread + and infallible Tribunal even kings are brought to naught——” + </p> + <p> + “Monsignor Del Fortis,” interrupted the King, “We have not met this + morning, I presume, to indulge in a religious polemic! My power is, as you + very truly suggest, merely temporal—yours is spiritual. Yours should + be the strongest! Go your way now to your Vicar-General with the straight + answer I have given you,—but if by your ‘spiritual’ power you can + persuade the people who now hate your Society, to love it,—to demand + it,—to beg that you may be permitted to found a colony among them,—why, + in that case, come to me again, and I will grant you the land. I am not + prejudiced one way or the other, but I will not hand over any of my + subjects to the influence of priestcraft, so long as they desire me to + defend them from it.” + </p> + <p> + Del Fortis still smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, Sir, but we of the Society of Jesus are your subjects also, + and we judge you to be a Christian and Catholic monarch——” + </p> + <p> + “As I am, most assuredly!” replied the King—“Christian and Catholic + are words which, if I understand their meaning, please me well! + ‘Christian’ expresses a believer in and follower of Christ,—‘Catholic’ + means universal, by which, I take it, is intended wide, universal love and + tolerance without sect, party, or prejudice. In this sense the Church is + not Catholic—it is merely the Roman sect. Nor are you truly my + subjects, since you have only one ruler, the Supreme Pontiff,—with + whom I am somewhat at variance. But, as I have said, we are not here to + indulge in argument. You came to proffer a request; I have given you the + only answer I conceive fitting with my duty;—the matter is + concluded.” + </p> + <p> + Del Fortis hesitated a moment,—then bowed low to the ground;—anon, + lifting himself, raised one hand with an invocative gesture of profound + solemnity. + </p> + <p> + “I commend your Majesty to the mercy of God, that He may in His wisdom, + guard your life and soften your heart towards the ministers of His Holy + Religion, and bring you into the ways of righteousness and peace! For the + rest, I will report your Majesty’s decision to the Vicar-General.” + </p> + <p> + “Do so!”—rejoined the King—“And assure him that the decision + is unalterable,—unless the inhabitants of the place concerned desire + to have it revoked.” + </p> + <p> + Again Del Fortis bowed. + </p> + <p> + “I humbly take my leave of your Majesty!” + </p> + <p> + The monarch looked at him steadfastly as he made another salutation, and + backed out of the presence-chamber. Sir Roger de Launay opened the door + for him with alacrity, handing him over into the charge of an usher with + the whispered caution to see him well off the Royal premises; and then + returning to his sovereign, stood “at attention.” The King noted his + somewhat troubled aspect, and laughed. + </p> + <p> + “What ails you, De Launay?” he asked—“You seem astonished that for + once I have spoken my mind?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, to speak one’s mind is always dangerous!” + </p> + <p> + “Dangerous—danger!—What idle words to make cowards of men! + Danger—of what? There is only one danger—death; and that is + sure to come to every man, whether he be a hero or a poltroon.” + </p> + <p> + “True,—but——” + </p> + <p> + “But—what? De Launay, if you love me, do not look at me with so + expostulatory an air! It does not become your inches! Now listen!—when + the next press reporter comes nosing round for palace news, let him be + told that the King has refused permission to the Jesuits to build on any + portion of the Crown lands demanded for the purpose. Let this be made + known to Press and People—the sooner the better!” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” murmured De Launay—“We live in strange times——” + </p> + <p> + “Why, there you speak most truly!” said the King, with emphasis—“We + do live in strange times—the very strangest perhaps, since Aeneas + Sylvius wrote concerning Christendom. Do you remember the words he set + down so long ago?—‘It is a body without a head,—a republic + without laws or magistrates. The pope or the emperor may shine as lofty + titles, as splendid images,—but they are unable to command, and no + one is willing to obey!’ History thus repeats itself, De Launay;—and + yet with all its past experience, the Roman Church does not seem to + realize that it is powerless against the attacks of intellectual common + sense. Faith in God,—a high, perfect, pure faith in God, and a + simple following of the Divine Teacher of God’s command, Christ;—these + things are wise and necessary for all nations; but, to allow human beings + to be coerced by superstition for political motives, under the disguise of + religion, is an un-Christian business, and I for one will have no part in + it!” + </p> + <p> + “You will lay yourself open to much serious misconstruction, Sir,” said De + Launay. + </p> + <p> + “Let us hope so, Roger!” rejoined the King with a smile—“For if I am + never misunderstood, I shall know myself to be a fool! Come,—do not + look so glum!—I want you to help me.” + </p> + <p> + “To help you, Sir?” exclaimed De Launay eagerly,—“With my life, if + you demand it!” + </p> + <p> + The King rested one hand familiarly on his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “I would rather take my own life than yours, De Launay!” he said—“No,—whatever + difficulties I get myself into, you shall not suffer! But—as I told + you a while ago,—there is something in me that must have its way. I + am sick to death of conventionalities,—you must help me to break + through them! You are right in saying that we live in strange times;—they + are strange times!—and they may perchance be all the better for a + strange King!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. — SEALED ORDERS + </h2> + <p> + Some hours later on, Sir Roger de Launay, having left his Sovereign’s + presence, and being off duty for a time, betook himself to certain + apartments in the west wing of the palace, where the next most trusted + personage to himself in the confidence of the King, had his domicile,—Professor + von Glauben, resident physician to the Royal Household. Heinrich von + Glauben was a man of somewhat extraordinary character and individuality. + In his youth he had made a sudden meteoric fame for his marvellous skill + and success in surgery, as also for his equally surprising quickness and + correctness in diagnosing obscure diseases and tracing them to their + source. But, after creating a vast amount of discussion and opposition + among his confrères, and almost reaching that brilliant point of triumph + when his originality and cleverness were proved great enough to win him a + host of enemies, he all at once threw up the game as it were, and, + resigning the favourable opportunities of increasing distinction offered + him in his native Germany, accepted the comparatively retired and private + position he now occupied. Some said it was a disappointment in love which + had caused his abrupt departure from the Fatherland,—others declared + it was irritation at the severe manner in which his surgical successes had + been handled by the medical critics,—but whatever the cause, it soon + became evident that he had turned his back on the country of his birth for + ever, and that he was apparently entirely satisfied with the lot he had + chosen. His post was certainly an easy and pleasant one,—the members + of the Royal family to which his services were attached were exceptionally + healthy, as Royal families go; and he was seldom in more than merely + formal attendance, so that he had ample time and opportunity to pursue + those deeper forms of physiological study which had excited the wrath and + ridicule of his contemporaries, as well as to continue the writing of a + book which he intended should make a stir in the world, and which he had + entitled “The Moral and Political History of Hunger.” + </p> + <p> + “For,” said he—“Hunger is the primal civilizer,—the very + keystone and foundation of all progress. From the plain, prosy, earthy + fact that man is a hungry animal, and must eat, has sprung all the + civilization of the world! I shall demonstrate this in my book, beginning + with the scriptural legend of Adam’s greed for an apple. Adam was + evidently hungry at the moment Eve tempted him. As soon as he had + satisfied his inner man, he thought of his outer,—and his next idea + was, naturally, tailoring. From this simple conjunction of suggestions, + combined with what ‘God’ would have to say to him concerning his + food-experiment and fig-leaf apron, man has drawn all his religions, + manners, customs and morals. The proposition is self-evident,—but I + intend to point it out with somewhat emphasised clearness for the benefit + of those persons who are inclined to arrogate to themselves the possession + of superior wisdom. Neither brain nor soul has placed man in a position of + Supremacy,—merely Hunger and Nakedness!” + </p> + <p> + The Professor was now about fifty-five, but his exceptionally powerful + build and robust constitution gave him the grace in appearance of many + years younger, though perhaps the extreme composure of his temperament, + and the philosophic manner in which he viewed all circumstances, whether + pleasing or disastrous, may have exercised the greatest influence in + keeping his eyes clear and clean, and his countenance free of unhandsome + wrinkles. He was more like a soldier than a doctor, and was proud of his + resemblance to the earlier portraits of Bismarck. To see him in his own + particular ‘sanctum’ surrounded by weird-looking diagrams of sundry parts + of the human frame, mysterious phials and stoppered flasks containing + various liquids and crystals, and all the modern appliances for closely + examining the fearful yet beautiful secrets of the living organism, was as + if one should look upon a rough and burly giant engaged in some delicate + manipulation of mosaics. Yet Von Glauben’s large hand was gentler than a + woman’s in its touch and gift of healing,—no surgeon alive could + probe a wound more tenderly, or with less pain to the sufferer,—and + the skill of that large hand was accompanied by the penetrative quality of + the large benevolent brain which guided it,—a brain that could + encompass the whole circle of the world in its observant and affectionate + compassion. + </p> + <p> + “Ach!—who is there that can be angry with anyone?—impatient + with anyone,—offended with anyone!” he was wont to say—“Everybody + suffers so much and so undeservedly, that as far as my short life goes I + have only time for pity—not condemnation!” + </p> + <p> + To this individual, as a kind of human calmative and tonic combined, Sir + Roger de Launay was in the habit of going whenever he felt his own + customary tranquillity at all disturbed. The two were great friends;—friends + in their mutual love and service of the King,—friends in their + equally mutual but discreetly silent worship of the Queen,—and + friends in their very differences of opinion on men and matters in + general. De Launay, being younger, was more hasty of judgment and quick in + action; but Von Glauben too had been known to draw his sword with + unexpected rapidity on occasion, to the discomfiture of those who deemed + him only at home with the scalpel. Just now, however, he was in a + particularly non-combative and philosophic mood; he was watching certain + animalculae wriggling in a glass tube, the while he sat in a large + easy-chair with slippered feet resting on another chair opposite, puffing + clouds of smoke from a big meerschaum,—and he did not stir from his + indolent attitude when De Launay entered, but merely looked up and smiled + placidly. + </p> + <p> + “Sit down, Roger!” he said,—then, as De Launay obeyed the + invitation, he pushed over a box of cigars, and added—“You look + exceedingly tired, my friend! Something has bored you more than usual? + Take a lesson from those interesting creatures!” and he pointed with the + stem of his pipe to the bottled animalculae—“They are never bored,—never + weary of doing mischief! They are just now living under the pleasing + delusion that the glass tube they are in is a man, and that they are + eating him up alive. Little devils! Nothing will exhaust their vitality + till they have gorged themselves to death! Just like a great many human + beings!” + </p> + <p> + “I am not in the mood for studying animalculae,” said De Launay irritably, + as he lit a cigar. + </p> + <p> + “No? But why not? They are really quite as interesting as ourselves!” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Von Glauben, I want you to be serious—” + </p> + <p> + “My friend, I am always serious,” declared the Professor—“Even when + I laugh, I laugh seriously. My laughter is as real as myself.” + </p> + <p> + “What would you think,”—pursued De Launay—“of a king who + freely expressed his own opinions?” + </p> + <p> + “I should say he was a brave man,” answered the Professor; “He would + certainly deserve my respect, and he should have it. Even if the laws of + etiquette were not existent, I should feel justified in taking off my hat + to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Never from henceforth wear a hat at all then,” said De Launay—“It + will save you the trouble of continually doffing it at every glimpse of + his Majesty!” + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben drew his pipe from his mouth and gazed blankly at the ceiling + for a few moments in silence. “His Majesty?” he presently murmured—“Our + Majesty?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; our Majesty—our King”—replied De Launay—“For some + inscrutable reason or other he has suddenly adopted the dangerous policy + of speaking his mind. What now?” + </p> + <p> + “What now? Why nothing particular just now,—unless you have + something to tell me. Which, judging from your entangled expression of + eye, I presume you have.” + </p> + <p> + De Launay hesitated a moment. The Professor saw his hesitation. + </p> + <p> + “Do not speak, my friend, if you think you are committing a breach of + confidence,” he said composedly—“In the brief affairs of this life, + it is better to keep trouble on your own mind than impart it to others.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there is no breach of confidence;” said De Launay, “The thing is as + public as the day, or if it is not public already, it soon will be made + so. That is where the mischief comes in,—or so I think. Judge for + yourself!” And in a few words he gave the gist of the interview which had + taken place between the King and the emissary of the Jesuits that morning. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing surprises me as a rule,”—said the Professor, when he had + heard all—“But if anything could prick the sense of astonishment + anew in me, it would be to think that anyone, king or commoner, should + take the trouble to speak truth to a Jesuit. Why, the very essence of + their carefully composed and diplomatic creed, is to so disguise truth + that it shall be no more recognisable. Myself, I believe the Jesuits to be + the lineal descendants of those priests who served Bel and the Dragon. The + art of conjuring and deception is in their very blood. It is for the + Jesuits that I have invented a beautiful new verb,—‘To hypocrise.’ + It sounds well. Here is the present tense,—‘I hypocrise, Thou + hypocrisest, He hypocrises:—We hypocrise, You hypocrise, They + hypocrise.’ Now hear the future. ‘I shall hypocrise, Thou shalt hypocrise, + He shall hypocrise; We shall hypocrise, You shall hypocrise, They shall + hypocrise.’ There is the whole art of Jesuitry for you, made grammatically + perfect!” + </p> + <p> + De Launay gave a gesture of impatience, and flung away the end of his + half-smoked cigar. + </p> + <p> + “Ach! That is a sign of temper, Roger!” said Von Glauben, shaking his head—“To + lift one’s shoulders to the lobes of one’s ears, and waste nearly the half + of an exceedingly expensive and choice Havana, shows nervous irritation! + You are angry, my friend—and with me!” + </p> + <p> + “No I am not,” replied De Launay, rising from his chair and beginning to + pace the room—“But I do not profess to have your phlegmatic + disposition. I feel what I thought you would feel also,—that the + King is exposing himself to unnecessary danger. And I know what you do not + yet know, but what this letter will no doubt inform you,”—and he + drew an envelope bearing the Royal seal from his pocket and handed it to + the Professor—“Namely,—that his Majesty is bent on rushing + voluntarily into various other perils, unless perhaps, your warning or + advice may hinder him. Mine has no effect,—moreover I am bound to + serve him as he bids.” + </p> + <p> + “Equally am I also bound to serve him;”—said Von Glauben, “And + gladly and faithfully do I intend to perform my service wherever it may + lead me!” Whereupon, shaking himself out of his recumbent position, like a + great lion rolling out of his lair, he stood upright, and breaking the + seal of the envelope he held, read its contents through in silence. Sir + Roger stood opposite to him, watching his face in vain for any sign of + astonishment, regret or dismay. + </p> + <p> + “We must do as he commands,”—he said simply as he finished reading + the letter and folded it up for safe keeping—“There is no other way; + not for me at least. I shall most assuredly be at the appointed place, at + the appointed hour, and in the appointed manner. It will be a change; + certainly lively, and possibly beneficial!” + </p> + <p> + “But the King’s life—” + </p> + <p> + “Is in God’s keeping!” said Von Glauben,—“Believe me, Roger, no harm + comes undeservedly to a brave man with a good conscience! It is a bad + conscience which invites mischief. I am a great believer in the law of + attraction. The good attracts the good,—the bad, the bad. That is + why truthful persons are generally lonely—because nearly all the + world’s inhabitants are liars!” + </p> + <p> + “But the King—” again began Sir Roger. + </p> + <p> + “The King is a man!” said Von Glauben, with a flash of pride in his eyes—“Which + is more than I will say for most kings! Who shall blame him for asserting + his manhood? Not I! Not you! Who shall blame him for seeking to know the + real position of things in the country he governs? Not I! Not you! Our + business is to guard and defend him—with our own lives, if + necessary,—we shall do that with a will, Roger, shall we not?” And + with an impulsive quickness of action, he took a sword from a stand of + weapons near him, drew it from its scabbard and kissing the hilt, held it + out to De Launay who did the same—“That is understood! And for the + rest, Roger my friend, take it all lightly and easily—as a farce!—as + a bit of human comedy, with a great actor cast for the chief role. We are + only supers, you and I, but we shall do well to stand near the wings in + case of fire!” + </p> + <p> + He drew himself up to his great height and squared his shoulders,—then + smiled benevolently. + </p> + <p> + “I believe it will be all very amusing, Roger; and that your fears for the + safety of his Majesty will be proved groundless. Remember, Court life is + excessively dull,—truly the dullest form of existence on earth,—it + is quite natural that he who is the most bored by it should desire some + break in the terrible monotony!” + </p> + <p> + “The monotony will certainly be broken with a vengeance, if the King + continues in his present humour!”—said De Launay grimly. + </p> + <p> + “Possibly! And let us hope the comfortable self-assurance and complacency + of a certain successful Minister may be somewhat seriously disturbed!” + rejoined Von Glauben,—“For myself, I assure you I see sport!” + </p> + <p> + “And I scent danger,”—said De Launay—“For if any mischance + happen to the King, the Prince is not ripe enough to rule.” + </p> + <p> + A slight shadow darkened the Professor’s open countenance. He looked + fixedly at Sir Roger, who met his gaze with equal fixity. + </p> + <p> + “The Prince,”—he said slowly—“is young—” + </p> + <p> + “And rash—” interposed De Launay. + </p> + <p> + “No. Pardon me, my friend! Not rash. Merely honest. That is all! He is a + very honest young man indeed. It is unfortunate that he is so; a ploughman + may be honest if he likes, but a prince—never!” + </p> + <p> + De Launay was silent. + </p> + <p> + “I will now destroy a world”—continued Von Glauben, “Kings, + emperors, popes, councillors and common folk, can all perish + incontinently,—as—being myself for the present the free agent + of the Deity concerned in the matter,—I have something else to do + than to look after them,”—and he took up the glass vessel containing + the animalculae he had been watching, and cast it with its contents into a + small stove burning dimly at one end of the apartment,—“Gone are + their ambitions and confabulations for ever! How easy for the Creator to + do the same thing with us, Roger! Let us not talk of any special danger + for the King or for any man, seeing that we are all on the edge of an + eternal volcano!” + </p> + <p> + De Launay stood absorbed for a moment, as if in deep thought. Then rousing + himself abruptly he said:— + </p> + <p> + “You will not see the King, and speak with him before to-morrow night?” + </p> + <p> + “Why should I?” queried the Professor. “His wish is a command which I must + obey. Besides, my good Roger, all the arguments in the world will not turn + a man from having his own way if he has once made up his own mind. Advice + from me on the present matter would be merely taken as an impertinence. + Moreover I have no advice to give,—I rather approve of the plan!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger looked at him; and noting the humorous twinkle in his eyes + smiled, though somewhat gravely. + </p> + <p> + “I hope, with you, that the experiment may only prove an amusing one,” he + said—“But life is not always a farce!” + </p> + <p> + “Not always, but often! When it is not a farce it is a tragedy. And such a + tragedy! My God! Horrible—monstrous—cruel beyond conception, + and enough to make one believe in Hell and doubt Heaven!” + </p> + <p> + He spoke passionately, in a voice vibrating with strong emotion. De Launay + glanced at him wonderingly, but did not speak. + </p> + <p> + “When you see tender young children tortured by disease,” he went on,—“Fair + and gentle women made the victims of outrage and brutality—strong + men killed in their thousands to gain a little additional gold, an extra + slice of empire,—then you see the tragic, the inexplicable, the + crazy cruelty of putting into us this little pulse called Life. But I try + not to think of this—it is no use thinking!” + </p> + <p> + He paused,—then in his usual quiet tone said: + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow night, then, my friend?” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow night,” rejoined De Launay,—“Unless you receive further + instructions from the King.” + </p> + <p> + At that moment the clear call of a trumpet echoing across the battlements + of the palace denoted the hour for changing the sentry. “Sunset already!” + said Von Glauben, walking to the window and throwing back the heavy + curtain which partially shaded it, “And yonder is Prince Humphry’s yacht + on its homeward way.” + </p> + <p> + De Launay came and stood beside him, looking out. Before them the sea + glistened with a thousand tints of lustrous opal in the light of the + sinking sun, which, surrounded by mountainous heights of orange and purple + cloud, began to touch the water-line with a thousand arrowy darts of + flame. The white-sailed vessel on which their eyes were fixed, came + curtseying over the waves through a perfect arch of splendid colour, like + a fairy or phantom ship evoked from a poet’s dream. + </p> + <p> + “Absent all day, as he has been,” said De Launay, “his Royal Highness is + punctual to the promised hour of his return.” + </p> + <p> + “He is, as I told you, honest;” said Von Glauben, “and it is possible his + honesty will be his misfortune.” + </p> + <p> + De Launay muttered something inaudible in answer, and turned to leave the + apartment. + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben looked at him with an affectionate solicitude. + </p> + <p> + “What a lucky thing it is you never married, Roger! Otherwise you would + now be going to tell your wife all about the King’s plans! Then she, sweet + creature, would go to confession,—and her confessor would tell a + bishop,—and a bishop would tell a cardinal,—and a cardinal + would tell a confidential monsignor,—and the confidential monsignor + would tell the Supreme Pontiff,—and so all the world would be + ringing with the news started by one little pretty wagging tongue of a + woman!” + </p> + <p> + A faint flush coloured De Launay’s bronzed cheek, but he laughed. + </p> + <p> + “True! I am glad I have never married. I am still more glad—of + circumstances”—he paused,—then went on, “which have so chanced + to me that I shall never marry.” He paused again—then added—“I + must be gone, Von Glauben! I have to meet Prince Humphry at the quay with + a message from his Majesty.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely,” said the Professor, opening his eyes very wide, “The Prince is + not to be included in our adventure?” + </p> + <p> + “By no means!” replied De Launay,—“But the King is not pleased with + his son’s frequent absences from Court, and desires to speak with him on + the matter.” + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben looked grave. + </p> + <p> + “There will be some little trouble there,” he said, with a half sigh—“Ach! + Who knows! Perhaps some great trouble!” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven forbid!” ejaculated Sir Roger,—“We live in times of peace. + We want no dissension with either the King or the people. Till to-morrow + night then?” + </p> + <p> + “Till to-morrow night!” responded Von Glauben, whereupon Sir Roger with a + brief word of farewell, strode away. + </p> + <p> + Left to himself, the Professor still stood at his window watching the + approach of the Prince’s yacht, which came towards the shore with such + swift and stately motion through the portals of the sunset, over the + sparkling water. + </p> + <p> + “Unfortunate Humphry!” he muttered,—“What a secret he has entrusted + me with! And yet why do I call him unfortunate? There should be nothing to + regret—and yet—! Well! The mischief was done before poor + Heinrich von Glauben was consulted; and if poor Heinrich were God and the + Devil rolled into one strange Eternal Monster, he could not have prevented + it! What is done, can never be undone!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. — “IF I LOVED YOU!” + </h2> + <p> + A singular pomp is sometimes associated with the announcement that my Lord + Pedigree, or Mister Nobody has ‘had the honour of dining’ with their + Majesties the King and Queen. Outsiders read the thrilling line with awe + and envy,—and many of them are foolish enough to wish that they also + were Lords Pedigree or Misters Nobody. As a matter of sad and sober fact, + however, a dinner with royal personages is an extremely dull affair. ‘Do + not speak unless you are spoken to,’ is a rule which, however excellent + and necessary in Court etiquette, is apt to utterly quench conversation, + and render the brightest spirits dull and inert. The silent and solemn + movements of the Court flunkeys,—the painful attitudes of those who + are <i>not</i> ‘spoken to’; the eager yet laboured smiles of those who <i>are</i> + ‘spoken to ‘;—the melancholy efforts at gaiety—the dread of + trespassing on tabooed subjects—these things tend to make all but + the most independent and unfettered minds shrink from such an ordeal as + the ‘honour’ of dining with kings. It must, however, be conceded that the + kings themselves are fully aware of the tediousness of their dinner + parties, and would lighten the boredom if they could; but etiquette + forbids. The particular monarch whose humours are the subject of this + ‘plain unvarnished’ history would have liked nothing better than to be + allowed to dine in simplicity and peace without his conversation being + noted, and without having a flunkey at hand to watch every morsel of food + go into his mouth. He would have liked to eat freely, talk freely, and + conduct himself generally with the ease of a private gentleman. + </p> + <p> + All this being denied to him, he hated the dinner-hour as ardently as he + hated receiving illuminated addresses, and the freedom of cities. Yet all + things costly and beautiful were combined to make his royal table a + picture which would have pleased the eyes and taste of a Marguerite de + Valois. On the evening of the day on which he had determined, as he had + said to himself, to ‘begin to reign,’ it looked more than usually + attractive. Some trifling chance had made the floral decorations more + tasteful—some amiable humour of the providence which rules daily + events, had ordained that two or three of the prettiest Court ladies + should be present;—Prince Humphry and his two brothers, Rupert and + Cyprian, were at table,—and though conversation was slow and scant, + the picturesqueness of the scene was not destroyed by silence. The + apartment which was used as a private dining-room when their Majesties had + no guests save the members of their own household, was in itself a gem of + art and architecture,—it had been designed and painted from floor to + ceiling by one of the most famous of the dead and gone masters, and its + broad windows opened out on a white marble loggia fronting the ocean, + where festoons of flowers clambered and hung, in natural tufts and trails + of foliage and blossom, mingling their sweet odours with the fresh scent + of the sea. Amid all the glow and delicacy of colour, the crowning + perfection of the perfect environment was the Queen-Consort, lovelier in + her middle-age than most women in their teens. An exquisite figure of + stateliness and dignity, robed in such hues and adorned with such jewels + as best suited her statuesque beauty, and attended by ladies of whose more + youthful charms she was never envious, having indeed no cause for envy, + she was a living defiance to the ravages of time, and graced her royal + husband’s dinner-table with the same indifferent ease as she graced his + throne, unchanging in the dazzling light of her physical faultlessness. + He, looking at her with mingled impatience and sadness, almost wished she + would grow older in appearance with her years, and lose that perfect skin, + white as alabaster,—that glittering but cold luminance of eye. For + experience had taught him the worthlessness of beauty unaccompanied by + tenderness, and fair faces had no longer the first attraction for him. His + eldest son, Prince Humphry, bore a strong resemblance to himself,—he + was tall and slim, with a fine face, and a well-built muscular figure; the + other two younger princes, Rupert and Cyprian, aged respectively eighteen + and sixteen, were like their mother,—beautiful in form and feature, + but as indifferent to all tenderness of thought and sentiment as they were + full of splendid health and vigour. And, despite the fact that the + composition and surroundings of his household were, to all outward + appearances, as satisfactory as a man in his position could expect them to + be, the King was intellectually and spiritually aware of the emptiness of + the shell he called ‘home.’ + </p> + <p> + Love was lacking; his beautiful wife was the ice-wall against which all + waves of feeling froze as they fell into the stillness of death. His sons + had been born as the foals of a racing stud might be born,—merely to + continue the line of blood and succession. They were not the dear + offspring of passion or of tenderness. The coldness of their mother’s + nature was strongly engendered in them, and so far they had never shown + any particular affection for their parents. The princes Rupert and Cyprian + thought of nothing all day but sports and games of skill; they studied + serious tasks unwillingly, and found their position as sons of the + reigning monarch, irksome, and even ridiculous. They had caught the + infection of that diseased idea which in various exaggerated forms is + tending to become more or less universal, and to work great mischief to + nations,—namely, that ‘sport’ is more important than policy, and + that all matters relating to ‘sport,’ are more worth attention than wisdom + in government. Of patriotism, or love of country they had none; and + laughed to scorn the grand old traditions and sentiments of national glory + and honour, which had formerly inspired the poets of their land to many a + wild and beautiful chant of battle or of victory. How to pass the day—how + best to amuse themselves—this was their first thought on waking + every morning,—football, cricket, tennis and wrestling formed their + chief subjects of conversation; and though they had professors and tutors + of the most qualified and certificated ability, they made no secret of + their utter contempt for all learning and literature. They were fine young + animals; but did less with the brains bestowed upon them than the working + bee who makes provision of honey for the winter, or the swallow that + builds its nest under warmly sheltered eaves. + </p> + <p> + Prince Humphry, however, was of a different nature. From a shy, somewhat + unmanageable boy, he had developed into a quiet, dreamy youth, fond of + books, music, and romantic surroundings. He avoided the company of his + brothers whenever it was possible; their loud voices, boisterous spirits + and perpetual chatter concerning the champions of this or that race or + match, bored him infinitely, and he was at no pains to disguise his + boredom. During the last year he seemed to have grown up suddenly into + full manhood,—he had begun to assert his privileges as + Heir-Apparent, and to enjoy the freedom his position allowed him. Yet the + manner of his enjoyment was somewhat singular for a young man who formed a + central figure in the circle of the land’s Royalty,—he cared nothing + at all for the amusements and dissipations of the time; he merely showed + an abnormal love of solitude, which was highly unflattering to fashionable + society. It was on this subject that the King had decided to speak with + him,—and he watched him with closer attention than usual on this + particular evening when his habit of absenting himself all day in his + yacht had again excited comment. It was easy to see that the Prince had + been annoyed by the message Sir Roger de Launay had conveyed to him on his + arrival home,—a message to the effect that, as soon as dinner was + concluded, he was required to attend his Majesty in private; and all + through the stately and formal repast, his evident irritation and + impatience cast a shadow of vague embarrassment over the royal party,—with + the exception of the princes Rupert and Cyprian, who were never + embarrassed by anything, and who were more apt to be amused than + disquieted by the vexation of others. Welcome relief was at last given by + the serving of coffee,—and the Queen and all her ladies adjourned to + their own apartments. With their departure the rest of the circle soon + dispersed, there being no special guests present; and at a sign from De + Launay, Prince Humphry reluctantly followed his father into a small + private smoking-room adjacent to the open loggia, where the equerry, + bowing low, left the two together. + </p> + <p> + For a moment the King kept silence, while he chose a cigar from the silver + box on the table. Then, lighting it, he handed the box courteously to his + son. + </p> + <p> + “Will you smoke, Humphry?” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks, Sir,—no.” + </p> + <p> + The King seated himself; Prince Humphry remained standing. + </p> + <p> + “You had a favourable wind for your expedition today;” said the monarch at + last, beginning to smoke placidly—“I observe that The Islands appear + to have won special notice from you. What is the attraction? The climate + or the scenery?” + </p> + <p> + The Prince was silent. + </p> + <p> + “I like fine scenery myself,—” continued the King—“I also like + a change of air. But variation in both is always desirable,—and for + this, it is unwise to go to the same place every day!” + </p> + <p> + Still the Prince said nothing. His father looked up and studied his face + attentively, but could guess nothing from its enigmatical expression. + </p> + <p> + “You seem tongue-tied, Humphry!” he said—“Come, sit down! Let us + talk this out. Can you not trust me, your father, as a friend?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could!” answered the young man, half inaudibly. + </p> + <p> + “And can you not?” + </p> + <p> + “No. You have never loved me!” + </p> + <p> + The King drew his cigar from his mouth, and flicking off a morsel of ash, + looked at its end meditatively. + </p> + <p> + “Well—no!—I cannot say honestly that I have. Love,—it is + a ridiculous word, Humphry, but it has a meaning on certain occasions!—love + for the children of your mother is an impossibility!” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I am not to blame for my mother’s disposition.” + </p> + <p> + “True—very true. You are not to blame. But you exist. And that you + do exist is a fact of national importance. Will you not sit down?” + </p> + <p> + “At your command, Sir!” and the Prince seated himself opposite his father, + who having studied his cigar sufficiently, replaced it between his lips + and went on smoking for a few minutes before he spoke again. Then he + resumed:— + </p> + <p> + “Your existence, I repeat, Humphry, is a fact of national importance. To + you falls the Throne when I have done with it, and life has done with me. + Therefore, your conduct,—your mode of life—your example in + manners—concern, not me, so much as the nation. You say that you + cannot trust me as a friend, because I have never loved you. Is not this a + somewhat childish remark on your part? We live in a very practical age—love + is not a necessary tie between human beings as things go nowadays;—the + closest bond of friendship rests on the basis of cash accounts.” + </p> + <p> + “I am perfectly aware of that!” said the Prince, fixing his fine dark eyes + full on his father’s face—“And yet, after all, love is such a vital + necessity, that I have only to look at you, in order to realize the + failure and mistake of trying to do without it!” + </p> + <p> + The King gave him a glance of whimsical surprise. + </p> + <p> + “So!—you have begun to notice what I have known for years!” he said + lightly—“Clever young man! What fine fairy finger is pointing out to + you my deficiencies, while supplying your own? Do you learn to estimate + the priceless value of love while contemplating the romantic groves and + woodlands of The Islands? Do you read poetry there?—or write it? Or + talk it?” + </p> + <p> + Prince Humphry coloured,—then grew very pale. + </p> + <p> + “When I misuse my time, Sir,” he said—“Surely it will then be + needful to catechise me on the manner in which I spend it,—but not + till then!” + </p> + <p> + “Fairly put!” answered the King—“But I have an idea—it may be + a mistaken idea,—still I have it—that you <i>are</i> misusing + your time, Humphry! And this is the cause of our present little + discussion. If I knew that you occupied yourself with the pleasures + befitting your age and rank, I should be more at ease.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you consider to be the pleasures befitting my age and rank?” + asked the Prince with a touch of satire; “Making a fool of myself + generally?” + </p> + <p> + The King smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Well!—it would be better to make a fool of yourself generally than + particularly! Folly is not so harmful when spread like jam over a whole + slice of bread,—but it may cause a life-long sickness, if swallowed + in one secret gulp of sweetness!” + </p> + <p> + The Prince moved uneasily. + </p> + <p> + “You think I am catechising you,—and you resent it—but, my + dear boy, let me again remind you that you are in a manner answerable to + the nation for your actions; and especially to that particular section of + the nation called Society. Society is the least and worst part of the + whole community—but it has to be considered by such servants of the + public as ourselves. You know what James the First of England wrote + concerning the ‘domestic regulations’ on the conduct of a prince and + future king? ‘A king is set as one on a stage, whose smallest, actions and + gestures all the people gazinglie do behold; and, however just in the + discharge of his office, yet if his behaviour be light or dissolute, in + indifferent actions, the people, who see but the outward part, conceive + preoccupied conceits of the king’s inward intention, which although with + time, the trier of all truth, will evanish by the evidence of the + contrarie effect, yet, <i>interim patitur justus</i>, and prejudged + conceits will, in the meantime, breed contempt, the mother of rebellion + and disorder.’ Poor James of the ‘goggle eyes and large hysterical heart’ + as Carlyle describes him! Do you not agree with his estimate of a royal + position?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not aware, Sir, that my behaviour can as yet be called light or + dissolute;” replied the Prince coldly, with a touch of hauteur. + </p> + <p> + “I do not call it so, Humphry”—said the King—“To the best of + my knowledge, your conduct has always been most exemplary. But with all + your excessive decorum, you are mysterious. That is bad! Society will not + endure being kept in the dark, or outside the door of things, like a bad + child! It wants to be in the room, and know everything and everybody. And + this reminds me of another point on which the good English James offers + sound advice. ‘Remember to be plaine and sensible in your language; for + besides, it is the tongue’s office to be the messenger of the mind, it may + be thought a point of imbecilitie of spirit, in a king to speak obscurely, + much more untrewly, as if he stood in awe of any in uttering his + thoughts.’ That is precisely your mood at the present moment, Humphry,—you + stand ‘in awe’—of me or of someone else,—in ‘uttering your + thoughts.’” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, Sir,—I do not stand in awe of you or of anyone;” said + the Prince composedly—“I simply do not choose to ‘utter my thoughts’ + just now.” + </p> + <p> + The King looked at him in surprise, and with a touch of admiration. The + defiant air he had unconsciously assumed became him,—his handsome + face was pale, and his dark eyes coldly brilliant, like those of his + beautiful mother, with the steel light of an inflexible resolve. + </p> + <p> + “You do not choose?” said the King, after a pause—“You decline to + give any explanation of your long hours of absence?—your constant + visits to The Islands, and your neglect of those social duties which + should keep you at Court?” + </p> + <p> + “I decline to do so for the present,” replied the young man decisively; “I + can see no harm in my preference for quietness rather than noise,—for + scenes of nature rather than those of artificial folly. The Islands are + but two hours sail from this port,—little tufts of land set in the + sea, where the coral-fishers dwell. They are beautiful in their natural + adornment of foliage and flower;—I go there to read—to dream—to + think of life as a better, purer thing than what you call ‘society’ would + make it for me; you cannot blame me for this?” + </p> + <p> + The King was silent. + </p> + <p> + “If it is your wish,”—went on the Prince—“that I should stay + in the palace more, I will obey you. If you desire me to be seen oftener + in the capital, I will endeavour to fulfil your command, though the + streets stifle me. But, for God’s sake, do not make me a puppet on show + before my time,—or marry me to a woman I hate, merely for the sake + of heirs to a wretched Throne!” + </p> + <p> + The King rose from his chair, and, walking towards the garden, threw the + rest of his cigar out among the foliage, where the burning morsel shone + like a stray glowworm in the green. Then he turned towards his son;—his + face was grave, almost stern. + </p> + <p> + “You can go, Humphry!” he said;—“I have no more to say to you at + present. You talk wildly and at random, as if you were, by some means or + other, voluntarily bent upon unfitting yourself for the position you are + destined to occupy. You will do well, I think, to remain more in evidence + at Court. You will also do well to be seen at some of the different great + social functions of the day. But I shall not coerce you. Only—consider + well what I have said!—and if you have a secret”—he paused, + and then repeated with emphasis—“I say, if you have a secret of any + kind, be advised, and confide in me before it is too late! Otherwise you + may find yourself betrayed unawares! Good-night!” + </p> + <p> + He walked away without throwing so much as a backward glance at the + Prince, who stood amazed at the suddenness and decision with which he had + brought the conversation to a close; and it was not till his tall figure + had disappeared that the young man began to realize the doubtful + awkwardness of the attitude he had assumed towards one who, both as parent + and king, had the most urgent claim in the world upon his respect and + obedience. Impatient and angry with himself, he crossed the loggia and + went out into the garden beyond. A young moon, slender as a bent willow + wand, gleamed in the clear heavens among hosts of stars more brilliantly + visible than itself, and the soft air, laden with the perfume of thousands + of flowers, cooled his brain and calmed his nerves. The musical low murmur + of the sea, lapping against the shore below the palace walls, suggested a + whole train of pleasing and poetical fancies, and he strolled along the + dewy grass paths, under tangles of scented shrubs and arching boughs of + pine, giving himself up to such idyllic dreams of life and life’s fairest + possibilities, as only youthful and imaginative souls can indulge in. He + was troubled and vexed by his father’s warning, but not sufficiently to + pay serious heed to it. His ‘secret’ was safe so far;—and all he had + to do, so he considered, was to exercise a little extra precaution. + </p> + <p> + “There is only Von Glauben,”—he thought, “and he would never betray + me. Besides it is a mere question of another year—and then I can + make all the truth known.” + </p> + <p> + The lovely long-drawn warble of a nightingale broke the stillness around + him with a divine persistence of passion. He listened, standing + motionless, his eyes lifted towards the dark boughs above him, from whence + the golden notes dropped liquidly; and his heart beat quickly as he + thought of a voice sweeter than that of any heavenly-gifted bird, a face + fairer than that of the fabled goddess who on such a night as this + descended from her silver moon-car to enchant Endymion;—and he + murmured half aloud— + </p> + <p> + “Who would not risk a kingdom—ay! a thousand kingdoms!—for + such happiness as I possess! It is a foolish, blind world nowadays, that + forgets the glory of its youth,—the glow, the breath, the tenderness + of love!—all for amassing gold and power! I will not be of such a + world, nor with it;—I will not be like my father, the slave of pomp + and circumstance;—I will live an unfettered life—yes!—even + if I have to resign the throne for the sake of freedom, still I will be + free!” + </p> + <p> + He strolled on, absorbed in romantic reverie, and the nightingale’s song + followed him through the winding woods down to the shore, where the waves + made other music of their own, which harmonised with the dreamy fancies of + his mind. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the King had sought his consort in her own apartments. Walking + down the great corridor which led to these, the most beautiful rooms in + the palace, he became aware of the silvery sound of stringed instruments + mingling with harmonious voices,—though he scarcely heeded the soft + rush of melody which came thus wafted to his ears. He was full of thoughts + and schemes,—his son’s refusal to confide in him had not seriously + troubled him, because he knew he should, with patience, find out in good + time all that the young Prince had declined to explain,—and his + immediate interest was centred in his own immediate plans. + </p> + <p> + On reaching the ante-room leading to the Queen’s presence-chamber, he was + informed that her Majesty was listening to a concert in the rosery. + Thither he went unattended,—and passing through a long suite of + splendid rooms, each one more sumptuously adorned than the last, he + presently stepped out on the velvet greensward of one of the most perfect + rose gardens in the world—a garden walled entirely round with tall + hedges of the clambering flowers which gave it its name, and which were + trailed up on all sides, so as to form a ceiling or hanging canopy above. + In the centre of this floral hall, now in full blossom, a fountain tossed + up one tall column of silver spray; and at its upper end, against a + background of the dainty white roses called “Felicité perpétuelle” sat the + Queen, in a high chair of carved ivory, surrounded by her ladies. + Delicious music, performed by players and singers who were hidden behind + the trees, floated in voluptuous strains upon the air, and the King, + looking at the exquisite grouping of fair women and flowers, lit by the + coloured lamps which gleamed here and there among the thick foliage, + wondered to himself how it chanced, that amid surroundings which were + calculated to move the senses to the most refined and delicate rapture, he + himself could feel no quickening pulse, no touch of admiration. These + open-air renderings of music and song were the Queen’s favourite form of + recreation;—at such times alone would her proud face soften and her + eyes grow languid with an unrevealed weight of dreams. But should her + husband, or any one of his sex break in upon the charmed circle, her + pleasure was at once clouded,—and the cold hauteur of her beautiful + features became again inflexibly frozen. Such was the case now, when + perceiving the King, she waved her hand as a sign for the music to cease; + and with a glance of something like wonderment at his intrusion, saluted + him profoundly as he entered the precincts of her garden Court. But for + once he did not pause as usual, on his way to where she sat,—but + lightly acknowledging the deep curtseys of the ladies in attendance, he + advanced towards her and raising her hand in courtly homage to his lips, + seated himself carelessly in a low chair at her feet. + </p> + <p> + “Let the music go on!” he said; “I am here to listen.” + </p> + <p> + The Queen looked at him,—he met her eyes with an expression that she + had never seen on his face before. + </p> + <p> + “Suffer me to have my way!” he said to her in a low tone—“Let your + singers finish their programme; afterwards do me the favour to dismiss + your women, for I must speak with you alone.” + </p> + <p> + She bent her head in acquiescence; and re-seated herself on her ivory + throne. The sign was given for the continuance of the music, and the King, + leaning back in his chair, half closed his eyes as he listened dreamily to + the harmonious throbbing of harps and violins around him, in the stillness + of the languid southern night. His hand almost brushed against his wife’s + jewelled robes—the scent of the great lilies on her breast was + wafted to him with every breath of air, and he thought—“All this + would be Paradise,—with any other woman!” And while he so thought, + the clear tenor voice of one of the unseen singers rang out in half gay, + half tender tones: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + If I loved you, and you loved me, + How happy this little world would be— + The light of the day, the dancing hours, + The skies, the trees, the birds and flowers, + Would all be part of our perfect gladness;— + And never a note of pain or sadness + Would jar life’s beautiful melody + If I loved you, and you loved me! + + ‘If I loved you!’ Why, I scarcely know + How if I did, the time would go!— + I should forget my dreary cares, + My sordid toil, my long despairs, + I should watch your smile, and kneel at your feet, + And live my life in the love of you, Sweet!— + So mad, so glad, so proud I should be, + If I loved you, and you loved me! + + ‘If you loved me!’ Ah, nothing so strange + As that could chance in this world of change!— + As well expect a planet to fall, + Or a Queen to dwell in a beggar’s hall— + But if you did,—romance and glory + Might spring from our lives’ united story, + And angels might be less happy than we— + If I loved you and you loved me! + + ‘If I loved you and you loved me!’ + Alas, ‘t is a joy we shall never see! + You are too fair—I am too cold;— + We shall drift along till we both grow old, + Till we reach the grave, and gasping, die, + Looking back on the days that have passed us by, + When ‘what might have been,’ can no longer be,— + When I lost you, and you lost me! +</pre> + <p> + The song concluded abruptly, and with passion;—and the King, turning + on his elbow, glanced with a touch of curiosity at the face of his Queen. + There was not a flicker of emotion on its fair cold calmness,—not a + quiver on the beautiful lips, or a sigh to stir the quiet breast on which + the lilies rested, white and waxen, and heavily odorous. He withdrew his + gaze with a half smile at his own folly for imagining that she could be + moved by a mere song to any expression of feeling,—even for a + moment,—and allowed his glance to wander unreservedly over the forms + and features of the other ladies in attendance who, conscious of his + regard, dropped their eyelids and blushed softly, after the fashion + approved by the heroines of the melodramatic stage. Whereat he began to + think of the tiresome sameness of women generally; and their irritating + habit of living always at two extremes,—either all ardour, or all + coldness. + </p> + <p> + “Both are equally fatiguing to a man’s mind,” he thought impatiently—“The + only woman that is truly fascinating is the one who is never in the same + mind two days together. Fair on Monday, plain on Tuesday, sweet on + Wednesday, sour on Thursday, tender on Friday, cold on Saturday, and in + all moods at once on Sunday,—that being a day of rest! I should + adore such a woman as that if I ever met her, because I should never know + her mind towards me!” + </p> + <p> + A soft serenade rendered by violins, with a harp accompaniment, was + followed by a gay mazurka, played by all the instruments together,—and + this finished the musical programme. + </p> + <p> + The Queen rose, accepting the hand which the King extended to her, and + moved with him slowly across the rose-garden, her long snowy train + glistering with jewels, and held up from the greensward by a pretty page, + who, in his picturesque costume of rose and gold, demurely followed his + Royal lady’s footsteps,—and so amid the curtseying ladies-in-waiting + and other attendants, they passed together into a private boudoir, at the + threshold of which the Queen’s train-bearer dropped his rich burden of + perfumed velvet and gems, and bowing low, left their Majesties together. + </p> + <p> + Shutting the door upon him with his own hand, the King drew a heavy + portière across it,—and then walking round the room saw that every + window was closed,—every nook secure. The Queen’s boudoir was one of + the most sacred corners in the whole palace,—no one, not even the + most intimate lady of the Court in personal attendance on her Majesty, + dared enter it without special permission; and this being the case, the + Queen herself was faintly moved to surprise at the extra precaution her + husband appeared to be taking to ensure privacy. She stood silently + watching his movements till he came up to her, and bowing courteously, + said:— + </p> + <p> + “I pray you, be seated, Madam! I will not detain you long.” + </p> + <p> + She obeyed his gesture, and sank down in a chair with that inimitable + noiseless grace which made every attitude of hers a study for an artist, + and waited for his next words; while he, standing opposite to her, bent + his eyes upon her face with a certain wistfulness and appeal. + </p> + <p> + “I have never asked you a favour,” he began—“and—since the day + we married,—I have never sought your sympathy. The years have come + and gone, leaving no visible trace on either you or me, so far as outward + looks go,—and if they have scarred and wrinkled us inwardly, only + God can see those scars! But as time moves on with a man,—I know not + how it is with a woman,—if he be not altogether a fool, he begins to + consider the way in which he has spent, or is spending his life,—whether + he has been, or is yet likely to be of any use to the world he lives in,—or + if he is of less account than the blown froth of the sea, or the sand on + the shore. Myriads and myriads of men and women are no more than this—no + more than midges or ants or worms;—but every now and then in the + course of centuries, one man does stand forth from the million,—one + heart does beat courageously enough to send the firm echo of its + pulsations through a long vista of time,—one soul does so exalt and + inspire the rest of the world by its great example that we are, through + its force reminded of something divine,—something high and true in a + low wilderness of shams!” + </p> + <p> + He paused; the Queen raised her beautiful eyes, and smiled strangely. + </p> + <p> + “Have you only just now thought of this?” she said. + </p> + <p> + He flushed, and bit his lip. + </p> + <p> + “To be perfectly honest with you, Madam, I have thought of nothing worth + thinking about for many years! Most men in my position would probably make + the same confession. Perhaps had you given me any great work to do for + your sake I should have done it! Had <i>you</i> inspired me to achieve + some great conquest, either for myself or others, I should no doubt have + conquered! But I have lived for twenty-one years in your admirable company + without being commanded by you to do anything worthy of a king;—I am + now about to command Myself!—in order to leave some notable trace of + my name in history.” + </p> + <p> + While he thus spoke, a faint flush coloured the Queen’s cheeks, but it + quickly died away, leaving her very pale. Her fingers strayed among the + great jewels she wore, and toyed unconsciously with a ruby talisman cut in + the shape of a heart, and encircled with diamonds. The King noted the + flash of the gems against the whiteness of her hand, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Your heart, Madam, is like the jewel you hold!—clear crimson, and + full of fire,—but it is not the fire of Heaven, though you may + perchance judge it to be so. Rather is it of hell!—(I pray you to + pardon me for the roughness of this suggestion!)—for one of the + chief crimes of the devil is unconquerable hatred of the human race. You + share Satan’s aversion to man!—and strange indeed it is that even + the most sympathetic companionship with your own sex cannot soften that + aversion! However, we will not go into this;—the years have proved + you true to your own temperament, and there is nothing to be said on the + matter, either of blame or of praise. As I said, I have never asked a + favour of you, nor have I sought the sympathy which it is not in your + nature to give. I have not even claimed your obedience in any particular + strictness of form; but that is my errand to you to-night,—indeed it + is the sole object of this private interview,—to claim your entire, + your unfaltering, your implicit obedience!” + </p> + <p> + She raised her head haughtily. + </p> + <p> + “To what commands, Sir?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “To those I have here written,—” and he handed her a paper folded in + two, which she took wonderingly, as he extended it. “Read this carefully!—and + if you have any objections to urge, I am willing to listen to you with + patience, though scarcely to alter the conditions laid down.” + </p> + <p> + He turned away, and walked slowly through the room, pausing a moment to + whistle to a tiny bird swinging in a gilded cage, that perked up its + pretty head at his call and twittered with pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “So you respond to kindness, little one!” he said softly,—“You are + more Christ-like in that one grace than many a Christian!” + </p> + <p> + He started, as a light touch fell on his shoulder, and he saw the Queen + standing beside him. She held the paper he had given her in one hand, and + as he looked at her enquiringly she touched it with her lips, and placed + it in her bosom. + </p> + <p> + “I swear my obedience to your instructions, Sir!” she said,—“Do not + fear to trust me!” + </p> + <p> + Gently he took her hands and kissed them. + </p> + <p> + “I thank you!” he said simply. + </p> + <p> + For a moment they confronted each other. The beautiful cold woman’s eyes + drooped under the somewhat sad and searching gaze of the man. + </p> + <p> + “But—your life!—” she murmured. + </p> + <p> + “My life!” He laughed and dropped her hands. “Would you care, Madam, if I + were dead? Would you shed any tears? Not you! Why should you? At this late + hour of time, when after twenty-one years passed in each other’s close + company we are no nearer to each other in heart and soul than if the sea + murmuring yonder at the foot of these walls were stretching its whole + width between us! Besides—we are both past our youth! And, according + to certain highly instructed scientists and philosophers, the senses and + affections grow numb with age. I do not believe this theory myself—for + the jejune love of youth is as a taper’s flame to the great and passionate + tenderness of maturity, when the soul, and not the body, claims its due; + when love is not dragged down to the vulgar level of mere cohabitation, + after the fashion of the animals in a farmyard, but rises to the best + height of human sympathy and intelligent comprehension. Who knows!—I + may experience such a love as that yet,—and so may you!” + </p> + <p> + She was silent. + </p> + <p> + “Talking of love,”—he went on—“May I ask whether our son,—or + rather the nation’s son, Humphry,—ever makes you his confidante?” + </p> + <p> + “Never!” she replied. + </p> + <p> + “I thought not! We do not seem to be the kind of parents admired in moral + story-books, Madam! We are not the revered darlings of our children. In + fact, our children have the happy disposition of animal cubs,—once + out of the nursing stage, they forget they ever had parents. It is quite + the natural and proper thing, born as they were born,—it would never + do for them to have any over-filial regard for us. Imagine Humphry weeping + for my death, or yours! What a grotesque idea! And as for Rupert and + Cyprian,—it is devoutly to be hoped that when we die, our funerals + may be well over before the great cricket matches of the year come on, as + otherwise they will curse us for having left the world at an inconvenient + season!” He laughed. “How sentiment has gone out nowadays, or how it seems + to have gone out! Yet it slumbers in the heart of the nation,—and if + it should ever awaken,—well!—it will be dangerous! I asked you + about Humphry, because I imagine he is entangled in some love-affair. If + it should be agreeable to your humour to go with me across to The Islands + one day this week, we may perhaps by chance discover the reason of his + passion for that particular kind of scenery!” + </p> + <p> + The Queen’s eyes opened wonderingly. + </p> + <p> + “The Islands!” she repeated,—“The Islands? Why, only the + coral-fishers live there,—they have a community of their own, and + are jealous of all strangers. What should Humphry do there?” + </p> + <p> + “That is more than I can tell you,” answered the King,—“And it is + more than he will himself explain. Nevertheless, he is there nearly every + day,—some attraction draws him, but what, I cannot discover. If + Humphry were of the soul of me, as he is of the body of me, I should not + even try to fathom his secret,—but he is the nation’s child—heir + to its throne—and as such, it is necessary that we, for the nation’s + sake, should guard him in the nation’s interests. If you chance to learn + anything of the object of his constant sea-wanderings, I trust you will + find it coincident with your pleasure to inform me?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall most certainly obey you in this, Sir, as in all other things!” + she replied. + </p> + <p> + He moved a step or two towards her. + </p> + <p> + “Good-night!” he said very gently, and detaching one of the lilies from + her corsage, took it in his own hand. “Good-night! This flower will remind + me of you;—white and beautiful, with all the central gold deep + hidden!” + </p> + <p> + He looked at her intently, with a lingering look, half of tenderness, half + of regret, and bowing in the courtliest fashion of homage, left her + presence. + </p> + <p> + She remained alone, the velvet folds of her train flowing about her feet, + and the jewels on her breast flashing like faint sparks of flame in the + subdued glow of the shaded lamplight. She was touched for the first time + in her life by the consciousness of something infinitely noble, and + altogether above her in her husband’s nature. Slowly she drew out the + paper he had given her from her bosom and read it through again—and + yet once again. Almost unconsciously to herself a mist gathered in her + eyes and softened into two bright tears, which dropped down her fair + cheeks, and lost themselves among her diamonds. + </p> + <p> + “He is brave!” she murmured—“Braver than I thought he could ever be—” + </p> + <p> + She roused herself sharply from her abstraction. Emotions which were + beyond her own control had strangely affected her, and the humiliating + idea that her moods had for a moment escaped beyond her guidance made her + angry with herself for what she considered mere weakness. And passing + quickly out of the boudoir, in the vague fear that solitude might deepen + the sense of impotence and failure which insinuated itself slowly upon + her, like a dull blight creeping through her heart and soul, she rejoined + her ladies, the same great Queen as ever, with the same look of + indifference on her face, the same chill smile, the same perfection of + loveliness, unwithered by any visible trace of sorrow or of passion. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. — SERGIUS THORD + </h2> + <p> + The next day the heavens were clouded; and occasional volleys of heavy + thunder were mingled with the gusts of wind and rain which swept over the + city, and which lashed the fair southern sea into a dark semblance of such + angry waves as wear away northern coasts into bleak and rocky barrenness. + It was disappointing weather to multitudes, for it was the feast-day of + one of the numerous saints whose names fill the calendar of the Roman + Church,—and a great religious procession had been organized to march + from the market-place to the Cathedral, in which two or three hundred + children and girls had been chosen to take part. The fickle bursts of + sunshine which every now and again broke through the lowering sky, decided + the priests to carry out their programme in spite of the threatening + storm, in the hope that it would clear off completely with the afternoon. + Accordingly, groups of little maidens, in white robes and veils, began to + assemble with their flags and banners at the appointed hour round the old + market cross, which,—grey and crumbling at the summit,—bent + over the streets like a withered finger, crook’d as it were, in feeble + remonstrance at the passing of time,—while glimpses of young faces + beneath the snowy veils, and chatter of young voices, made brightness and + music around its frowning and iron-bound base. Shortly before three + o’clock the Cathedral bells began to chime, and crowds of people made + their way towards the sacred edifice in the laughing, pushing, + gesticulating fashion of southerners, to whom a special service at the + Church is like a new comedy at the theatre,—women with coloured + kerchiefs knotted over their hair or across their bosoms—men, more + or less roughly clad, yet all paying compliment to the Saint’s feast-day + by some extra smart touch in their attire, if it were only a pomegranate + flower or orange-blossom stuck in their hats, or behind their ears. It was + a mixed crowd, all of the working classes, who are proverbially called + ‘the common,’ as if those who work, are not a hundred times more noble + than those who do nothing! A few carriages, containing some wealthy ladies + of the nobility, who, to atone for their social sins, were in the habit of + contributing largely to the Church, passed every now and again through the + crowd, but taken as a spectacle it was simply a ‘popular’ show, in which + the children of the people took part, and where the people themselves were + evidently more amused than edified. + </p> + <p> + While the bells were ringing the procession gradually formed;—a + dozen or more priests leading,—incense-bearers and acolytes walking + next,—and then the long train of little children and girls carrying + their symbolic banners, following after. The way they had to walk was a + steep, winding ascent, through tortuous streets, to the Cathedral, which + stood in the centre of a great square on an eminence which overlooked the + whole city, and as soon as they started they began to sing,—softly + at first, then more clearly and sweetly, till gradually the air grew full + of melody, rising and falling on the capricious gusts of wind which tore + at the gilded and emblazoned banners, and tossed the white veils of the + maidens about like wreaths of drifting snow. Two men standing on the + Cathedral hill, watched the procession gradually ascending—one tall + and heavily-built, with a dark leonine head made more massive-looking by + its profusion of thick and unmanageable hair—the other lean and + narrow-shouldered, with a peaked reddish-auburn beard, which he + continually pulled and twitched at nervously as though its growth on his + chin was more a matter of vexation than convenience. He was apparently not + so much interested in the Church festival as he was in his companion’s + face, for he was perpetually glancing up at that brooding countenance, + which, half hidden as it was in wild hair and further concealed by thick + moustache and beard, showed no expression at all, unless an occasional + glimpse of full flashing eyes under the bushy brows, gave a sudden + magnetic hint of something dangerous and not to be trifled with. + </p> + <p> + “You do not believe anything you hear or read, Sergius Thord!” he said—“Will + you twist your whole life into a crooked attitude of suspicion against all + mankind?” He who was named Sergius Thord, lifted himself slowly from the + shoulders upwards, the action making his great height and broad chest even + more apparent than before. A gleam of white teeth shone under his black + moustache. + </p> + <p> + “I do not twist my life into a crooked attitude, Johan Zegota,” he + replied. “If it is crooked, others have twisted it for me! Why should I + believe what I hear, since it is the fashion to lie? Why should I accept + what I read, since it is the business of the press to deceive the public? + And why do you ask me foolish questions? You should be better instructed, + seeing that your creed is the same as mine!” + </p> + <p> + “Have I ever denied it?” exclaimed Zegota warmly—“But I have said, + and I say again that I believe the news is true,—and that these + howling hypocrites,—” this with an angry gesture of his hand towards + the open square where the chanting priests who headed the procession were + coming into view—“have truly received an unlooked-for check from the + King!” + </p> + <p> + Sergius Thord laid one hand heavily on his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “When the King—when any king—does anything useful in the + world, then you may hang me with your own hands, Zegota! When did you ever + hear, except in myths of the past, of a monarch who cared for his people + more than his crown? Tell me that! Tell me of any king who so truly loved + the people he was called upon to govern, that he sacrificed his own money, + as well as his own time, to remedy their wrongs?—to save them from + unjust government, to defend them from cruel taxation?—to see that + their bread was not taken from their mouths by foreign competition?—and + to make it possible for them to live in the country of their birth in + peace and prosperity? Bah! There never was such a king! And that this man,—who + has for three years left us to the mercy of the most accursed cheat and + scoundrel minister that ever was in power,—has now declared his + opposition to the Jesuits’, is more than I will or can believe.” + </p> + <p> + “If it were true?”—suggested Zegota, with a more than usually + vicious tug at his beard. + </p> + <p> + “If it were true, it would not alter my opinion, or set aside my + intention,” replied Thord,—“I would admit that the King had done one + good deed before going to hell! Look! Here come the future traitresses of + men—girls trained by priests to deceive their nearest and dearest! + Poor children! They know nothing as yet of the uses to which their lives + are destined! If they could but die now, in their innocent faith and + stupidity, how much better for all the world!” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, the wind, swooping into the square, and accompanied by a + pattering gust of rain, fell like a fury upon the leaders of the religious + procession and tore one of the great banners out of the hands of the + priest who held it, beating it against his head and face with so much + force that he fell backward to the ground under its weight, while from a + black cloud above, a flash of lightning gleamed, followed almost + instantaneously by a loud clap of thunder, which shook the square with a + mighty reverberation like that of a bursting bomb. The children screamed,—and + ran towards the Cathedral pellmell; and for a few moments there ensued + indescribable confusion, the priests, the people, and the white-veiled + girls getting mixed together in a wild hurly-burly. Sergius Thord suddenly + left his companion’s side, and springing on a small handcart that stood + empty near the centre of the square, his tall figure rose up all at once + like a dark apparition above the heads of the assembled crowd, and his + voice, strong, clear, and vibrating with passion, rang out like a deep + alarm bell, through all the noise of the storm. + </p> + <p> + “Whither are you going, O foolish people? To pray to God? Pray to Him + here, then, under the flash of His lightning!—in the roll of His + thunder!—beneath His cathedral-canopy of clouds! Pray to Him with + all your hearts, your brains, your reason, your intelligence, and leave + mere lip-service and mockery to priests; and to these poor children, who, + as yet, know no better than to obey tyrants! Would you find out God? He is + here—with me,—with you!—in the earth, in the sky, in the + sun and storm! Whenever Truth declares a living fact, God speaks,—whenever + we respond to that Truth, God hears! No church, no cathedral contains His + presence more than we shall find it here—with us—where we + stand!” + </p> + <p> + The people heard, and a great silence fell upon them. All faces were + turned toward the speaker, and none appeared to heed the great drops of + fast-falling rain. One of the priests who was trying to marshal the + scattered children into their former order, so that they might enter the + Cathedral in the manner arranged for the religious service, looked up to + see the cause of the sudden stillness, and muttered a curse under his + breath. But even while the oath escaped his lips, he gave the signal for + the sacred chanting to be resumed, and in another moment the ‘Litany of + the Virgin’ was started in stentorian tones by the leaders of the + procession. Intimidated by the looks, as well as by the commands of the + priests, the girls and children joined in the chanting with tremulous + voices, as they began to file through the Cathedral doors and enter the + great nave. But a magnetic spell, stronger than any invocation of the + Church, had fallen upon the crowd, and they all stood as though caught in + the invisible web of some enchanter, their faces turned upwards to where + Thord’s tall figure towered above them. His eyes glittered as he noted the + sudden hush of attention which prevailed, and lifting his rough cap from + his head, he waved it towards the open door of the Cathedral, through + which the grand strains of the organ rolling out from within gave forth + solemn invitation:— + </p> + <p> + “Sancta Dei Genitrix, Ora pro nobis!” + </p> + <p> + sang the children, as they passed in line under the ancient porch, carved + with the figures of forgotten saints and bishops, whose stone countenances + had stared at similar scenes through the course of long centuries. + </p> + <p> + “Sancta Dei Genitrix, ora pro nobis!” echoed Sergius Thord—“Do you + hear it, O men? Do you hear it, O women? What does it teach you? ‘Holy + Mother of God!’ Who was she? Was she not merely a woman to whom God + descended? And what is the lesson she gives you? Plainly this—that + men should be as gods, and women as the mothers of gods! For every true + and brave man born into the world has God within him,—is made of + God, and must return to God! And every woman who gives birth to one such, + true, brave man, has given a God-incarnated being to the world! ‘Sancta + Dei Genitrix!’ Be all as mothers of gods, O women! Be as gods, O men! Be + as gods in courage, in truth, in wisdom, in freedom! Suffer not devils to + have command of you! For devils there are, as there are gods;—evil + there is, as there is good. Fiends are born of women as gods are—and + yet evil itself is of God, inasmuch as without God there can be neither + evil nor good. Let us help God, we His children, to conquer evil by + conquering it in ourselves—and by refusing to give it power over us! + So shall God show us all goodness,—all pity! So shall He cease to + afflict His children; so will He cease to torture us with undeserved + sorrows and devilish agonies, for which we are not to blame!” + </p> + <p> + He paused. The singing had ceased; the children’s procession had entered + the Cathedral, and the doors still stood wide open. But the people + remained outside, crowded in the square, and gathering momentarily in + greater numbers. + </p> + <p> + “Look you!” cried Sergius Thord—“The building which is called the + Sanctuary of God, stands open—why do you not all enter there? Within + are precious marbles, priceless pictures, jewels and relics—and a + great altar raised up by the gifts of wicked dead kings, who by money + sought to atone for their sins to the people. There are priests who fast + and pray in public, and gratify all the lusts of appetite in private. + There are poor and ignorant women who believe whatsoever these priests + tell them—all this you can see if you go inside yonder. Why do you + not go? Why do you remain with me?” + </p> + <p> + A faint murmur, like the rising ripple of an angry sea, rose from the + crowd, but quickly died away again into silence. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I tell you why you stay?” went on Thord,—“Because you know I + am your friend—and because you also know that the priests are your + enemies! Because you know that I tell you the truth, and that the priests + tell you lies! Because you feel that all the promises made to you of + happiness in Heaven cannot explain away to your satisfaction the causes of + your bitter suffering and poverty on earth! Because you are gradually + learning that the chief business of priestcraft is to deceive the people + and keep them down,—down, always down in a state of wretched + ignorance. Learn, learn all you can, my brothers—take the only good + thing modern government gives you—Education! Education is thrown at + us like a bone thrown to a dog, half picked by others and barely + nourishing—but take it, take it, friends, for in it you shall find + the marrow of vengeance on your tyrants and oppressors! The education of + the masses means the downfall of false creeds,—the ruin of all false + priests! For it is only through the ignorance of the many that tyrannical + dominion is given into the hands of the few! Slavish submission to a + corrupt government would be impossible if we all refused to be slaves. O + friends, O brothers, throw off your chains! Break down your prison doors! + Some good you have done already—be brave and strong to do more! + Press forward fearlessly and strive for liberty and justice! To-day we are + told that the King has refused crown-lands to the Jesuits. Shall we be + told to-morrow that the King has dismissed Carl Pérousse from office?” + </p> + <p> + A long wild shout told how this suggestion had gone straight home to the + throng. + </p> + <p> + “Shall we be told this, I ask? No! Ten thousand times no! The refusal of + the King to grant the priests any wider dominion over us is merely an act + of policy inspired by terror. The King is afraid! He fears the people will + revolt against the Church, and so takes part with them lest there should + be trouble in the land, but he never seems to think there may be another + kind of revolt against himself! His refusal to concede more place for the + accursed practice of Jesuitry is so far good; but his dismissal of + Pérousse would be still better!” + </p> + <p> + A perfect hurricane of applause from the people gave emphatic testimony to + the truth of these words. + </p> + <p> + “What is this man, Carl Pérousse?” he went on—“A man of the people—whose + oaths were sworn to the people,—whom the people themselves brought + into power because he promised to remain faithful to them! He is false,—a + traitor and political coward! A mere manufacturer of kitchen goods, who + through our folly was returned to this country’s senate;—and through + our still further credulity is now set in almost complete dominion over + us. Well! We have suffered and are suffering for our misplaced belief in + him;—the question is, how long shall we continue to suffer? How long + are we to be governed by the schemes of Carl Pérousse, the country’s + turncoat,—the trafficker in secret with Jew speculators? It is for + you to decide! It is for you to work out your own salvation! It is for you + to throw off tyranny, and show yourselves free men of reason and capacity! + Just as the priests chant long prayers to cover their own iniquity, so do + the men of government make long speeches to disguise their own corruption. + You know you cannot believe their promises. Neither can you believe the + press, for if this is not actually bought by Pérousse, it is bribed. And + you cannot trust the King; for he is as a house divided against itself + which must fall! Slave of his own passions, and duped by women, what is he + but a burden to the State? Justice and power should be on the side of + kings,—but the days are come when self-interest and money can even + buy a throne! O men, O women, rouse up your hearts and minds to work for + yourselves, to redress wrongs,—to save your country! Rouse up in + your thousands, and with your toil-worn hands pull down the pillars of + iniquity and vice that overshadow and darken the land! Fight against the + insolent pride of wealth which strives to crush the poor; rouse, rouse + your hearts!—open your eyes and see the evils which are gathering + thick upon us!—and like the lightnings pent up in yonder clouds, + leap forth in flame and thunder, and clear the air!” + </p> + <p> + A burst of frantic acclamation from the crowd followed this wild harangue, + and while the loud roar of voices yet echoed aloft, a band of armed police + came into view, marching steadily up from the lower streets of the city. + Sergius Thord smiled as he saw them approach. + </p> + <p> + “Yonder comes the Law!” he said—“A few poor constables, badly paid, + who if they could find anything better to do than to interfere with their + fellow-men would be glad of other occupation! Before they come any nearer, + disperse yourselves, my friends, and so save them trouble! Go all to your + homes and think on my words;—or enter the Cathedral and pray, those + who will—but let this place be as empty of you in five minutes as + though you never had been here! Disperse,—and farewell! We shall + meet again!” + </p> + <p> + He leaped down from his position and disappeared, and in obedience to his + command the crowd began to melt away with almost miraculous speed. Before + the police could reach the centre of the square, there were only some + thirty or forty people left, and these were quietly entering the Cathedral + where the service for the saint whose feast day was being celebrated was + now in full and solemn progress. + </p> + <p> + For one instant, on the first step of the great porch, Sergius Thord and + his companion, Johan Zegota, met,—but making a rapid sign to each + other with the left hand, they as quickly separated,—Zegota to enter + the Cathedral, Thord to walk rapidly down one of the narrowest and most + unfrequented streets to the lower precincts of the city. + </p> + <p> + The afternoon grew darker, and the weather more depressing, and by the + time evening closed in, the rain was pouring persistently. The wind had + ceased, and the thunder had long since died away, its force drenched out + by the weight of water in the clouds. The saint’s day had ended badly for + all concerned;—many of the children who had taken part in the + procession had been carried home by their parents wet through, all the + pretty white frocks and veils of the little girls having been completely + soaked and spoilt by the unkind elements. A drearier night had seldom + gloomed over this fair city of the southern sea, and down in the quarters + of the poor, where men and women dwelt all huddled miserably in + overcrowded tenements, and sin and starvation kept hideous company + together, the streets presented as dark and forbidding an aspect as the + heavy skies blackly brooding above. Here and there a gas-lamp flared its + light upon the drawn little face of some child crouching asleep in a + doorway, or on the pinched and painted features of some wretched outcast + wending her way to the den she called ‘home.’ The loud brutal laughter of + drunken men was mingled with the wailing of half-starved and fretful + infants, and the mean, squalid houses swarmed with the living spawn of + every vice and lust in the calendar of crime. Deep in the heart of the + so-called civilized, beautiful and luxurious city, this ‘quarter of the + poor,’ the cancer of the social body, throbbed and ate its destructive way + slowly but surely on, and Sergius Thord, who longed to lay a sharp knife + against it and cut it out, for the health of the whole community, was as + powerless as Dante in hell to cure the evils he witnessed. Yet it was not + too much to say that he would have given his life to ease another’s pain,—as + swiftly and as readily as he would have taken life without mercy, in the + pursuit of what he imagined to be a just vengeance. + </p> + <p> + “How vain, after all, is my labour!” he thought—“How helpless I am + to move the self-centred powers of the Government and the Throne! Even + were all these wretched multitudes to rise with me, and make havoc of the + whole city, should we move so much as one step higher out of the Gehenna + of poverty and crime? Almost I doubt it!” + </p> + <p> + He walked on past dark open doorways, where some of the miserable + inhabitants of the dens within, stood to inhale the fresh wet air of the + rainy night. His tall form was familiar to most of them,—if they + were considered as wolves of humanity in the sight of the law, they were + all faithful dogs to him; doing as he bade, running where he commanded, + ready at any moment to assemble at any given point and burn and pillage, + or rob and slay. There were no leaders in the political government,—but + this one leader of the massed poor could, had he chosen, have burned down + the city. But he did not choose. He had a far-sighted, clear brain,—and + though he had sworn to destroy abuses wherever he could find them, he + moved always with caution; and his plans were guided, not by impulse + alone, but by earnest consideration for the future. He was marked out by + the police as a dangerous Socialist; and his movements were constantly + tracked and dodged, but so far, he had done nothing which could empower + his arrest. He was a free subject in a free country; and provided he + created no open disturbance he had as much liberty as a mission preacher + to speak in the streets to those who would stop to listen. He paused now + in his walk at the door of one house more than commonly dingy and + tumble-down in appearance, where a man lounged outside in his + shirt-sleeves, smoking. + </p> + <p> + “Is all well with you, Matsin?” he asked gently. + </p> + <p> + “All is well!” answered the man called Matsin,—“better than last + night. The child is dead.” + </p> + <p> + “Dead!” echoed Thord,—“And the mother——” + </p> + <p> + “Asleep!” answered Matsin. “I gave her opium to save her from madness. She + was hungry, too—the opium fed her and made her forget!” + </p> + <p> + Thord pushed him gently aside, and went into the house. There on the floor + lay the naked body of a dead child, so emaciated as to be almost a + skeleton; and across it, holding it close with one arm, was stretched a + woman, half clothed, her face hidden in her unbound dark hair, breathing + heavily in a drugged sleep. Great tears filled Thord’s eyes. + </p> + <p> + “God exists!” he said,—“And He can bear to look upon a sight like + this! If I were God, I should hate myself for letting such things be!” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps He does hate Himself!” said the man Matsin, who had also come in, + and now looked at the scene with sullen apathy—“That may be the + cause of all our troubles! I don’t understand the ways of God; or the ways + of man either. I have done no harm. I married the woman—and we had + that one child. I worked hard for both. I could not get sufficient money + to keep us going; I did metal work—very well, so I was told. But + they make it all abroad now by machinery—I cannot compete. They + don’t want new designs they say—the old will serve. I do anything + now that I can—but it is difficult. You, too,—you starve with + us!” + </p> + <p> + “I am poor, if that is what you mean,” said Thord,—“but take all I + have to-night, Matsin—” and he emptied a small purse of silver coins + into the man’s hand. “Bury the poor little innocent one;—and comfort + the mother when she wakes. Comfort her!—love her!—she needs + love! I will be back again to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + He strode away quickly, and Matsin remained at his door turning over the + money in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “He will sacrifice something he needs himself, for this,” he muttered. + “Yet that is the man they say the King would hang if ever he got hold of + him! By Heaven!—the King himself should hang first!” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Sergius Thord went on, slackening his pace a little as he came + near his own destination, a tall and narrow house at the end of the + street, with a single light shining in one of the upper windows. There was + a gas-lamp some few paces off, and under this stood a man reading, or + trying to read, a newspaper by its flickering glare. Thord glanced at him + with some suspicion—the stranger was too near his own lodging for + his pleasure, for he was always on his guard against spies. Approaching + more closely, he saw that though the man was shabbily attired in a rough + pilot suit, much the worse for wear, he nevertheless had the indefinable + look and bearing of a gentleman. Acting on impulse, as he often did, Thord + spoke to him. + </p> + <p> + “A rough night for reading by lamplight, my friend!” he said. + </p> + <p> + The man looked up, and smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is, rather! But I have only just got the evening paper.” + </p> + <p> + “Any special news?” + </p> + <p> + “No—only this—” and he pointed to a bold headline—“The + King <i>versus</i> The Jesuits.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Thord, and he studied the looks and bearing of the stranger + with increasing curiosity. “What do you think of it?” + </p> + <p> + “What do I think? May I ask, without offence, what <i>you</i> think?” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Thord slowly, “that the King has for once in his life done + a wise thing.” + </p> + <p> + “‘For once in his life!’” repeated the stranger dubiously—“Then I + presume your King is, generally speaking, a fool?” + </p> + <p> + “If you are a subject of his—” began Thord slowly—— + </p> + <p> + “Thank Heaven, I am not! I am a mere wanderer—a literary loafer—a + student of men and manners. I read books, and I write them too,—this + will perhaps explain the eccentricity of my behaviour in trying to read + under the lamplight in the rain!” + </p> + <p> + He smiled again, and the smile was irresistibly pleasant. Something about + him attracted Thord, and after a pause he asked: + </p> + <p> + “If you are, as you say, a wanderer and a stranger in this town, can I be + of service to you?” + </p> + <p> + “You are very kind!” said the other, turning a pair of deep, dark, grey + meditative eyes upon him,—“And I am infinitely obliged to you for + the suggestion. But I really want nothing. As a matter of fact, I am + waiting for two friends of mine who have just gone into one of the foul + and filthy habitations here, to see what they can do for a suddenly + bereaved family. The husband and father fell dead in the street before our + eyes,—and those who picked him up said he was drunk, but it turned + out that he was merely starved,—<i>merely</i>!—you understand? + Merely starved! We found his home,—and the poor widow is wailing and + weeping, and the children are crying for food. I confess myself quite + unable to bear the sight, and so I have sent all the money I had about me + to help them for to-night at least. By my faith, they are most hopelessly, + incurably miserable!” + </p> + <p> + “Their lot is exceedingly common in these quarters,” said Thord, + sorrowfully. “Day after day, night after night, men, women and children + toil, suffer and die here without ever knowing what it is to have one hour + of free fresh air, one day of rest and joy! Yet this is a great city,—and + we live in a civilized country!” He smiled bitterly, then added—“You + have done a good action; and you need no thanks, or I would thank you; for + my life’s work lies among these wretched poor, and I am familiar with + their tragic histories. Good-night!” + </p> + <p> + “Pray do not go!” said the stranger suddenly—“I should like to talk + to you a little longer, if you have no objection. Is there not some place + near, where we can go out of this rain and have a glass of wine together?” + </p> + <p> + Sergius Thord stood irresolute,—gazing at him, half in liking, half + in distrust. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” he said at last, “I do not know you—and you do not know me. + If I told you my name, you would probably not seek my company!” + </p> + <p> + “Will you tell it?” suggested the stranger cheerfully—“Mine is at + your service—Pasquin Leroy. I fear my fame as an author has not + reached your ears!” + </p> + <p> + Thord shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “No. I have never heard of you. And probably you have never heard of me. + My name is Sergius Thord.” + </p> + <p> + “Sergius Thord!” echoed the stranger; “Now that is truly remarkable! It is + a happy coincidence that we should have met to-night. I have just seen + your name in this very paper which you caught me reading—see!—the + next heading under that concerning the King and the Jesuits—‘Thord’s + Rabble.’ Are not you that same Thord?” + </p> + <p> + “I am!” said Thord proudly, his eyes shining as he took the paper and + perused quickly the few flashy lines which described the crowd outside the + Cathedral that afternoon, and set him down as a crazy Socialist, and + disturber of the peace, “And the ‘rabble’ as this scribbling fool calls + it, is the greater part of this city’s population. The King may intimidate + his Court; but I, Sergius Thord, with my ‘rabble’ can intimidate both + Court and King!” + </p> + <p> + He drew himself up to his full majestic height—a noble figure of a + man with his fine heroic head and eagle-like glance of eye,—and he + who had called himself Pasquin Leroy, suddenly held out his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Let me see more of you, Sergius Thord!” he said,—“You are the very + man for me! They say in this paper that you spoke to a great multitude + outside the Cathedral this afternoon, and interfered with the religious + procession; they also say you are the head of a Society called the + Revolutionary Committee;—now let me work for you in some department + of <i>that</i> business!” + </p> + <p> + “Let you work for me?” echoed Thord astonished—“But how?” + </p> + <p> + “In this way—” replied the other—“I write Socialistic works,—and + for this cause have been expelled from my native home and surroundings. I + have a little money—and some influence,—and I will devote both + to your Cause. Will you take me, and trust me?” + </p> + <p> + Thord caught his extended hand, and looked at him with a kind of fierce + intentness. + </p> + <p> + “You mean it?” he said in thrilling tones—“You mean it positively + and truly?” + </p> + <p> + “Positively and truly!” said Leroy—“If you are working to remedy the + frightful evils abounding in this wretched quarter of the poor, I will + help you! If you are striving to destroy rank abuses, I ask nothing better + than to employ my pen in your service. I will get work on the press here—I + will do all I can to aid your purposes and carry out your intentions. I + have no master, so am free to do as I like; and I will devote myself to + your service so long as you think I can be of any use to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait!” said Thord—“You must not be carried away by a sudden + generous impulse, simply because you have witnessed one scene of the + continual misery that is going on here daily. To belong to our Committee + means much more than you at present realize, and involves an oath which + you may not be willing to take! And what of the friends you spoke of?” + </p> + <p> + “They will do what I do,” replied Leroy—“They share my fortunes—likewise + my opinions;—and here they come,—so they can speak for + themselves,” this, as two men emerged from a dark street on the left, and + came full into the lamplight’s flare—“Axel Regor, Max Graub—come + hither! Fortune has singularly favoured us to-night! Let me present to you + my friend—” and he emphasized the word, “Sergius Thord!” + </p> + <p> + Both men started ever so slightly as the introduction was performed, and + Thord looked at them with fresh touches of suspicion here and there + lurking in his mind. But he was brave; and having once proceeded in a + given direction was not in the habit of turning back. He therefore saluted + both the new-comers with grave courtesy. + </p> + <p> + “I trust you!” he then said curtly to Leroy, “and I think you will not + betray my trust. If you do, it will be the worse for you!” + </p> + <p> + His lips parted in a slight sinister smile, and the two who were + respectively called Axel Regor and Max Graub, exchanged anxious glances. + But Leroy showed no sign of hesitation or alarm. + </p> + <p> + “Your warning is quite unnecessary, Sergius Thord,” he said,—“I + pledge you my word with my friendship—and my word is my bond! I will + also hold myself responsible for my companions.” + </p> + <p> + Thord bent his head in silent recognition of this assurance. + </p> + <p> + “Then follow me, if such is your desire,” he said—“Remember, there + is yet time to go in another direction, and to see me no more; but if you + once do cast in your lot with mine the tie between us is indissoluble!” + </p> + <p> + He paused, as though expecting some recoil or hesitation on the part of + those to whom he made this statement, but none came. He therefore strode + on, and they followed, till arriving at the door of the tall, narrow + house, where the light in the highest window gleamed like a signal, he + opened it with a small key and entered, holding it back courteously for + his three new companions to enter with him. They did so, and he closed the + door. At the same moment the light was extinguished in the upper window, + and the outside of the house became a mere wall of dense blackness in the + driving rain. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. — THE IDEALISTS + </h2> + <p> + Up a long uncarpeted flight of stairs, and into a large lofty room on the + second storey, Thord led the way for his newly-found disciples to follow. + It was very dark, and they had to feel the steps as they went, their guide + offering neither explanation nor apology for the Cimmerian shades of + gloom. Stumbling on hands and knees they spoke not a word; though once Max + Graub uttered something like an oath in rough German; but a whisper from + Leroy rebuked and silenced him, and they pursued their difficult ascent + until, arriving at the room mentioned, they found themselves in the + company of about fifteen to twenty men, all sitting round a table under + two flaring billiard lamps, suspended crookedly from the ceiling. As Thord + entered, these men all rose, and gave him an expressive sign of greeting + with the left hand, the same kind of gesture which had passed between him + and Zegota on the Cathedral steps in the morning. Zegota himself was one + of their number. There was also another personage in the room who did not + rise, and who gave no sign whatever. This was a woman, who sat in the + embrasure of a closed and shuttered window with her back to the whole + company. It was impossible to say whether she was young or old, plain or + handsome, for she was enveloped in a long black cloak which draped her + from shoulder to heel. All that could be distinguished of her was the + white nape of her neck, and a great twist of dead gold hair. Her presence + awakened the liveliest interest in Pasquin Leroy, who found it impossible + to avoid nudging his companions, and whispering— + </p> + <p> + “A woman! By Heaven, this drama becomes interesting!” + </p> + <p> + But Axel Regor and Max Graub were seemingly not disposed to levity, and + they offered no response to their lighter minded comrade beyond vague + hasty side-looks of alarm, which appeared to amuse him to an extent that + threatened to go beyond the limits of caution. Sergius Thord, however, saw + nothing of their interchange of glances for the moment,—he had other + business to settle. Addressing himself at once to the men assembled, he + said.— + </p> + <p> + “Friends and brothers! I bring you three new associates! I have not sought + them; they have sought me. On their own heads be their destinies! They + offer their names to the Revolutionary Committee, and their services to + our Cause!” + </p> + <p> + A low murmur of approbation from the company greeted this announcement. + Johan Zegota advanced a little in front of all the rest. + </p> + <p> + “Every man is welcome to serve us who will serve us faithfully,” he said. + “But who are these new comrades, Sergius Thord? What are they?” + </p> + <p> + “That they must declare for themselves,” said Thord, taking a chair at the + head of the table which was evidently his accustomed place—“Put them + through their examination!” + </p> + <p> + He seated himself with the air of a king, his whole aspect betokening an + authority that would not be trifled with or gainsaid. + </p> + <p> + “Gott in Himmel!” + </p> + <p> + This exclamation burst suddenly from the lips of the man called Max Graub. + </p> + <p> + “What ails you?” said Thord, turning full upon him his glittering eyes + that flashed ferocity from under their shaggy brows—“Are you + afraid?” + </p> + <p> + “Afraid? Not I!” protested Graub—“But, gentlemen, think a moment! + You speak of putting us—myself and my friends—through an + examination! Why should you examine us? We are three poor adventurers—what + can we have to tell?” + </p> + <p> + “Much, I should imagine!” retorted Zegota—“Adventurers are not such + without adventures! Your white hairs testify to some experience of life.” + </p> + <p> + “My white hairs—<i>my</i> white hairs!” exclaimed Graub, when a + touch from Axel Regor apparently recalled something to his mind for he + began to laugh—“True, gentlemen! Very true! I had forgotten! I have + had some adventures and some experiences! My good friend there, Pasquin + Leroy, has also had adventures and experiences,—so have we all! + Myself, I am a poor German, grown old in the service of a bad king! I have + been kicked out of that service—Ach!—just for telling the + truth; which is very much the end of all truth telling, is it not? Tell + lies,—and kings will reward you and make you rich and great!—but + tell truth, and see what the kings will give you for it! Kicks, and no + halfpence! Pardon! I interrupt this so pleasant meeting!” + </p> + <p> + All the men present looked at him curiously, but said nothing in response + to his outburst. Johan Zegota, seating himself next to Sergius Thord, + opened a large parchment volume that lay on the table, and taking up a pen + addressed himself to Thord, saying— + </p> + <p> + “Will you ask the questions, or shall I?” + </p> + <p> + “You, by all means! Proceed in the usual manner.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon Zegota began.— + </p> + <p> + “Stand forth, comrades!” + </p> + <p> + The three strangers advanced. + </p> + <p> + “Your names? Each one answer separately, please!” + </p> + <p> + “Pasquin Leroy!” + </p> + <p> + “Axel Regor!” + </p> + <p> + “Max Graub!” + </p> + <p> + “Of what nationality, Pasquin Leroy?” + </p> + <p> + Leroy smiled. “Truly I claim none!” he said; “I was born a slave.” + </p> + <p> + “A slave!” + </p> + <p> + The words were repeated in tones of astonishment round the room. + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes, a slave!” repeated Leroy quietly. “You have heard of black + slaves,—have you not heard of white ones too? There are countries + still, where men purchase other men of their own blood and colour;—tyrannous + governments, which force such men to work for them, chained to one + particular place till they die. I am one of those,—though escaped + for the present. You can ask me more of my country if you will; but a + slave has no country save that of his master. If you care at all for my + services, you will spare me further examination on this subject!” + </p> + <p> + Zegota looked enquiringly at Thord. + </p> + <p> + “We will pass that question,” said the latter, in a low tone. + </p> + <p> + Zegota resumed— + </p> + <p> + “You, Axel Regor—are you a slave too?” + </p> + <p> + Axel Regor smiled languidly. + </p> + <p> + “No! I am what is called a free-born subject of the realm. I do what I + like, though not always how I like, or when I like!” + </p> + <p> + “And you, Max Graub?” + </p> + <p> + “German!” said that individual firmly; “German to the backbone—Socialist + to the soul!—and an enemy of all ruling sovereigns,—particularly + the one that rules <i>me</i>!” + </p> + <p> + Thord smiled darkly. + </p> + <p> + “If you feel inclined to jest, Max Graub, I must warn you that jesting is + not suited to the immediate moment.” + </p> + <p> + “Jesting! I never was more in earnest in my life!” declared Graub,—“Why + have I left my native country? Merely because it is governed by Kaiser + Wilhelm!” + </p> + <p> + Thord smiled again. + </p> + <p> + “The subject of nationality seems to excite all three of you,” he said, + “and though we ask you the question <i>pro forma</i>, it is not absolutely + necessary that we should know from whence you come. We require your names, + and your oath of fealty; but before binding yourselves, I will read you + our laws, and the rules of membership for this society; rules to which, if + you join us, you are expected to conform.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose, for the sake of argument,” said Pasquin Leroy,—“that after + hearing the rules we found it wisest to draw back? Suppose my friends,—if + not myself,—were disinclined to join your Society;—what would + happen?” + </p> + <p> + As he asked the question a curious silence fell upon the company, and all + eyes were turned upon the speaker. There was a dead pause for a moment, + and then Thord replied slowly and with emphasis:— + </p> + <p> + “Nothing would happen save this,—that you would be bound by a solemn + oath never to reveal what you had heard or seen here to-night, and that + you would from henceforth be tracked every day and hour of your life by + those who would take care that you kept your oath!” + </p> + <p> + “You see!” exclaimed Axel Regor excitedly, “There is danger——” + </p> + <p> + “Danger? Of what?” asked Pasquin Leroy coldly;—“Of death? Each one + of us, and all three of us would fully merit it, if we broke our word! + Gentlemen both!”—and he addressed his two companions, “If you fear + any harm may come to yourselves through joining this society, pray + withdraw while there is yet time! My own mind is made up; I intend to + become familiar with the work of the Revolutionary Committee, and to aid + its cause by my personal service!” + </p> + <p> + A loud murmur of applause came from the company. Axel Regor and Max Graub + glanced at Leroy, and saw in his face that his decision was unalterable. + </p> + <p> + “Then we will work for the Cause, also,” said Max Graub resignedly. “What + you determine upon, we shall do, shall we not, Axel?” + </p> + <p> + Axel Regor gave a brief assent. + </p> + <p> + Sergius Thord looked at them all straightly and keenly. + </p> + <p> + “You have finally decided?” + </p> + <p> + “We have!” replied Leroy. “We will enrol ourselves as your associates at + once.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon Johan Zegota rose from his place, and unlocking an iron safe + which stood in one corner of the room, took out a roll of parchment and + handed it to Thord, who, unfolding it, read in a clear though low voice + the following:— + </p> + <p> + “We, the Revolutionary Committee, are organized as a Brotherhood, bound by + all the ties of life, death, and our common humanity, to destroy the + abuses, and redress the evils, which self-seeking and tyrannous + Governments impose upon the suffering poor. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Firstly:</i> We bind ourselves to resist all such laws as may in any + degree interfere with the reasonable, intellectual, and spiritual freedom + of man or woman. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Secondly:</i> We swear to agitate against all forms of undue and + excessive taxation, which, while scarcely affecting the rich, make life + more difficult and unendurable to the poor. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Thirdly:</i> We protest against the domination of priestcraft, and the + secret methods which are employed by the Church to obtain undue influence + in Governmental matters. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Fourthly:</i> We are determined to stand firmly against the entrance + of foreign competitors in the country’s trade and business. All heads and + ruling companies of firms employing foreigners instead of native workmen, + are marked out by us as traitors, and are reserved for traitors’ + punishment. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Fifthly:</i> We are sworn to exterminate the existing worthless + Government, and to replace it by a working body of capable and intelligent + men, elected by the universal vote of the entire country. Such elections + must take place freely and openly, and no secret influence shall be used + to return any one person or party to power. Those attempting to sway + opinion by bribery and corruption, will be named to the public, and + exposed to disgrace and possible death. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Sixthly:</i> We are resolved to unmask to the public the duplicity, + treachery, and self-interested motives of the Secretary of State, Carl + Pérousse. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Seventhly:</i> We are sworn to bring about such changes as shall + elevate a Republic to supreme power, and for this purpose are solemnly + pledged to destroy the present Monarchy.” + </p> + <p> + “These,” said Sergius Thord, “are the principal objects of our Society’s + work. There are other points to be considered, but these are sufficient + for the present. I will now read the rules, which each member of our + Brotherhood must follow if he would serve us faithfully.” + </p> + <p> + He turned over another leaf of the parchment scroll he held, and + continued, reading very slowly and distinctly: + </p> + <p> + “<i>Rule 1</i>.—Each member of the Revolutionary Committee shall + swear fidelity to the Cause, and pledge himself to maintain inviolable + secrecy on all matters connected with his membership and his work for the + Society. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Rule 2</i>.—No member shall track, follow, or enquire into the + movements of any other member. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Rule 3</i>.—Once in every month all members are expected to meet + together at a given place, decided upon by the Chief of the Committee at + the previous meeting, when business will be discussed, and lots drawn, to + determine the choice of such members as may be fitted to perform such + business. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Rule</i> 4.—No member shall be bound to give his address, or to + state where he travels, or when or how he goes, as in all respects save + that of his membership he is a free man. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Rule</i> 5.—In this same respect of his membership, he is bound + to appear, or to otherwise report himself once a month at the meeting of + the Committee. Should he fail to do so either by person, or by letter + satisfactorily explaining his absence, he will be judged as a traitor, and + dealt with accordingly. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Rule</i>6.—In the event of any member being selected to perform + any deed involving personal danger or loss to himself, the rest of the + members are pledged to shelter him from the consequences of his act, and + to provide him with all the necessaries of life, till his escape from harm + is ensured and his safety guaranteed.” + </p> + <p> + “You have heard all now,” said Thord, as he laid aside the parchment + scroll; “Are you still willing to take the oath?” + </p> + <p> + “Entirely so!” rejoined Pasquin Leroy cheerfully; “You have but to + administer it.” + </p> + <p> + Here a man, who had been sitting in a dark corner apart from the table, + with his head buried in his hands, suddenly looked up, showing a thin, + fine, eager face, a pair of wild eyes, and a tumbled mass of dark curly + hair, plentifully sprinkled with grey. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” he cried,—“Now comes the tragic moment, when the spectators + hold their breath, and the blue flame is turned on, and the man manages + the lime-light so that its radiance shall fall on the face of the chief + actor—or Actress! And the bassoons and ‘cellos grumble inaudible + nothings to the big drum! Administer the oath, Sergius Thord!” + </p> + <p> + A smile went the round of the company. + </p> + <p> + “Have you only just wakened up from sleep, Paul Zouche?” asked Zegota. + </p> + <p> + “I never sleep,” answered Zouche, pushing his hair back from his forehead;—“Unless + sleep compels me, by force, to yield to its coarse and commonplace + persuasion. To lie down in a shirt and snore the hours away! Faugh! Can + anything be more gross or vulgar! Time flies so quickly, and life is so + short, that I cannot afford to waste any moment in such stupid + unconsciousness. I can drink wine, make love, and kill rascals—all + these occupations are much more interesting than sleeping. Come, Sergius! + Play the great trick of the evening! Administer the oath!” + </p> + <p> + A frowning line puckered Thord’s brows, but the expression of vexation was + but momentary. Turning to Leroy again he said: + </p> + <p> + “You are quite ready?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite,” replied Leroy. + </p> + <p> + “And your friends——?” + </p> + <p> + Leroy smiled. “They are ready also!” + </p> + <p> + There followed a pause. Then Thord called in a clear low tone— + </p> + <p> + “Lotys!” + </p> + <p> + The woman sitting in the embrasure of the window rose, and turning round + fully confronted all the men. Her black cloak falling back on either side, + disclosed her figure robed in dead white, with a scarlet sash binding her + waist. Her face, pale and serene, was not beautiful; yet beauty was + suggested in every feature. Her eyes seemed to be half closed in a + drooping indifference under the white lids, which were fringed heavily + with dark gold lashes. A sculptor might have said, that whatever claim to + beauty she had was contained in the proud poise of her throat, and the + bounteous curve of her bosom, but though in a manner startled by her + appearance, the three men who had chanced upon this night’s adventure were + singularly disappointed in it. They had somehow expected that when that + mysterious cloaked feminine figure turned round, a vision of dazzling + beauty would be disclosed; and at the first glance there was nothing + whatever about this woman that seemed particularly worthy of note. She was + not young or old—possibly between twenty-eight or thirty. She was + not tall or short; she was merely of the usual medium height,—so + that altogether she was one of those provoking individuals, who not seldom + deceive the eye at first sight by those ordinary looks which veil an + extraordinary personality. + </p> + <p> + She stood like an automatic figure, rigid and silent,—till Sergius + Thord signed to his three new associates to advance. Then with a movement, + rapid as a flash of lightning, she suddenly drew a dagger from her scarlet + girdle, and held it out to them. Nerved as he was to meet danger, Pasquin + Leroy recoiled slightly, while his two companions started as if to defend + him. As she saw this, the woman raised her drooping eyelids, and a pair of + wonderful eyes shone forth, dark blue as iris-flowers, while a faint + scornful smile lifted the corners of her mouth. But she said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “There is no cause to fear!” said Sergius Thord, glancing with a touch of + derision in his looks from one to the other, “Lotys is the witness of all + our vows! Swear now after me upon this drawn dagger which she holds,—lay + your right hands here upon the blade!” + </p> + <p> + Thus adjured, Pasquin Leroy approached, and placed his right hand upon the + shining steel. + </p> + <p> + “I swear in the name of God, and in the presence of Lotys, that I will + faithfully work for the Cause of the Revolutionary Committee,—and + that I will adhere to its rules and obey its commands, till all shall be + done that is destined to be done! And may the death I deserve come + suddenly upon me if ever I break my vow!” + </p> + <p> + Slowly and emphatically Pasquin Leroy repeated this formula after Sergius + Thord, and his two companions did the same, though perhaps less audibly. + This ceremony performed, the woman called Lotys looked at them + steadfastly, and the smile that played on her lips changed from scorn to + sweetness. The dark blue iris-coloured eyes deepened in lustre, and + flashed brilliantly from under their drowsy lids,—a rosy flush + tinted the clear paleness of her skin, and like a statue warming to life + she became suddenly beautiful. + </p> + <p> + “You have sworn bravely!” she said, in a low thrilling voice. “Now sign + and seal!” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke she lifted her bare left arm, and pricked it with the point + of the dagger. A round, full drop of blood like a great ruby welled up on + the white skin. All the men had risen from their places, and were gathered + about her;—this ‘taking of the oath’ was evidently the dramatic + event of their existence as a community. + </p> + <p> + “The pen, Sergius!” she said. + </p> + <p> + Thord approached with a white unused quill, and a vellum scroll on which + the names of all the members of the Society were written in ominous red. + He handed these writing implements to Leroy. + </p> + <p> + “Dip your pen here,” said Lotys, pointing to the crimson drop on her arm, + and eyeing him still with the same half-sweet, half-doubting smile—“But + when the quill is full, beware that you write no treachery!” + </p> + <p> + For one second Leroy appeared to hesitate. He was singularly unnerved by + the glances of those dark blue eyes, which like searchlights seemed to + penetrate into every nook and cranny of his soul. But his recklessness and + love of adventure having led him so far, it was now too late to retract or + to reconsider the risks he might possibly be running. He therefore took + the quill and dipped it into the crimson drop that welled from that soft + white flesh. + </p> + <p> + “This is the strangest ink I have ever used!” he said lightly,—“but—at + your command, Madame——!” + </p> + <p> + “At my command,” rejoined Lotys, “your use of it shall make your oath + indelible!” + </p> + <p> + He smiled, and wrote his name boldly ‘Pasquin Leroy’ and held out the pen + for his companions to follow his example. + </p> + <p> + “Ach Gott!” exclaimed Max Graub, as he dipped the pen anew into the vital + fluid from a woman’s veins—“I write my name, Madame, in words of + life, thanks to your condescension!” + </p> + <p> + “True!” she answered,—“And only by your own falsehood can you change + them into words of death!” + </p> + <p> + Signing his name ‘Max Graub,’ he looked up and met her searching gaze. + Something there was in the magnetic depth of her eyes that strangely + embarrassed him, for he stepped back hastily as though intimidated. Axel + Regor took the pen from his hand, and wrote his name, or rather scrawled + it carelessly, almost impatiently,—showing neither hesitation nor + repugnance to this unusual method of subscribing a document. + </p> + <p> + “You are acting on compulsion!” said Lotys, addressing him in a low tone; + “Your compliance is in obedience to some other command than ours! And—you + will do well to remain obedient!” + </p> + <p> + Axel Regor gave her an amazed glance,—but she paid no heed to it, + and binding her arm with her kerchief, let her long white sleeve fall over + it. + </p> + <p> + “So, you are enrolled among the sons of my blood!” she said, “So are you + bound to me and mine!” She moved to the further end of the table and stood + there looking round upon them all. Again the slow, sweet, half-disdainful + smile irradiated her features. “Well, children!—what else remains to + do? What next? What next can there be but drink—smoke—talk! + Man’s three most cherished amusements!” + </p> + <p> + She sat down, throwing back her heavy cloak on either side of her. Her + hair had come partly unbound, and noticing a tress of it falling on her + shoulder, she drew out the comb and let it fall altogether in a mass of + gold-brown, like the tint of a dull autumn leaf, flecked here and there + with amber. Catching it dexterously in one hand, she twisted it up again + in a loose knot, thrusting the comb carelessly through. + </p> + <p> + “Drink—smoke—talk, Sergius!” she repeated, still smiling; + “Shall I ring?” + </p> + <p> + Sergius Thord stood looking at her irresolutely, with the half-angry, + half-pleading expression of a chidden child. + </p> + <p> + “As you please, Lotys!” he answered. Whereupon she pressed an invisible + spring under the table, which set a bell ringing in some lower quarter of + the house. + </p> + <p> + “Pasquin Leroy, Axel Regor, Max Graub!” she said—“Take your places + for to-night beside me—newcomers are always thus distinguished! And + all of you sit down! You are grouped at present like hungry wolves waiting + to spring. But you are not really hungry, except for something which is + not food! And you are not waiting for anything except for permission to + talk! I give it to you—talk, children! Talk yourselves hoarse! It + will do you good! And I will personate supreme wisdom by listening to you + in silence!” + </p> + <p> + A kind of shamed laugh went round the company,—then followed the + scuffling of feet, and grating of chairs against the floor, and presently + the table was completely surrounded, the men sitting close up together, + and Sergius Thord occupying his place at their head. + </p> + <p> + When they were all seated, they formed a striking assembly of distinctly + marked personalities. There were very few mean types among them, and the + stupid, half-vague and languid expression of the modern loafer or ‘do + nothing’ creature, who just for lack of useful work plots mischief, was + not to be seen on any of their countenances. A certain moroseness and + melancholy seemed to brood like a delayed storm among them, and to cloud + the very atmosphere they breathed, but apart from this, intellectuality + was the dominant spirit suggested by their outward looks and bearing. + Plebeian faces and vulgar manners are, unfortunately, not rare in + representative gatherings of men whose opinions are allowed to sway the + destinies of nations, and it was strange to see a group of individuals who + were sworn to upset existing law and government so distinguished by + refined and even noble appearance. Their clothes were shabby,—their + aspect certainly betokened long suffering and contention with want and + poverty, but they were, taken all together, a set of men who, if they had + been members of a recognized parliament or senate, would have presented a + fine collection of capable heads to an observant painter. As soon as they + were gathered round the table under the presidency of Sergius Thord at one + end, and the tranquil tolerance of the mysterious Lotys at the other, they + broke through the silence and reserve which they had carefully maintained + till their three new comrades had been irrecoverably enrolled among them, + and conversation went on briskly. The topic of ‘The King <i>versus</i> the + Jesuits’ was one of the first they touched upon, Sergius Thord relating + for the benefit of all his associates, how he had found Pasquin Leroy + reading by lamplight the newspaper which reported his Majesty’s refusal to + grant any portion of Crown lands to the priests, and which also spoke of + ‘Thord’s Rabble.’ + </p> + <p> + “Here is the paper!” said Leroy, as he heard the narration; “Whoever likes + to keep it can do so, as a memento of my introduction to this Society!” + </p> + <p> + And he tossed it lightly on the table. + </p> + <p> + “Good!” exclaimed Paul Zouche; “Give it to me, and I will cherish it as a + kind of birthday card! What a rag it is! ‘Thord’s Rabble’ eh! Sergius, + what have you been doing that this little flea of an editor should jump + out of his ink-pot and bite you? Does he hurt much?” + </p> + <p> + “Hurt!” Thord laughed aloud. “If I had money enough to pay the man ten + golden coins a week where his present employer gives him five, he would + dance to any tune I whistled!” + </p> + <p> + “Is that so?” asked Leroy, with interest. + </p> + <p> + “Do you not know that it is so?” rejoined Thord. “You tell me you write + Socialistic works—you should know something concerning the press.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Max Graub, nodding his head sagely, “He does know much, but not + all! It would need more penetration than even <i>he</i> possesses, to know + all! Alas!—my friend was never a popular writer!” + </p> + <p> + “Like myself!” exclaimed Zouche, “I am not popular, and I never shall be. + But I know how to make myself reputed as a great genius, and all the very + respectable literary men are beginning to recognize me as such. Do you + know why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because you drink more than is good for you, my poor Zouche!” said Lotys + tranquilly; “That is one reason!” + </p> + <p> + “Hear her!” cried Zouche,—“Does she not always, like the Sphinx, + propound enigmas! Lotys,—little, domineering Lotys, why in the name + of Heaven should I secure recognition as a poet, through drunkenness?” + </p> + <p> + “Because your vice kills your genius,” said Lotys; “Therefore you are + quite safe! If you were less of a scamp you would be a great man,—perhaps + the greatest in the country! That would never do! Your rivals would never + forgive you! But you are a hopeless rascal, incapable of winning much + honour; and so you are compassionately recognized as somebody who might do + something if he only would—that is all, my Zouche! You are an + excellent after-dinner topic with those who are more successful than + yourself; and that is the only fame you will ever win, believe me!” + </p> + <p> + “Now by all the gods and goddesses!” cried Paul—“I do protest——” + </p> + <p> + “After supper, Zouche!” interrupted Lotys, as the door of the room opened, + and a man entered, bearing a tray loaded with various eatables, jugs of + beer, and bottles of spirituous liquors,—“Protest as much as you + like then,—but not just now!” + </p> + <p> + And with quick, deft hands she helped to set the board. None of the men + offered to assist her, and Leroy watching her, felt a sudden sense of + annoyance that this woman should seem, even for a moment, to be in the + position of a servant to them all. + </p> + <p> + “Can I do nothing for you?” he said, in a low tone—“Why should you + wait upon us?” + </p> + <p> + “Why indeed!” she answered—“Except that you are all by nature + awkward, and do not know how to wait properly upon yourselves!” + </p> + <p> + Her eyes had a gleam of mischievous mockery in them; and Leroy was + conscious of an irritation which he could scarcely explain to himself. + Decidedly, he thought, this Lotys was an unpleasant woman. She was + ‘extremely plain,’ so he mentally declared, in a kind of inward huff,—though + he was bound to concede that now and then she had a very beautiful, almost + inspired expression. After all, why should she not set out jugs and + bottles, and loaves of bread, and hunks of ham and cheese before these + men? She was probably in their pay! Scarcely had this idea flashed across + his mind than he was ashamed of it. This Lotys, whoever she might actually + be, was no paid hireling; there was something in her every look and action + that set her high above any suspicion that she would accept the part of a + salaried <i>comédienne</i> in the Socialist farce. Annoyed with himself, + though he knew not why, he turned his gaze from her to the man who had + brought in the supper,—a hunchback, who, notwithstanding his + deformity, was powerfully built, and of a countenance which, marked as it + was with the drawn pathetic look of long-continued physical suffering, was + undeniably handsome. His large brown eyes, like those of a faithful dog, + followed every movement of Lotys with anxious and wistful affection, and + Leroy, noticing this, began to wonder whether she was his wife or + daughter? Or was she related in either of these ways to Sergius Thord? His + reflections were interrupted by a slight touch from Max Graub who was + seated next to him. + </p> + <p> + “Will you drink with these fellows?” said Graub, in a cautious whisper—“Expect + to be ill, if you do!” + </p> + <p> + “You shall prescribe for me!” answered Leroy in the same low tone—“I + faithfully promise to call in your assistance! But drink with them I must, + and will!” + </p> + <p> + Graub gave a short sigh and a shrug, and said no more. The hunchback was + going the round of the table, filling tall glasses with light Bavarian + beer. + </p> + <p> + “Where is the little Pequita?” asked Zouche, addressing him—“Have + you sent her to bed already, Sholto?” + </p> + <p> + Sholto looked timorously round till he met the bright reassuring glance of + Lotys, and then he replied hesitatingly— + </p> + <p> + “Yes!—no—I have not sent the little one to bed;—she + returned from her work at the theatre, tired out—quite tired out, + poor child! She is asleep now.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha ha! A few years more, and she will not sleep!” said Zouche—“Once + in her teens—” + </p> + <p> + “Once in her teens, she leaves the theatre and comes to me,” said Lotys, + “And you will see very little of her, Zouche, and you will know less! That + will do, Sholto! Good-night!” + </p> + <p> + “Good-night!” returned the hunchback—“I thank you, Madame!—I + thank you, gentlemen!” + </p> + <p> + And with a slight salutation, not devoid of grace, he left the room. + </p> + <p> + Zouche was sulky, and pushing aside his glass of beer, poured out for + himself some strong spirit from a bottle instead. + </p> + <p> + “You do not favour me to-night, Lotys,” he said irritably—“You + interrupt and cross me in everything I say!” + </p> + <p> + “Is it not a woman’s business to interrupt and cross a man?” queried + Lotys, with a laugh,—“As I have told you before, Zouche, I will not + have Sholto worried!” + </p> + <p> + “Who worries him?” grumbled Zouche—“Not I!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you!—you worry him on his most sensitive point—his + daughter,” said Lotys;—“Why can you not leave the child alone? + Sholto is an Englishman,” she explained, turning to Pasquin Leroy and his + companions—“His history is a strange one enough. He is the rightful + heir to a large estate in England, but he was born deformed. His father + hated him, and preferred the second son, who was straight and handsome. So + Sholto disappeared.” + </p> + <p> + “Disappeared!” echoed Leroy—“You mean——” + </p> + <p> + “I mean that he left his father’s house one morning, and never returned. + The clothes he wore were found floating in the river near by, and it was + concluded that he had been drowned while bathing. The second son, + therefore, inherited the property; and poor Sholto was scarcely missed; + certainly not mourned. Meanwhile he went away, and got on board a Spanish + trading boat bound for Cadiz. At Cadiz he found work, and also something + that sweetened work—love! He married a pretty Spanish girl who + adored him, and—as often happens when lovers rejoice too much in + their love—she died after a year’s happiness. Sholto is all alone in + the world with the little child his Spanish wife left him, Pequita. She is + only eleven years old, but her gift of dancing is marvellous, and she gets + employment at one of the cheap theatres here. If an influential manager + could see her performance, she might coin money.” + </p> + <p> + “The influential manager would probably cheat her,” said Zouche,—“Things + are best left alone. Sholto is content!” + </p> + <p> + “Are you content?” asked Johan Zegota, helping himself from the bottle + that stood near him. + </p> + <p> + “I? Why, no! I should not be here if I were!” + </p> + <p> + “Discontent, then, is your chief bond of union?” said Axel Regor, + beginning to take part in the conversation. + </p> + <p> + “It is the very knot that ties us all together!” said Zouche with + enthusiasm.—“Discontent is the mother of progress! Adam was + discontented with the garden of Eden,—and found a whole world + outside its gates!” + </p> + <p> + “He took Eve with him to keep up the sickness of dissatisfaction,” said + Zegota; “There would certainly have been no progress without <i>her</i>!” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon,—Cain was the true Progressivist and Reformer,” put in + Graub; “Some fine sentiment of the garden of Eden was in his blood, which + impelled him to offer up a vegetable sacrifice to the Deity, whereas Abel + had already committed murder by slaying lambs. According to the legend, + God preferred the ‘savour’ of the lambs, so perhaps,—who knows!—the + idea that the savour of Abel might be equally agreeable to Divine senses + induced Cain to kill him as a special ‘youngling.’ This was a Progressive + act,—a step beyond mere lambs!” + </p> + <p> + Everyone laughed, except Sergius Thord. He had fallen into a heavy, + brooding silence, his head sunk on his breast, his wild hair falling + forward like a mane, and his right hand clenched and resting on the table. + </p> + <p> + “Sergius!” called Lotys. + </p> + <p> + He did not answer. + </p> + <p> + “He is in one of his far-away moods,”—said one of the men next to + Axel Regor,—“It is best not to disturb him.” + </p> + <p> + Paul Zouche, however, had no such scruples. “Sergius!” he cried,—“Come + out of your cloud of meditation! Drink to the health of our three new + comrades!” + </p> + <p> + All the members of the company filled their glasses, and Thord, hearing + the noise and clatter, looked up with a wild stare. + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing?” he asked slowly;—“I thought some one spoke of + Cain killing Abel!” + </p> + <p> + “It was I,” said Graub—“I spoke of it—irreverently, I fear,—but + the story itself is irreverent. The notion that ‘God,’ should like roast + meat is the height of blasphemy!” + </p> + <p> + Zouche burst into a violent fit of laughter. But Thord went on talking in + a low tone, as though to himself. + </p> + <p> + “Cain killing Abel!” he repeated—“Always the same horrible story is + repeated through history—brother against brother,—blood crying + out for blood—life torn from the weak and helpless body—all + for what? For a little gold,—a passing trifle of power! Cain killing + Abel! My God, art Thou not yet weary of the old eternal crime!” + </p> + <p> + He spoke in a semi-whisper which thrilled through the room. A momentary + hush prevailed, and then Lotys called again, her voice softened to a + caressing sweetness. + </p> + <p> + “Sergius!” + </p> + <p> + He started, and shook himself out of his reverie this time. Raising his + hand, he passed it in a vague mechanical way across his brow as though + suddenly wakened from a dream. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes! Let us drink to our three new comrades,” he said, and rose to + his feet. “To your health, friends! And may you all stand firm in the hour + of trial!” + </p> + <p> + All the company sprang up and drained their glasses, and when the toast + was drunk and they were again seated, Pasquin Leroy asked if he might be + allowed to return thanks. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know,” he said with a courteous air, “whether it is permissible + for a newly-enrolled associate of this Brotherhood to make a speech on the + first night of his membership,—but after the cordial welcome I and + my comrades, strangers as we are, have received at your hands, I should + like to say a few words—if, without breaking any rules of the Order, + I may do so.” + </p> + <p> + “Hear, hear!” shouted Zouche, who had been steadily drinking for the last + few moments,—“Speak on, man! Whoever heard of a dumb Socialist! Rant—rant! + Rant and rave!—as I do, when the fit is on me! Do I not, Thord? Do I + not move you even to tears?” + </p> + <p> + “And laughter!” put in Zegota. “Hold your tongue, Zouche! No other man can + talk at all, if you once begin!” + </p> + <p> + Zouche laughed, and drained his glass. + </p> + <p> + “True!—my genius is of an absorbing quality! Silence, gentlemen! + Silence for our new comrade! ‘Pasquin’ stands for the beginning of a jest—so + we may hope he will be amusing,—‘Leroy’ stands for the king, and so + we may expect him to be non-political!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. — THE KING’S DOUBLE + </h2> + <p> + As Leroy rose to speak, there was a little commotion. Max Graub upset his + glass, and seemed to be having a struggle under the table with Axel Regor. + </p> + <p> + “What ails you?” said Leroy, glancing at his friends with an amazed air—“Are + you quarrelling?” + </p> + <p> + “Quarrelling!” echoed Max Graub, “Why, no—but what man will have his + beer upset without complaint? Tell me that!” + </p> + <p> + “You upset it!” said Regor angrily—“I did not.” + </p> + <p> + “You did!” retorted Graub, “and because I pushed you for it, you showed me + a pistol in your pocket! I object to be shown a pistol. So I have taken it + away. Here it is!” and he laid the weapon on the table in front of him. + </p> + <p> + A look of anger darkened Leroy’s brows. + </p> + <p> + “I was not aware you carried arms,” he said coldly. + </p> + <p> + Sergius Thord noticed his annoyance. + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing remarkable in that, my friend!” he interposed—“We + all carry arms,—there is not one of us at this table who has not a + loaded pistol,—even Lotys is no exception to this rule.” + </p> + <p> + “Now by my word!” said Graub, “<i>I</i> have no loaded pistol,—and I + will swear Leroy is equally unarmed!” + </p> + <p> + “Entirely so!” said Leroy quietly—“I never suspect any man of evil + intentions towards me.” + </p> + <p> + As he said this, Lotys leaned forward impulsively and stretched out her + hand,—a beautiful hand, well-shaped and white as a white rose petal. + </p> + <p> + “I like you for that!”—she said—“It is the natural attitude of + a brave man!” + </p> + <p> + A slight colour warmed his bronzed skin as he took her hand, pressed it + gently, and let it go again. Axel Regor looked up defiantly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I <i>do</i> suspect every man of evil intentions!” he said, “So you + may all just as well know the worst of me at once! My experience of life + has perhaps been exceptionally unpleasant; but it has taught me that as a + rule no man is your friend till you have made it worth his while!” + </p> + <p> + “By favours bestowed, or favours to come?” queried Thord, smiling,—“However, + without any argument, Axel Regor, I am inclined to think you are right!” + </p> + <p> + “Then a weapon is permissible here?” asked Graub. + </p> + <p> + “Not only permissible, but necessary,” replied Thord. “As members of this + Brotherhood we live always prepared for some disaster,—always on our + guard against treachery. Comrades!” and raising his voice he addressed the + whole party. “Lay down your arms, all at once and together!” + </p> + <p> + In one instant, as if in obedience to a military order, the table was + lined on either side with pistols. Beside these weapons, there was a + goodly number of daggers, chiefly of the small kind such as are used in + Corsica, encased in leather sheaths. Pasquin Leroy smiled as he saw Lotys + lay down one of those tiny but deadly weapons, together with a small + silver-mounted pistol. + </p> + <p> + “Forewarned is forearmed!” he said gaily;—“Madame, if I ever offend, + I shall look to you for a happy dispatch! Gentlemen, I have still to make + my speech, and if you permit it, I will speak now,—unarmed as I am,—with + all these little metal mouths ready to deal death upon me if I happen to + make any observation which may displease you!” + </p> + <p> + “By Heaven! A brave man!” cried Zouche; “Thord, you have picked up a trump + card! Speak, Pasquin Leroy! We will forgive you, even if you praise the + King!” + </p> + <p> + Leroy stood silent for a moment, as if thinking. His two companions looked + up at him once or twice in unquestionable alarm and wonderment, but he did + not appear to be conscious of their observation. On the contrary, some + very deeply seated feeling seemed to be absorbing his soul,—and it + was perhaps this suppressed emotion which gave such a rich vibrating force + to his accents when he at last spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Friends and Brothers!” he said;—“It is difficult for one who has + never experienced the three-fold sense of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity + until to-night, to express in the right manner the sense of gratitude + which I, a complete stranger to you, feel for the readiness and cordiality + of the welcome you have extended to me and my companions, accepting us + without hesitation, as members of your Committee, and as associates in the + work of the Cause you have determined to maintain. It is an Ideal Cause,—I + need not tell you that! To rescue and protect the poor from the tyranny of + the rich and strong, was the mission of Christ when He visited this earth; + and it would perhaps be unwise on my part, and discouraging to yourselves, + to remind you that even He has failed! The strong, the selfish, and the + cruel, still delight in oppressing their more helpless fellows, despite + the theories of Christianity. And it is perfectly natural that it should + be so, seeing that the Christian Church itself has become a mere system of + money-making and self-advancement.” + </p> + <p> + A burst of applause interrupted him. Eyes lightened with eager enthusiasm, + and every face was turned towards him. He went on:— + </p> + <p> + “To think of the great Founder of a great Creed, and then to consider what + his pretended followers have made of Him and His teaching, is sufficient + to fill the soul with the sickness of despair and humiliation! To remember + that Christ came to teach all men the Gospel of love,—and to find + them after eighteen hundred years still preferring the Gospel of hate,—is + enough to make one doubt the truth of religion altogether! The Divine + Socialist preached a creed too good and pure for this world; and when we + try to follow it, we are beaten back on all sides by the false + conventionalities and customs of a sacerdotal system grown old in + self-seeking, not in self-sacrifice. Were Christ to come again, the first + thing He would probably do would be to destroy all the churches, saying: + ‘I never knew you: depart from me ye that work iniquity!’ But till He does + come again, it rests with the thinkers of the time to protest against + wrongs and abuses, even if they cannot destroy them,—to expose + falsehood, even if they cannot utterly undo its vicious work. Seeing, + however, that the greater majority of men are banded on the side of wealth + and material self-interest, it is unfortunately only a few who remain to + work for the cause of the poor, and for such equal rights of justice as + you—as we—in our present Association claim to be most worthy + of man’s best efforts. It may be asked by those outside such a Fraternity + as ours,—‘What do they want? What would they have that they cannot + obtain?’ I would answer that we want to see the end of a political system + full of bribery and corruption,—that we desire the disgrace and + exposure of such men as those, who, under the pretence of serving the + country, merely line their own coffers out of the taxes they inflict upon + the people;—and that if we see a king inclined to favour the + overbearing dominance of a political party governed by financial + considerations alone,—a party which has no consideration for the + wider needs of the whole nation, we from our very hearts and souls desire + the downfall of that king!” + </p> + <p> + A low, deep murmur responded to his words,—a sound like the snarl of + wolves, deep, fierce, and passionate. A close observer might perhaps have + detected a sudden pallor on Leroy’s face as he heard this ominous growl, + and an involuntary clenching of the hand on the part of Axel Regor. Max + Graub looked up. + </p> + <p> + “Ah so, my friends! You hate the King?” + </p> + <p> + No answer was vouchsafed to this query. The interruption was evidently + unwelcome, all eyes being still fixed on Leroy. He went on tranquilly: + </p> + <p> + “I repeat—that wherever and whenever a king—any king—voluntarily + and knowingly, supports iniquity and false dealing in his ministers, he + lays himself open to suspicion, attack, and dethronement! I speak with + particular feeling on this point, because, apart from whatever may be the + thoughts and opinions of these who are assembled here to-night, I have a + special reason of my own for hating the King! That reason is marked on my + countenance! I bear an extraordinary resemblance to him,—so great + indeed, that I might be taken for his twin brother if he had one! And I + beg of you, my friends, to look at me long and well, that you make no + error concerning me, for, being now your comrade, I do not wish to be + mistaken for your enemy!” + </p> + <p> + He drew himself up, lifting his head with an air of indomitable pride and + grace which well became him. An exclamation of surprise broke from all + present, and Sergius Thord bent forward to examine his features with close + attention. Every man at the table did the same, but none regarded him more + earnestly or more searchingly than Lotys. Her wonderful eyes seemed to + glow and burn with strange interior fires, as she kept them steadily fixed + upon his face. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—you are strangely like the King!” she said—“That is,—so + far as I am able to judge by his portraits and coins. I have never seen + him.” + </p> + <p> + “I <i>have</i> seen him,”—said Sergius Thord, “though only at a + distance. And I wonder I did not notice the strange resemblance you bear + to him before you called my attention to it. Are you in any way related to + him?” + </p> + <p> + “Related to him!” Leroy laughed aloud. “No! If the late King had any + bastard sons, I am not one of them! But I pray you again all to carefully + note this hateful resemblance,—a resemblance I would fain rid me of—for + it makes me seem a living copy of the man I most despise!” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause,—during which he stood quietly, submitting himself + to the fire of a hundred wondering, questioning, and inquisitorial eyes + without flinching. + </p> + <p> + “You are all satisfied?” he then asked; “You, Sergius Thord,—my + chief and commander,—you, and all here present are satisfied?” + </p> + <p> + “Satisfied?—Yes!” replied Thord; “But sorry that your personality + resembles that of a fool and a knave!” + </p> + <p> + A strange grimace distorted the countenance of Max Graub, but he quickly + buried his nose and his expression together in a foaming glass of beer. + </p> + <p> + “You cannot be so sorry for me as I am for myself!” said Leroy, “And now + to finish the few words I have been trying to say. I thank you from my + heart for your welcome, and for the trust you have reposed in me and my + companions. I am proud to be one of you; and I promise that you shall all + have reason to be glad that I am associated with your Cause! And to prove + my good faith, I undertake to set about working for you without a day’s + delay; and towards this object, I give you my word that before our next + meeting something shall be done to shake the political stronghold of Carl + Pérousse!” + </p> + <p> + Sergius Thord sprang up excitedly. + </p> + <p> + “Do that,” he said, “and were you a thousand times more like the King than + you are, you shall be the first to command our service and honour!” + </p> + <p> + Loud acclamation followed his words, and all the men gathered close up + about Leroy. He looked round upon them, half-smiling, half-serious. + </p> + <p> + “But you must tell me what to do!” he said. “You must explain to me why + you consider Pérousse a traitor, and how you think it best his treachery + should be proved. For, remember, I am a stranger to this part of the + country, and my accidental resemblance to the King does not make me his + subject!” + </p> + <p> + “True!” said Paul Zouche,—his eyes were feverishly bright and his + cheeks flushed—“To be personally like a liar does not oblige one to + tell lies! To call oneself a poet does not enable one to write poetry! And + to build a cathedral does not make one a saint! To know all the highways + and byways of the Pérousse policy, you must penetrate into the depths and + gutter-slushes of the great newspaper which is subsidised by the party to + that policy! And this is difficult—exceedingly difficult, let me + assure you, my bold Pasquin! And if you can perform such a ‘pasquinade’ as + shall take you into these Holy of Holy purlieus of mischief and + money-making, you will deserve to be chief of the Committee, instead of + Sergius! Sergius talks—he will talk your head off!—but he does + nothing!” + </p> + <p> + “I do what I can,”—said Thord, patiently. “It is true I have no + access to the centres of diplomacy or journalism. But I hold the People in + the hollow of my hand!” + </p> + <p> + He spoke with deep and concentrated feeling, and the power of his soul + looked out eloquently from the darkening flash of his eyes. Leroy studied + his features with undisguised interest. + </p> + <p> + “If you thus hold the People,” he said,—“Why not bid them rise + against the evil and tyranny of which they have cause to complain?” + </p> + <p> + Thord shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “To rouse the People,” he replied, “would be worse than to rouse a herd of + starving lions from their forest dens, and give them freedom to slay and + devour! Nay!—the time is not yet! All gentle means must be tried; + and if these fail—why then—!” + </p> + <p> + He broke off, but his clenched hand and expressive glance said the rest. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you not use the most powerful of all the weapons ever invented for + the destruction of one’s enemies—the Pen?” asked Max Graub. “Start a + newspaper, for example, and gibbet your particular favourite Carl Pérousse + therein!” + </p> + <p> + “Bah! He would get up a libel case, and advertise himself a little more by + that method!” said Zegota contemptuously; “And besides, a newspaper needs + unlimited capital behind it. We have no rich friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Rich friends!” exclaimed Lotys suddenly; “Who speaks of them—who + needs them? Rich friends expect you to toady to them; to lick the ground + under their feet; to fawn and flatter and lie, and be anything but honest + men! The rich are the vulgar of this world;—no one who has heart, or + soul, or sense, would condescend to seek friendships among those whose + only claim to precedence is the possession of a little more yellow metal + than their neighbours.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, they and their yellow metal are the raw material, which + Genius may as well use to pave its way through life,” said Zegota. “Lotys, + you are too much of an idealist!” + </p> + <p> + “Idealist! And you call yourself a realist, poor child!” said Lotys with a + laugh; “I tell you I would sooner starve than accept favour or assistance + from the merely rich!” + </p> + <p> + “Of course you would!” said Zouche, “And is not that precisely the reason + why you are set in dominion over us all? We men are not sure of ourselves—but—Heaven + knows why!—we are sure of You! I suppose it is because you are sure + of yourself! For example, we men are such wretched creatures that we + cannot go long without our food,—but you, woman, can fast all day, + and scorn the very idea of hunger. We men cannot bear much pain,—but + you,—woman,—can endure suffering of your own without + complaint, while attending to our various lesser hurts and scratches. + Wherefore, just because we feel you are above us in this and many other + things, we have set you amongst us as a warning Figurehead, which cries + shame upon us if we falter, and reminds us that you, a woman, can do, and + probably will do, what we men cannot. Imagine it! You would bear all + things for love’s sake!—and, frankly speaking, we would bear nothing + at all, except for our own immediate and particular pleasure. For that, of + course, we would endure everything till we got it, and then—pouf!—we + would let it go again in sheer weariness and desire for something else! Is + it not so, Sergius?” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad you know yourself so well!” said Thord gloomily. “Personally, I + am not prepared to accept your theory.” + </p> + <p> + “Men are children!” said Lotys, still smiling; “And should be treated as + children always, by women! Come, little ones! To bed, all of you! It is + growing late, and the rain has ceased.” + </p> + <p> + She went to the window, and unbarring the shutters, opened it. The streets + were wet and glistening below, but the clouds had cleared, and a pale + watery moon shone out fitfully from the misty sky. + </p> + <p> + “Say good-night, and part;” she continued. “It is time! This day month we + will meet here again,—and our new comrades will then report what + progress they have made in the matter of Carl Pérousse.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me,” said Leroy, approaching her, “What would you do, Madame, if you + had determined, on proving the corruption and falsehood of this at present + highly-honoured servant of the State?” + </p> + <p> + “I should gain access to his chief tool, David Jost, by means of the Prime + Minister’s signet,” said Lotys,—“If I could get the signet!—which + I cannot! Nor can you! But if I could, I should persuade Jost to talk + freely, and so betray himself. He and Carl Pérousse move the Premier and + the King whichever way they please.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that so—?” began Leroy, when he was answered by a dozen voices + at once:— + </p> + <p> + “The King is a fool!” + </p> + <p> + “The King is a slave!” + </p> + <p> + “The King accepts everything that is set before him as being rightly and + wisely ordained,—and never enquires into the justice of what is + done!” + </p> + <p> + “The King assumes to be the friend of the People, but if you ask him to do + anything for the People, you only get the secretary’s usual answer—‘His + Majesty regrets that it is impossible to take any action in the matter’!” + </p> + <p> + “Wait!—wait!—” said Leroy, with a gesture which called for a + moment’s silence; “The question is,—<i>Could</i> the King do + anything if he would?” + </p> + <p> + “I will answer that!” said Lotys, her eyes flashing, her bosom heaving, + and her whole figure instinct with pride and passion; “The King could do + everything! The King could be a man if he chose, instead of a dummy! The + King could cease to waste his time on fools and light women!—and + though he is, and must be a constitutional Monarch, he could so rule all + social matters as to make them the better,—not the worse for his + influence! There is nothing to prevent the King from doing his most kingly + duty!” + </p> + <p> + Leroy looked at her for a moment in silence. + </p> + <p> + “Madame, if the King heard your words he might perhaps regret his many + follies!” he said courteously;—“But where Society is proved worse, + instead of better for a king’s influence, is it not somewhat too late to + remedy the evil? What of the Queen?” + </p> + <p> + “The Queen is queen from necessity, not from choice!” said Lotys;—“She + has never loved her husband. If she had loved him, perhaps he might,—through + her,—have loved his people more!” + </p> + <p> + There was a note of pathos in her voice that was singularly tender and + touching. Anon, as if impatient with herself, she turned to Sergius Thord. + </p> + <p> + “We must disperse!” she said abruptly; “Daybreak will be upon us before we + know it, and we have done no business at all this evening. To enrol three + new associates is a matter of fifteen minutes; the rest of our time has + been wasted!” + </p> + <p> + “Do not say so, Madame!” interposed Max Graub, “You have three new friends—three + new ‘sons of your blood,’ as you so poetically call them,—though, + truly, I for one am more fit to be your grandfather! And do you consider + the time wasted that has been spent in improving and instructing your + newly-born children?” + </p> + <p> + Lotys turned upon him with a look of disdain. + </p> + <p> + “You are a would-be jester;” she said coldly; “Old men love a jest, I + know, but they should take care to make it at the right time, and in the + right place. They should not play with edge-tools such as I am, though I + suppose, being a German, you think little or nothing of women?” + </p> + <p> + “Madame!” protested Graub, “I think so much of women that I have never + married! Behold me, an unhappy bachelor! I have spared any one of your + beautiful sex from the cruel martyrdom of having to endure my life-long + company!” + </p> + <p> + She laughed—a pretty low laugh, and extended her hand with an air of + queenly condescension. + </p> + <p> + “You are amusing!” she said,—“And so I will not quarrel with you! + Good-night!” + </p> + <p> + “Auf wiedersehn!” and Graub kissed the white hand he held. “I shall hope + you will command me to be of service to you and yours, ere long!” + </p> + <p> + “In what way, I wonder,” she asked dubiously; “What can you do best? + Write? Speak? Or organize meetings?” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Graub, speaking very deliberately, “that of all my various + accomplishments, which are many—as I shall one day prove to you—I + can poison best!” + </p> + <p> + “Poison!” + </p> + <p> + The exclamation broke simultaneously from all the company. Graub looked + about him with a triumphant air. + </p> + <p> + “Ah so,—I know I shall be useful,” he said; “I can poison so very + beautifully and well! One little drop—one, little microbe of + mischief—and I can make all your enemies die of cholera, typhoid, + bubonic plague, or what you please! I am what is called a Christian + scientific poisoner—that is a doctor! You will find me a most + invaluable member of this Brotherhood!” + </p> + <p> + He nodded his head wisely, and smiled. Sergius Thord laid one hand heavily + on his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “We shall find you useful, no doubt!” he said, “But mark me well, friend! + Our mission is not to kill, but to save!—not to poison, but to heal! + If we find that by the death of one traitor we can save the lives of + thousands, why then that traitor must die. If we know that by killing a + king we destroy a country’s abuses, that king is sent to his account. But + never without warning!—never without earnest pleading that he whom + the laws of Truth condemn, may turn from the error of his ways and repent + before it is too late. We are not murderers;—we are merely the + servants of justice.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly!” put in Paul Zouche; “You understand? We try to be what God is + not,—just!” + </p> + <p> + “Blaspheme not, Zouche!” said Thord; “Justice is the very eye of God!—the + very centre and foundation of the universe.” + </p> + <p> + Zouche laughed discordantly. + </p> + <p> + “Excellent Sergius! Impulsive Sergius!—with big heart, big head and + no logic! Prove to me this eternal justice! Where does it begin? In the + creation of worlds without end, all doomed to destruction, and therefore + perfectly futile in their existence? In the making of man, who lives his + little day with the utmost difficulty, pain and struggle, and is then + extinguished, to be heard of no more? The use of it, my Sergius!—point + out the use of it! No,—there is no man can answer me that! If I + could see the Creator, I would ask Him the question personally—but + He hides Himself behind the great big pendulum He has set swinging—tick—tock!—tick—tock! + Life—Death!—Life—Death!—and never a reason why the + clock is set going! And so we shall never have justice,—simply + because there is none! It is not just or reasonable to propound a question + to which there is no answer; it is not just or reasonable to endow man + with all the thinking powers of brain, and all the imaginative movements + of mind, merely to turn him into a pinch of dust afterwards. Every + generation, every country strives to get justice done, but cannot,—merely + for the fact that God Himself has no idea of it, and therefore it is + naturally lacking in His creature, man. Our governing-forces are plainly + the elements. No Divine finger stops the earthquake from engulfing a + village full of harmless inhabitants, simply because of the injustice of + such utter destruction! See now!—look at the eyes of Lotys + reproaching me! You would think they were the eyes of an angel, gazing at + a devil in the sweet hope of plucking him out of hell!” + </p> + <p> + “Such a hope would be vain in your case, Zouche,” said Lotys tranquilly; + “You make your own hell, and you must live in it! Nevertheless, in some of + the wild things you say, there is a grain of truth. If I were God, I + should be the most miserable of all beings, to look upon all the misery I + had myself created! I should be so sorry for the world, that I should put + an end to all hope of immortality by my own death.” + </p> + <p> + She made this strange remark with a simplicity and wistfulness which were + in striking contrast to the awful profundity of the suggestion, and all + her auditors, including the half-tipsy Zouche, were silent. + </p> + <p> + “I should be so sorry!” she repeated; “For even as a mortal woman my pity + for the suffering world almost breaks my heart;—but if I were God, I + should have all the griefs of all the worlds I had made to answer for,—and + such an agony would surely kill me. Oh,—the pain, the tears, the + mistakes, the sins, the anguish of humanity! All these are frightful to + me! I do not understand why such misery should exist! I think it must be + that we have not enough love in the world; if we only loved each other + faithfully, God might love us more!” + </p> + <p> + Her eyes were wet; she caught her breath hard, and smiled a little + difficult smile. Something in her soul transfigured her face, and made it + for the moment exquisitely lovely, and the men around her gazed at her in + evidently reverential silence. Suddenly she stretched out both her hands: + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, children!” + </p> + <p> + One by one the would-be-fierce associates of the Revolutionary Committee + bent low over those fair hands; and then quietly saluting Sergius Thord, + as quietly left the room, like schoolboys retiring from a class where the + lessons had been more or less badly done. Paul Zouche was not very steady + on his feet, and two of his comrades assisted him to walk as he stumbled + off, singing somewhat of a ribald rhyme in <i>mezza-voce</i>. Pasquin + Leroy and his two friends were the last to go. Lotys looked at them all + three meditatively. + </p> + <p> + “You will be faithful?” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Unto death!” answered Leroy. + </p> + <p> + She came close up to him, placing one hand on his arm, and glanced + meaningly towards Sergius Thord, who was standing at the threshold + watching Zouche stumbling down the dark stairs. + </p> + <p> + “Sergius is a good man!” she said; “One of the mistaken geniuses of this + world,—savage as a lion, yet simple as a child! Whoever, and + whatever you are, be true to him!” + </p> + <p> + “He is dear to you?” said Leroy on a sudden impulse, catching her hand; + “He is more to you than most men?” + </p> + <p> + She snatched away her hand, and her eyes lightened first with wrath, then + with laughter. + </p> + <p> + “Dear to me!” she echoed,—“to Me? No one man on earth is dearer to + me than another! All are alike in my estimation,—all the same + barbaric, foolish babes and children—all to be loved and pitied + alike! But Sergius Thord picked me out of the streets when I was no better + than a stray and starving dog,—and like a dog I serve him—faithfully! + Now go!” + </p> + <p> + She stretched out her hand in an attitude of command, and there was + nothing for it but to obey. They therefore repeated their farewells, and + in their turn, went out, one by one, down the tortuous staircase. Sholto, + the hunchback, was below, and he let them out without a word, closing and + barring the door carefully behind them. Once in the street and under the + misty moonlight, Pasquin Leroy nodded a careless dismissal to his + companions. + </p> + <p> + “You will return alone?” enquired Max Graub. + </p> + <p> + “Quite alone!” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “May I not follow you at a distance?” asked Axel Regor. + </p> + <p> + Leroy smiled. “You forget! One of the rules we have just sworn to conform + to, is—‘No member shall track, follow or enquire into the movements + of any other member.’ Go your ways! I will thank you both for your + services to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + He turned away rapidly and disappeared. His two friends remained gazing + somewhat disconsolately after him. + </p> + <p> + “Shall we go?” at last said Max Graub. + </p> + <p> + “When you please,” replied Axel Regor irritably,—“The sooner the + better for me! Here we are probably watched,—we had best go down to + the quay, and from thence——” + </p> + <p> + He did not finish his sentence, but Graub evidently understood its + conclusion—and they walked quickly away together in quite an + opposite direction to that in which Leroy had gone. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, up in the now closed and darkened house they had left behind + them, Lotys stood looking at Sergius Thord, who had thrown himself into a + chair and sat with his elbows resting on the table, and his head buried in + his hands. + </p> + <p> + “You make no way, poor Sergius!” she said gently. “You work, you write, + you speak to the people, but you make no way!” + </p> + <p> + He looked up fiercely. + </p> + <p> + “I do make way!” he said; “How can you doubt it? A word from me, and the + massed millions would rise as one man!” + </p> + <p> + “And of what use would that be?” enquired Lotys. “The soldiers would fire + on the people, and there would be riot and bloodshed, but no actual + redress for wrong. You work vainly, Sergius!” + </p> + <p> + “If I could but kill the King!” he muttered. + </p> + <p> + “Another king would succeed him,” she said. “And after all, if you only + knew it, the King may be a miserable man enough—far more miserable, + perhaps, than any of us imagine ourselves to be. No, Sergius!—I + repeat it, you work vainly! You have made me the soul of an Ideal which + you will never realise? Tell me, what is it you yourself would have, out + of all your work and striving?” + </p> + <p> + He looked at her with great, earnest, burning eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Power!” he said. “Power to change the mode of government; power to put + down the tyranny of priestcraft—power to relieve the oppressed, and + reward the deserving—power to make of you, Lotys, a queen among + women!” + </p> + <p> + She smiled. + </p> + <p> + “I am a queen among men, Sergius, and that suffices me! How often must I + tell you to do nothing for my sake, if it is for my sake only? I am a very + simple, plain woman, past my youth, and without beauty—I deserve and + demand nothing!” + </p> + <p> + He raised himself, and stretched out his arms towards her with a gesture + of entreaty. + </p> + <p> + “You deserve all that a man can give you!” he said passionately. “I love + you, Lotys! I have always loved you ever since I found you a little + forsaken child, shivering and weeping on the cold marble steps of the + Temesvar place in Buda. I love you!—you know I have always loved + you!—I have told you so a hundred times,—I love you as few men + love women!” + </p> + <p> + She regarded him compassionately, and with a touch of wistful sorrow in + her eyes. Her black cloak fell away on either side of her in two shadowy + folds, disclosing her white-robed form and full bosom, like a pearl in a + dark shell. + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, Sergius!” she said simply, and turned to go. + </p> + <p> + He gave an exclamation of anger and pain. + </p> + <p> + “That is all you say—‘Good-night’!” he muttered. “A man gives you + his heart, and you set it aside with a cold word of farewell! And yet—and + yet—you hold all my life!” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry, Sergius,” she said, in a gentle voice; “very sorry that it is + so. You have told me all this before; and I have answered you often, and + always in the same way. I have no love to give you, save that which is the + result of duty and gratitude. I do not forget!—I know that you + rescued me from starvation and death—though sometimes I question + whether it would not have been better to have let me die. Life is worth + very little at its utmost best; nevertheless, I admit I have had a certain + natural joy in living, and for that I have to thank you. I have tried to + repay you by my service—” + </p> + <p> + “Do not speak of that,” he said hurriedly; “I have done nothing! You are a + genius in yourself, and would have made your way anywhere,—perhaps + better without me.” + </p> + <p> + She smiled doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + “I am not sure! The trick of oratory does not carry one very far,—not + when one is a woman! Good-night again, Sergius! Try to rest,—you + look worn out. And do not think of winning power for my sake; what power I + need I will win for myself!” + </p> + <p> + He made no answer, but watched her with jealous eyes, as she moved towards + the door. On the threshold she turned. + </p> + <p> + “Those three new associates of yours—are they trustworthy, think + you?” + </p> + <p> + He gave a gesture of indifference. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know! Who is there we can absolutely trust save ourselves? That + man, Leroy, is honest,—of that I am confident,—and he has + promised to be responsible for his friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” She paused a moment, then with another low breathed ‘good-night’ she + left the room. + </p> + <p> + He looked at the door as it closed behind her—at the chair she had + left vacant. + </p> + <p> + “Lotys!” he whispered. + </p> + <p> + His whisper came hissing softly back to him in a fine echo on the empty + space, and with a great sigh he rose, and began to turn out the flaring + lamps above his head. + </p> + <p> + “Power!—Power!” he muttered—“She could not resist it! She + would never be swayed by gold,—but power! Her genius would rise to + it—her beauty would grow to it like a rose unfolding in the sun! + ‘Past youth, and without beauty’ as she says of herself! My God! Compare + the tame pink-and-white prettiness of youth with the face of Lotys,—and + that prettiness becomes like a cheap advertisement on a hoarding or a + match-box! Contrast the perfect features, eyes and hair of the newest + social ‘beauty,’—with the magical expression, the glamour in the + eyes of Lotys,—and perfection of feature becomes the rankest + ugliness! Once in a hundred centuries a woman is born like Lotys, to drive + men mad with desire for the unattainable—to fire them with such + ambition as should make them emperors of the world, if they had but + sufficient courage to snatch their thrones—and yet,—to fill + them with such sick despair at their own incompetency and failure, as to + turn them into mere children crying for love—for love!—only + love! No matter whether worlds are lost, kings killed, and dynasties + concluded, love!—only love!—and then death!—as all + sufficient for the life of a man! And only just so long as love is denied—just + so long we can go on climbing towards the unreachable height of greatness,—then—once + we touch love, down we fall, broken-hearted; but—we have had our + day!” + </p> + <p> + The room was now in darkness, save for the glimmer of the pale moon + through the window panes, and he opened the casement and looked out. There + was a faint scent of the sea on the air, and he inhaled its salty odour + with a sense of refreshment. + </p> + <p> + “All for Lotys!” he murmured. “Working for Lotys, plotting, planning, + scheming for Lotys! The government intimidated,—the ministry cast + out,—the throne in peril,—the people in arms,—the city + in a blaze,—Revolution and Anarchy doing their wild work broad-cast + together,—all for Lotys! Always a woman in it! Search to the very + depth of every political imbroglio,—dig out the secret reason of + every war that ever was begun or ended in the world,—and there we + shall find the love or the hate of a woman at the very core of the + business! Some such secrets history knows, and has chronicled,—and + some will never be known,—but up to the present there is not even a + religion in the world where a Woman is not made the beginning of a God!” + </p> + <p> + He smiled somewhat grimly at his own fanciful musings, and then, shutting + the window, retired. The house was soon buried in profound silence and + darkness, and over the city tuneful bells rang the half-hour after + midnight. Four miles distant from the ‘quarter of the poor,’ and high + above the clustering houses of the whole magnificent metropolis, the Royal + palace towered whitely on its proud eminence in the glimmer of the moon, a + stately pile of turrets and pinnacles; and on the battlements the sentries + walked, pacing to and fro in regular march, with regular changes, all + through the night hours. Half after midnight! ‘All’s well!’ + Three-quarters, and still ‘All’s well’ sounded with the clash of steel and + a tinkle of silvery chimes. One o’clock struck,—and the drifting + clouds in heaven cleared fully, showing many brilliant stars in the + western horizon,—and a sentry passing, as noiselessly as his armour + and accoutrements would permit, along the walled battlement which + protected and overshadowed the windows of the Queen’s apartments, paused + in his walk to look with an approving eye at the clearing promise of the + weather. As he did so, a tall figure, wrapped in a thick rain-cloak, + suddenly made its unexpected appearance through a side door in the wall, + and moved rapidly towards a turret which contained a secret passage + leading to the Queen’s boudoir,—a private stairway which was never + used save by the Royal family. The sentry gave a sharp warning cry. + </p> + <p> + “Halt! Who goes there?” + </p> + <p> + The figure paused and turned, dropping its cloak. The pale moonlight fell + slantwise on the features, disclosing them fully. + </p> + <p> + “T is I! The King!” + </p> + <p> + The soldier recoiled amazed,—and quickly saluted. Before he could + recover from his astonishment he was alone again. The battlement was + empty, and the door to the turret-stairs,—of which only the King + possessed the key,—was fast locked; and for the next hour or more + the startled sentry remained staring at the skies in a sort of meditative + stupefaction, with the words still ringing like the shock of an alarm-bell + in his ears: + </p> + <p> + “‘T is I! The King!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. — THE PREMIER’S SIGNET + </h2> + <p> + The next day the sun rose with joyous brightness in a sky clear as + crystal. Storm, wind, and rain had vanished like the flying phantoms of an + evil dream, and all the beautiful land sparkled with light and life in its + enlacing girdle of turquoise blue sea. The gardens of the Royal palace, + freshened by the downpour of the past night, wore their most enchanting + aspect,—roses, with leaves still wet, dropped their scented petals + on the grass,—great lilies, with their snowy cups brimming with + rain, hung heavily on their slim green stalks, and the air was full of the + deliciously penetrating odour of the mimosa and sweetbriar. Down one + special alley, where the white philadelphus, or ‘mock orange’ grew in + thick bushes on either side, intermingled with ferns and spruce firs, + whose young green tips exhaled a pungent, healthy scent that entered into + the blood like wine and invigorated it, Sir Roger de Launay was pacing to + and fro with a swinging step which, notwithstanding its ease and soldierly + regularity, suggested something of impatience, and on a rustic seat, above + which great clusters of the philadelphus-flowers hung like a canopy, sat + Professor von Glauben, spectacles on nose, sorting a few letters which he + had just taken from his pocket for the purpose of reading them over again + carefully one by one. He was a very particular man as regarded his + correspondence. All letters that required answering he answered at once,—the + others, as he himself declared, ‘answered themselves’ in silence. + </p> + <p> + “There is no end to the crop of fools in this world,” he was fond of + saying;—“Glorious, precious fools! I love them all! They make life + worth living—but sometimes I am disposed to draw the line at + letter-writing fools. These persons chance to read a book—my book + for example,—that particularly clever one I wrote on the + possibilities of eternal life in this world. They at once snatch their + pens and write to say that they are specially deserving of this boon, and + wish to live for ever—will I tell them how? And these are the very + creatures I will not tell how—because their perpetual existence + would be a mistake and a nuisance! The individuals whose lives are really + valuable never ask anyone how to make them so.” + </p> + <p> + He looked over his letters now with a leisurely indifference. The + morning’s post had brought him nothing of special importance. He glanced + from his reading now and again at De Launay marching up and down, but said + nothing till he had quite finished with his own immediate concerns. Then + he removed his spectacles from his nose and put them by. + </p> + <p> + “Left—Right—Left—Right—Left—Right! Roger, + you remind me of my drilling days on a certain flat and dusty ground at + Coblentz! The Rhine!—the Rhine! Ah, the beautiful Rhine! So dirty—so + dull—with its toy castles, and its big, ugly factory chimneys, and + its atrociously bad wine! Roger, I beseech you to have mercy upon me, and + leave off that marching up and down,—it gets on my nerves!” + </p> + <p> + “I thought nothing ever got on your nerves,” answered Sir Roger, stopping + abruptly—“You seem to take serious matters coolly enough!” + </p> + <p> + “Serious matters demand coolness,” replied Von Glauben. “We should only + let steam out over trifles. Have you seen his Majesty this morning?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. I am to see him again at noon.” + </p> + <p> + “When do you go off duty?” + </p> + <p> + “Not for a month, at least.” + </p> + <p> + “Much may happen in that month,” said the Professor sententiously; “<i>Your</i> + hair may grow white with the strangeness of your experiences!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger met his eyes, and they both laughed. + </p> + <p> + “Though it is no laughing matter,” resumed Von Glauben. “Upon my soul as a + German,—if I have any soul of that nationality,—I think it may + be a serious business!” + </p> + <p> + “You have come round to my opinion then,” said De Launay. “I told you from + the first that it was serious!” + </p> + <p> + “The King does not think it so,” rejoined Von Glauben. “I was summoned to + his presence early this morning, and found him in the fullest health and + highest spirits.” + </p> + <p> + “Why did he send for you then?” enquired De Launay. + </p> + <p> + “To feel his pulse and look at his tongue! To make a little game of me + before he stepped out of his dressing-gown! And I enjoyed it, of course,—one + must always enjoy Royal pleasantries! I think, Roger, his Majesty wishes + this entire affair treated as a pleasantry,—by us at any rate, + however seriously he may regard it himself.” + </p> + <p> + De Launay was silent for a minute or two, then he said abruptly: + </p> + <p> + “The Premier is summoned to a private audience of the King at noon.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” And Von Glauben drew a cluster of the overhanging philadelphus + flowers down to his nose and smelt them approvingly. + </p> + <p> + “And”—went on De Launay, speaking more deliberately, “this afternoon + their Majesties sail to The Islands——” + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben jumped excitedly to his feet. + </p> + <p> + “Not possible!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger looked at him with a dawning amusement beginning to twinkle in + his clear blue eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Quite possible! So possible, that the Royal yacht is ordered to be in + readiness at three o’clock. Their Majesties and suite will dine on board, + in order to enjoy the return sail by moonlight.” + </p> + <p> + The Professor’s countenance was a study. Anxiety and vexation struggled + with the shrewd kindness and humour of his natural expression, and his + suppressed feelings found vent in a smothered exclamation, which sounded + very much like the worst of blasphemous oaths used in dire extremity by + the soldiers of the Fatherland. + </p> + <p> + “What ails you?” demanded De Launay; “You seem strangely upset for a man + of cool nerve!” + </p> + <p> + “Upset? Who—what can upset me? Nothing! Roger, if I did not respect + you so much, I should call you an ass!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger laughed. + </p> + <p> + “Call me an ass, by all means,” he said, “if it will relieve your + feelings;—but in justice to me, let me know why you do so! What is + my offence? I give you a piece of commonplace information concerning the + movements of the Court this afternoon, and you jump off your seat as if an + adder had bitten you. Why?” + </p> + <p> + “I have the gout,” said Von Glauben curtly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” And again Sir Roger laughed. “That last must have been a sharp + twinge!” + </p> + <p> + “It was—it was! Believe me, my excellent Roger, it was exceedingly + severe!” His brow smoothed, and he smiled. “See here, my dear friend!—you + know, do you not, that boys will be boys, and men will be men?” + </p> + <p> + “Both are recognised platitudes,” replied Sir Roger, his eyes still + twinkling merrily; “And both are frequently quoted to cover our various + follies!” + </p> + <p> + “True, true! But I wish to weigh more particularly on the fact that men + will be men! I am a man, Roger,—not a boy!” + </p> + <p> + “Really! Well, upon my word, I should at this moment take you for a raw + lad of about eighteen,—for you are blushing, Von Glauben!—actually + blushing!” + </p> + <p> + The Professor drew out a handkerchief, and wiped his brow. + </p> + <p> + “It is a warm morning, Roger,” he said, with a mildly reproachful air; “I + suppose I am permitted to feel the heat?” He paused—then with a + sudden burst of impatience he exclaimed: “By the Emperor’s head! It is of + no use denying it—I am very much put out, Roger! I must get a boat, + and slip off to The Islands at once!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger stared at him in complete amazement. + </p> + <p> + “You? You want to slip off to The Islands? Why, Von Glauben——!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—yes,—I know! You cannot possibly imagine what I want to + go there for! You wouldn’t suppose, would you, that I had any special + secrets—an old man like me;—for instance, you would not + suspect me of any love secrets, eh?” And he made a ludicrous attempt to + appear sentimental. “The fact is, Roger,—I have got into a little + scrape over at The Islands—” here he looked warmer and redder than + ever;—“and I want to take precautions! You understand—I want + to take care that the King does not hear of it—Gott in Himmel! What + a block of a man you are to stand there staring open-mouthed at me! Were + you never in love yourself? + </p> + <p> + “In love? In love!—you,—Professor? Pray pardon me—but—in + love? Am I to understand that there is a lady in your case?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes!—that is it,” said Von Glauben, with an air of profound relief; + “There is a lady in my case;—or my case, speaking professionally, is + that of a lady. And I shall get any sort of a sea-tub that is available, + and go over to those accursed Islands without any delay!” + </p> + <p> + “If the King should send for you while you are absent—” began De + Launay doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + “He will not send. But if he should, what of it? I am known to be somewhat + eccentric—particularly so in my love of hard work, fresh air and + exercise—besides, he has not commanded my attendance. He will not, + therefore, be surprised at my absence. I tell you, Roger,—I <i>must</i> + go! Who would have expected the King to take it into his head to visit The + Islands without a moment’s warning! What a freak!” + </p> + <p> + “And here comes the reason of the freak, if I am not very much mistaken,” + said De Launay, lowering his voice as an approaching figure flung its + lengthy shadow on the path,—“Prince Humphry!” + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben hastily drew back, De Launay also, to allow the Prince to + pass. He was walking slowly, and reading as he came. Looking up from his + book he saw, them, and as they saluted him profoundly, bade them good-day. + </p> + <p> + “You are up betimes, Professor,” he said lightly; “I suppose your + scientific wisdom teaches you the advantage of the morning air.” + </p> + <p> + “Truly, Sir, it is more healthful than that of the evening,” answered Von + Glauben in somewhat doleful accents.—“For example, a sail across the + sea with the morning breeze, is better than the same sort of excursion in + the glamour of the moon!” + </p> + <p> + Prince Humphry looked steadfastly at him, and evidently read something of + a warning, or a suggestion, in his face, for he coloured slightly and bit + his lip. + </p> + <p> + “Do you agree with that theory, Sir Roger,” he said, turning to De Launay. + </p> + <p> + “I have not tested it, Sir,” replied the equerry, “But I imagine that + whatever Professor von Glauben asserts must be true!” + </p> + <p> + The young man glanced quickly from one to the other, and then with a + careless air turned over the pages of the book he held. + </p> + <p> + “In the earlier ages of the world,” he said,—“men and women, I + think, must have been happier than they are now, if this book may be + believed. I find here written down—What is it, Professor? You have + something to say?” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, Sir,” said Von Glauben,—“But you said—‘If this + book may be believed.’ I humbly venture to declare that no book may be + believed!” + </p> + <p> + “Not even your own, when it is written?” queried the Prince with a smile; + “You would not like the world to say so! Nay, but listen, Professor,—here + is a thought very beautifully expressed—and it was written in an + ancient language of the East, thousands of years before we, in our quarter + of the world, ever dreamt of civilization.—‘Of all the sentiments, + passions or virtues which in their divers turns affect the life of a man, + the influence and emotion of Love is surely the greatest and highest. We + do not here speak of the base and villainous craving of bodily appetite; + but of that pure desire of the unfettered soul which beholding perfection, + straightway and naturally flies to the same. This love doth so elevate and + instruct a man, that he seeketh nothing better than to be worthy of it, to + attempt great deeds and valiantly perform them, to confront foul abuses, + and most potently destroy them,—and to esteem the powers and riches + of this world as dross, weighed against this rare and fiery talisman. For + it is a jewel which doth light up the heart, and make it strong to support + all sorrow and ill fortune with cheerfulness, knowing that it is in itself + of so lasting a quality as to subjugate all things and events unto its + compelling sway.’ What think you of this? Sir Roger, there is a whole + volume of comprehension in your face! Give some word of it utterance!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger looked up. + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing to say, Sir,” he replied; “Your ancient writer merely + expresses a truth we are all conscious of. All poets, worthy the name, and + all authors, save and except the coldest logicians, deem the world well + lost for love.” + </p> + <p> + “More fools they!” said Von Glauben gruffly; “Love is a mere illusion, + which is generally destroyed by one simple ceremony—Marriage!” + </p> + <p> + Prince Humphry smiled. + </p> + <p> + “You have never tried the cure, Professor,” he said, “But I daresay you + have suffered from the disease! Will you walk with me?” + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben bowed a respectful assent; and the Prince, with a kindly nod + of dismissal to De Launay, went on his way, the Professor by his side. Sir + Roger watched them as they disappeared, and saw, that at the furthest end + of the alley, when they were well out of ear-shot, they appeared to engage + in very close and confidential conversation. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder,” he mused, “I wonder what it all means? Von Glauben is + evidently mixed up in some affair that he wishes to keep secret from the + King. Can it concern Prince Humphry? And The Islands! What can Von Glauben + want over there?” + </p> + <p> + His brief meditation was interrupted by a soft voice calling. + </p> + <p> + “Roger!” + </p> + <p> + He started, and at once advanced to meet the approaching intruder, his + sister, Teresa de Launay, a pretty brunette, with dark sparkling eyes, one + of the favourite ladies of honour in attendance on the Queen. + </p> + <p> + “What were you dreaming about?” she asked, as he came near, “And what is + the Prince doing with old Von Glauben?” + </p> + <p> + “Two questions at once, Teresa!” he said, stooping his tall head to kiss + her; “I cannot possibly answer both in a breath! But answer me just one—What + are you here for?” + </p> + <p> + “To summon <i>you</i>!” she answered. “The Queen desires you to wait upon + her immediately.” + </p> + <p> + She fixed her bright eyes upon him as she spoke, and an involuntary sigh + escaped her, as she noted the touch of pallor that came on his face at her + words. + </p> + <p> + “Where is her Majesty?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Here—close at hand—in the arbour. She spied you at a distance + through the trees, and sent me to fetch you.” + </p> + <p> + “You had best return to her at once, and say that I am coming.” + </p> + <p> + His sister looked at him again, and hesitated—he gave a slight, + vexed gesture of impatience, whereupon she hurried away, with flying + footsteps as light as those of a fabled sylph of the woodlands. He watched + her go, and for a moment an expression came into his eyes of intense + suffering—the look of a noble dog who is suddenly struck + undeservedly by an unkind master. + </p> + <p> + “She sends for me!” he muttered; “What for? To amuse herself by reading + every thought of my life with her cold eyes? Why can she not leave me + alone?” + </p> + <p> + He walked on then, with a quiet, even pace, and presently reaching the end + of the alley, came out on a soft stretch of greensward facing a small + ornamental lake and fountain. Here grew tall rushes, bamboos and + flag-flowers—here, too, on the quiet lake floated water-lilies, + white and pink, opening their starry hearts to the glory of the morning + sun. A quaintly shaped, rustic arbour covered with jasmine, faced the + pool, and here sat the Queen alone and unattended, save by Teresa de + Launay, who drew a little apart as her brother, Sir Roger, approached, and + respectfully bent his head in the Royal presence. For quite a minute he + stood thus in dumb attention, his eyes lowered, while the Queen glanced at + him with a curious expression, half of doubt, half of commiseration. + Suddenly, as if moved by a quick impulse, she rose—a stately, + exquisite figure, looking even more beautiful in her simple morning robe + of white cashmere and lace, than in all the glory of her Court attire,—and + extended her hand. Humbly and reverentially he bent over it, and kissed + the great jewel sparkling like a star on the central finger. As he then + raised his eyes to her face she smiled;—that smile of hers, so + dazzling, so sweet, and yet so cold, had sent many men to their deaths, + though she knew it not. + </p> + <p> + “I see very little of you, Sir Roger,” she said slowly, “notwithstanding + your close attendance on my lord the King. Yet I know I can command your + service!” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” murmured De Launay, “my life——” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no,” she rejoined quickly, “not your life! Your life, like mine, + belongs to the King and the country. You must give all, or not at all!” + </p> + <p> + “Madam, I do give all!” he answered, with a look in his eyes of mingled + pain and passion; “No man can give more!” + </p> + <p> + She surveyed him with a little meditative, almost amused air. + </p> + <p> + “You have strong feelings, Sir Roger,” she said; “I wonder what it is like—to + <i>feel</i>?” + </p> + <p> + “If I may dare to say so, Madam, I should wish you to experience the + sensation,” he returned somewhat bitterly; “Sometimes we awaken to + emotions too late—sometimes we never awaken. But I think it is + wisest to experience the nature of a storm, in order to appreciate the + value of a calm!” + </p> + <p> + “You think so?” She smiled indulgently. “Storm and calm are to me alike! I + am affected by neither. Life is so exceedingly trivial an affair, and is + so soon over, that I have never been able to understand why people should + ever trouble themselves about anything in it.” + </p> + <p> + “You may not always be lacking in this comprehension, Madam,” said Sir + Roger, with a certain harshness in his tone, yet with the deepest respect + in his manner; “I take it that life and the world are but a preparation + for something greater, and that we shall be forced to learn our lessons in + this preparatory school before we leave it, whether we like it or no!” + </p> + <p> + The slight smile still lingered on her beautiful mouth,—she pulled a + spray of jasmine down from the trailing clusters around her, and set it + carelessly among the folds of her lace. Sir Roger watched her with moody + eyes. Could he have followed his own inclination, he would have snatched + the flower from her dress and kissed it, in a kind of fierce defiance + before her very eyes. But what would be the result of such an act? Merely + a little contemptuous lifting of the delicate brows—a slight frown + on the fair forehead, and a calm gesture of dismissal. No more—no + more than this; for just as she could not be moved to love, neither could + she be moved to anger. The words of an old song rang in his ears:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + She laughs at the thought of love— + Pain she scorns, and sorrow she sets aside— + My heart she values less than her broidered glove, + She would smile if I died! +</pre> + <p> + “You are a man, Sir Roger de Launay,” she said after a pause, “And + man-like, you propound any theory which at the moment happens to fit your + own particular humour. I am, however, entirely of your opinion that this + life is only a term of preparation, and with this conviction I desire to + have as little to do with its vile and ugly side as I can. It is possible + to accept with gratitude the beautiful things of Nature, and reject the + rest, is it not?” + </p> + <p> + “As you ask me the question point-blank, Madam, I say it is possible,—it + can be done,—and you do it. But it is wrong!” + </p> + <p> + She raised her languid eyelids, showing no offence. + </p> + <p> + “Wrong?” + </p> + <p> + “Wrong, Madam!” repeated Sir Roger bluntly; “It is wrong to shut from your + sight, from your heart, from your soul the ugly side of Nature;—to + shut your ears to the wants—the pains—the tortures—the + screams—the tears, and groans of humanity! Oh, Madam, the ugly side + has a strange beauty of its own that you dream not of! God makes ugliness + as he makes beauty; God created the volcano belching forth fire and molten + lava, as He created the simple stream bordered with meadow flowers! Why + should you reject the ugly, the fierce, the rebellious side of things? + Rather take it into your gracious thoughts and prayers, Madam, and help to + make it beautiful!” + </p> + <p> + He spoke with a force which surprised himself—he was carried away by + a passion that seemed almost outside his own identity. She looked at him + curiously. + </p> + <p> + “Does the King teach you to speak thus to me?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + De Launay started,—the hot colour mounting to his cheeks and brow. + </p> + <p> + “Madam!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, no excuse! I understand! It is your own thought; but a thought which + is no doubt suddenly inspired by the King’s actions,” she went on + tranquilly; “You are in his confidence. He is adopting new measures of + domestic policy, in which, perchance, I may or may not be included—as + it suits my pleasure! Who knows!” Again the little musing smile crossed + her countenance. “It is of the King I wish to speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + She glanced around her, and saw that her lady-in-waiting, Teresa de + Launay, had discreetly wandered by herself to the edge of the water-lily + pool, and was bending over it, a graceful, pensive figure in the near + distance, within call, but certainly not within hearing. + </p> + <p> + “You are in his confidence,” she repeated, drawing a step nearer to him, + “and—so am I! You will not disclose his movements—nor shall I! + But you are his close attendant and friend,—I am merely—his + wife! I make you responsible for his safety!” + </p> + <p> + “Madam, I pray you pardon me!” exclaimed De Launay; “His Majesty has a + will of his own,—and his sacred life is not in my hands. I will + defend him to the utmost limit of human possibility,—but if he + voluntarily runs into danger, and disregards all warning, I, as his poor + servant, am not to blame!” + </p> + <p> + Her eyes, brilliant and full of a compelling magnetism, dwelt upon him + steadfastly. + </p> + <p> + “I repeat my command,” she said deliberately, “I make you responsible! You + are a strong man and a brave one. If the King is rash, it is the duty of + his servants to defend him from the consequences of his rashness; + particularly if that rashness leads him into danger for a noble purpose. + Should any mischance befall him, let me never see your face again! Die + yourself, rather than let your King die!” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke these words she motioned him away with a grand gesture of + dismissal, and he retired back from her presence in a kind of stunned + amazement. Never before in all the days of her social sway as + Crown-Princess, had she ever condescended to speak to him on any matter of + confidence,—never during her three years of sovereignty as + Queen-Consort had she apparently taken note, or cared to know any of the + affairs connected with the King, her husband. The mere fact that now her + interest was roused, moved De Launay to speechless wonderment. He hardly + dared raise his eyes to look at her, as she turned from him and went + slowly, with her usual noiseless, floating grace of movement, towards the + water-lily pool, there to rejoin her attendant, Teresa de Launay, who at + the same time advanced to meet her Royal mistress. A moment more, and + Queen and lady of honour had disappeared together, and De Launay was left + alone. A little bird, swinging on a branch above his head, piped a few + tender notes to the green leaves and the sunlit sky, but beyond this, and + the measured plash of the fountain, no sound disturbed the stillness of + the garden. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, Roger de Launay,” he said bitterly to himself, “you are an + ass sufficiently weighted with burdens! The love of a Queen, and the life + of a King are enough for one man’s mind to carry with any degree of + safety! If it were not for the King, I think I should leave this country + and seek some other service—but I owe him much,—if only by + reason of my own heart’s folly!” + </p> + <p> + Impatient with himself, he strode away, straight across the lawn and back + to the palace. Here he noticed just the slightest atmosphere of uneasiness + among some of the retainers of the Royal household,—a vague + impression of flurry and confusion. Through various passages and + corridors, attendants and pages were either running about with extra + haste, or else strolling to and fro with extra slowness. As he turned into + one of the ante-chambers, he suddenly confronted a tall, military-looking + personage in plain civilian attire, whom he at once recognized as the + Chief of the Police. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Bernhoff!” he said lightly, “any storms brewing?” + </p> + <p> + “None that call for particular attention, Sir Roger,” replied the + individual addressed; “But I have been sent for by the King, and am here + awaiting his pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger showed no sign of surprise, and with a friendly nod passed on. + He began to find the situation rather interesting. + </p> + <p> + “After all,” he argued inwardly, “there is nothing to hinder the King from + being a social autocrat, even if he cannot by the rules of the + Constitution be a political one. And we should do well to remember that + politics are governed entirely by social influence. It is the same thing + all over the world—a deluded populace—a social movement which + elects a parliament and ministry—and then the result,—which + is, that this or that party hold the reins of government, on whichever + side happens to be most advantageous to the immediate social and financial + whim. The people are the grapes crushed into wine for their rulers’ + drinking; and the King is merely the wine-cup on the festal board. If he + once begins to be something more than that cup, there will be an end of + revelry!” + </p> + <p> + His ideas were not without good foundation in fact. Throughout all + history, where a strong man has ruled a nation, whether for good or ill, + he has left his mark; and where there has been no strong man, the annals + of the time are vapid and uninteresting. Governments emanate from social + influences. The social rule of the Roman Emperors bred athletes, heroes, + and poets, merely because physical strength and courage, combined with + heroism and poetic perception were encouraged by Roman society. The social + rule of England’s Elizabeth had its result in the brilliant attainments of + the many great men who crowded her Court—the social rule of + Victoria, until the death of the Prince Consort, bred gentle women and + chivalrous men. In all these cases, the reigning monarchs governed + society, and society governed politics. Politics, indeed, can scarcely be + considered apart from society, because on the nature and character of + society depend the nature and character of politics. If society is made up + of corrupt women and unprincipled men, the spirit of political government + will be as corrupt and unprincipled as they. If any King, beholding such a + state of things, were to suddenly cut himself clear of the corruption, and + to make a straight road for his own progress—clean and open—and + elect to walk in it, society would follow his lead, and as a logical + consequence politics would become honourable. But no monarchs have the + courage of their opinions nowadays,—if only one sovereign of them + all possessed such courage, he could move the world! + </p> + <p> + The long bright day unwound its sunny hours, crowned with blue skies and + fragrant winds, and the life and movement of the fair city by the sea was + gay, incessant and ever-changing. There was some popular interest and + excitement going on down at the quay, for the usual idle crowd had + collected to see the Royal yacht being prepared for her afternoon’s + cruise. Though she was always kept ready for sailing, the King’s orders + this time had been sudden and peremptory, and, consequently, all the men + on board were exceptionally hard at work getting things in immediate + readiness. The fact that the Queen was to accompany the King in the + afternoon’s trip to The Islands, where up to the present she had never + been, was a matter of lively comment,—her extraordinary beauty never + failing to attract a large number of sight-seers. + </p> + <p> + In the general excitement, no one saw Professor von Glauben quietly enter + a small and common sailing skiff, manned by two ordinary fishermen of the + shore, and scud away with the wind over the sea towards the west, where, + in the distance on this clear day, a gleaming line of light showed where + The Islands lay, glistening like emerald and pearl in the midst of the + dark blue waste of water. His departure was unnoticed, though as a rule + the King’s private physician commanded some attention, not only by reason + of his confidential post in the Royal household, but also on account of + certain rumours which were circulated through the country concerning his + wonderful skill in effecting complete cures where all hope of recovery had + been abandoned. It was whispered, indeed, that he had discovered the + ‘Elixir of Life,’ but that he would not allow its properties to be made + known, lest as the Scripture saith, man should ‘take and eat and live for + ever.’ It was not advisable—so the Professor was reported to have + said—that all men should live for ever,—but only a chosen few; + and he, at present, was apparently the privileged person who alone was + fitted to make the selection of those few. For this and various other + reasons, he was generally looked at with considerable interest, but this + morning, owing to the hurried preparations for the embarking of their + Majesties on board the Royal yacht, he managed to escape from even chance + recognition,—and he was well over the sea, and more than half-way to + his destination before the bells of the city struck noon. + </p> + <p> + Punctual to that hour, a close carriage drove up to the palace. It + contained no less a personage than the Prime Minister, the Marquis de + Lutera,—a dark, heavy man, with small furtive eyes, a ponderous jaw, + and a curious air of seeming for ever on an irritable watch for offences. + His aspect was intellectual, yet always threatening; and his frigid manner + was profoundly discouraging to all who sought to win his attention or + sympathy. He entered the palace now with an easy, not to say assertive + deportment, and as he ascended the broad staircase which led to the King’s + private apartments, he met the Chief of the Police coming down. This + latter saluted him, but he barely acknowledged the courtesy, so taken by + surprise was he at the sight of this administrative functionary in the + palace at so early an hour. However, it was impossible to ask any + questions of him on the grand staircase, within hearing of the Royal + lackeys; so he continued on his way upstairs, with as much dignity as his + heavily-moulded figure would permit him to display, till he reached the + upper landing known as the ‘King’s Corridor,’ where Sir Roger de Launay + was in waiting to conduct him to his sovereign’s presence. To him the + Marquis addressed the question: + </p> + <p> + “Bernhoff has been with the King?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. For more than an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Any robbery in the palace?” + </p> + <p> + De Launay smiled. + </p> + <p> + “I think not! So far as I am permitted to be cognisant of events, there is + nothing wrong!” + </p> + <p> + The Marquis looked slightly perplexed. + </p> + <p> + “The King is well?” + </p> + <p> + “Remarkably well—and in excellent humour! He is awaiting you, + Marquis,—permit me to escort you to him!” + </p> + <p> + The carved and gilded doors of the Royal audience-chamber were thereupon + flung back, and the Marquis entered, ushered in by De Launay. The doors + closed again upon them both; and for some time there was profound silence + in the King’s corridor, no intruder venturing to approach save two + gentlemen-at-arms, who paced slowly up and down at either end on guard. At + the expiration of about an hour, Sir Roger came out alone, and, glancing + carelessly around him, strolled to the head of the grand staircase, and + waited patiently there for quite another thirty minutes. At last the doors + were flung open widely again, and the King himself appeared, clad in easy + yachting attire, and walking with one hand resting on the arm of the + Marquis de Lutera, who, from his expression, seemed curiously perturbed. + </p> + <p> + “Then you will not come with us, Marquis?” said the King, with an air of + gaiety; “You are too much engrossed in the affairs of Government to break + loose for an afternoon from politics for the sake of pleasure? Ah, well! + You are a matchless worker! Renowned as you are for your studious + observation of all that may tend to the advancement of the nation’s + interests—admired as you are for the complete sacrifice of all your + own advantages to the better welfare of the country, I will not (though I + might as your sovereign), command your attendance on this occasion! I know + the affairs you have in hand are pressing and serious!” + </p> + <p> + “They will be more than usually so, Sir,” said the Marquis in a low voice; + “for if you persist in maintaining your present attitude, the foreign + controversy in which we are engaged can scarcely go on. But your action + will be questioned by the Government!” + </p> + <p> + The King laughed. + </p> + <p> + “Good! By all means question it, my dear Marquis! Prove me an + unconstitutional monarch, if you like, and put Humphry on the throne in my + place,—but ask the People first! If they condemn me, I am satisfied + to be condemned! But the present political difference between ourselves + and a friendly nation must be arranged without offence. There does not + exist at the moment any reasonable cause for fanning the dispute into a + flame of war.”—He paused, then resumed—“You will not come with + us?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, if you will permit me to refuse the honour on this occasion——” + </p> + <p> + “The permission is granted!” replied the King, still smiling; “Farewell, + Marquis! We are not in the habit of absenting ourselves from our own + country, after the fashion of certain of our Royal neighbours, who shall + be nameless; and we conceive it our duty to make ourselves acquainted with + the habits and customs of all our subjects in all quarters of our realm. + Hence our resolve to visit The Islands, which, to our shame be it said, we + have neglected until now. We expect to derive both pleasure and + instruction from the brief voyage!” + </p> + <p> + “Are the islanders aware of your intention, Sir?” enquired the Marquis. + </p> + <p> + “Nay—to prepare them would have spoilt our pleasure!” replied the + King. “We will take them by surprise! We have heard of certain countries, + whose villages and towns have never seen the reigning sovereign,—and + though we have been but three years on the throne, we have resolved that + no corner of our kingdom shall lack the sunlight of our presence!” He gave + a mirthful side-glance at De Launay. Then, extending his hand cordially, + he added: “May all success attend your efforts, Marquis, to smooth over + this looming quarrel between ourselves and our friendly trade-rivals! I, + for one, would not have it go further. I shall see you again at the + Council during the week.” + </p> + <p> + As the premier’s hand met that of his Sovereign, the latter exclaimed + suddenly: + </p> + <p> + “Ah!—I thought I missed a customary friend from my finger; I have + forgotten my signet-ring! Will you lend me yours for to-day, Marquis?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, if you will deign to wear it!” replied the Marquis readily, and at + once slipping off the ring in question, he handed it to the King, who + smilingly accepted it and put it on. + </p> + <p> + “A fine sapphire!” he said approvingly; “Better, I think, than my ruby!” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, your praise enhances its value,” said De Lutera bowing profoundly; + “I shall from henceforth esteem it priceless!” + </p> + <p> + “Well said!” returned the King, “And rightly too!—for diplomacy is + wise in flattering a king to the last, even while meditating on his + possible downfall! Adieu, Marquis! When we next meet, I shall expect good + news!” + </p> + <p> + He descended the staircase, closely attended by De Launay, and passed at + once into a larger room of audience, where some notable persons of foreign + distinction were waiting to be received. On the way thither, however, he + turned to Sir Roger for a moment, and held up the hand on which the + Marquis de Lutera’s signet flashed like a blue point of flame. + </p> + <p> + “Behold the Premier’s signet!” he said with a smile; “Methinks, for once, + it suits the King!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. — THE ISLANDS + </h2> + <p> + Surrounded by a boundless width of dark blue sea at all visible points of + view, The Islands, lovely tufts of wooded rock, trees, and full-flowering + meadowlands, were situated in such a happy position as to be well out of + all possibility of modern innovation or improvement. They were too small + to contain much attraction for the curious tourist; and though they were + only a two-hours’ sail from the mainland, the distance was just + sufficiently inconvenient to keep mere sight-seers away. For more than a + hundred years they had been almost exclusively left to the coral-fishers, + who had made their habitation there; and the quaint, small houses, and + flowering vineyards and gardens, dotted about in the more fertile portions + of the soil, had all been built and planned by a former race of these + hardy folk, who had handed their properties down from father to son. They + were on the whole, a peaceable community. Coral-fishing was one of the + chief industries of the country, and the islanders passed all their days + in obtaining the precious product, cleansing, and preparing it for the + market. They were understood to be extremely jealous of strangers and + intruders, and to hold certain social traditions which had never been + questioned or interfered with by any form of existing government, because + in themselves they gave no cause for interference, being counted among the + most orderly and law-abiding subjects of the realm. Very little interest + was taken in their doings by the people of the mainland,—scarcely as + much interest, perhaps, as is taken by Londoners in the inhabitants of + Orkney or Shetland. One or two scholars, a stray botanist here and there, + or a few students fond of adventure, had visited the place now and again, + and some of these had brought back enthusiastic accounts of the loveliness + of the natural scenery, but where a whole country is beautiful, little + heed is given to one small corner of it, particularly if that corner is + difficult of access, necessitating a two hours’ sail across a not always + calm sea. Vague reports were current that there was a strange house on The + Islands, built very curiously out of the timbers and spars of wrecked + vessels. The owner of this abode was said to be a man of advanced age, + whose history was unknown, but who many years ago had been cast ashore + from a great shipwreck, and had been rescued and revived by the + coral-fishers, since when, he had lived among them, and worked with them. + No one knew anything about him beyond that since his advent The Islands + had been more cultivated, and their inhabitants more prosperous; and that + he was understood to be, in the language or dialect of the country, a + ‘life-philosopher.’ Whereat, hearing these things by chance now and then, + or seeing a scrappy line or two in the daily press when active reporters + had no murders or suicides to enlarge upon, and wanted to ‘fill up space,’ + the gay aristocrats or ‘smart set’ of the metropolis laughed at their + dinner-parties and balls, and asked one another inanely, “What is a + ‘life-philosopher’?” + </p> + <p> + In the same way, when a small volume of poetry, burning as lava, wild as a + storm-wind, came floating out on the top of the seething soup of current + literature, bearing the name of Paul Zouche, and it was said that this + person was a poet, they questioned smilingly, “Is he dead?” for, + naturally, they could not imagine these modern days were capable of giving + birth to a living specimen of the <i>genus</i> bard. For they, too, had + their motor-cars from France and England;—they, too, had their + gambling-dens secreted in private houses of high repute,—they, too, + had their country-seats specially indicated as free to such house-parties + as wished to indulge in low intrigue and unbridled licentiousness; they, + too, weary of simple Christianity, had their own special ‘religions’ of + palmistry, crystal-gazing, fortune-telling by cards, and Esoteric + ‘faith-healing.’ The days were passing with them—as it passes with + many of their ‘set’ in other countries,—in complete forgetfulness of + all the nobler ambitions and emotions which lift Man above the level of + his companion Beast. For the time is now upon us when what has formerly + been known as ‘high’ is of its own accord sinking to the low, and what has + been called the ‘low’ is rising to the high. Strange times!—strange + days!—when the tradesman can scorn the duchess on account of her + ‘dirty mind’—when a certain nobleman can get no honest labourers to + work on his estate, because they suspect him of ‘rooking’ young college + lads;—and when a church in a seaport town stands empty every Sunday, + with its bells ringing in vain, because the congregation which should fill + it, know that their so-called ‘holy man’ is a rascal! All over the world + this rebellion against Falsehood,—this movement towards Truth is + felt,—all over the world the people are growing strong on their + legs, and clear in their brains;—no longer cramped and stunted + starvelings, they are gradually developing into full growth, and awaking + to intelligent action. And wherever the dominion of priestcraft has been + destroyed, there they are found at their best and bravest, with a + glimmering dawn of the true Christian spirit beginning to lighten their + darkness,—a spirit which has no race or sect, but is all-embracing, + all-loving, and all-benevolent;—which ‘thinketh no evil,’ but is so + nobly sufficing in its tenderness and patience, as to persuade the + obstinate, govern the unruly, and recover the lost, by the patient + influence of its own example. On the reverse side of the medal, wherever + we see priestcraft dominant, there we see ignorance and corruption, vice + and hypocrisy, and such a low standard of morals and education as is + calculated to keep the soul a slave in irons, with no possibility of any + intellectual escape into the ‘glorious liberty of the free.’ + </p> + <p> + The afternoon was one of exceptional brilliance and freshness, when, + punctually at three o’clock, the Royal yacht hoisted sail, and dipped + gracefully away from the quay with their Majesties on board, amid the + cheers of an enthusiastic crowd. A poet might have sung of the scene in + fervid rhyme, so pretty and gay were all the surroundings,—the + bright skies, the dancing sea, the flying flags and streamers, and the + soft music of the Court orchestra, a band of eight players on stringed + instruments, which accompanied the Royal party on their voyage of + pleasure. The Queen stood on deck, leaning against the mast, her eyes + fixed on the shore, as the vessel swung round, and bore away towards the + west;—the people, elbowing each other, and climbing up on each + other’s shoulders and on the posts of the quay, merely to get a passing + glimpse of her beauty, all loyally cheering and waving their hats and + handkerchiefs, were as indifferent to her sight and soul as an ant-heap in + a garden walk. She had accustomed her mind to dwell on things beyond life, + and life itself had little interest for her. This was because she had been + set among the shams of worldly state and ceremonial from her earliest + years, and being of a profound and thoughtful nature, had grown up to + utterly despise the hollowness and hypocrisy of her surroundings. In + extenuation of the coldness of her temperament, it may be said that her + rooted aversion to men arose from having studied them too closely and + accurately. In her marriage she had fulfilled, or thought she had + fulfilled, a mere duty to the State—no more; and the easy conduct of + her husband during his apprenticeship to the throne as Heir-Apparent, had + not tended in any way to show her anything particularly worthy of + admiration or respect in his character. And so she had gone on her chosen + way, removed and apart from his,—and the years had flown by, and now + she was,—as she said to herself with a little touch of contempt,—‘old—for + a woman!’—while the King remained ‘young,—for a man! ‘This was + a mortifying reflection. True, her beauty was more perfect than in her + youth, and there were no signs as yet of its decay. She knew well enough + the extent of her charm,—she knew how easily she could command + homage wherever she went,—and knowing, she did not care. Or rather—she + had not cared. Was it possible she would ever care, and perhaps at a time + when it was no use caring? A certain irritability, quite foreign to her + usual composure, fevered her blood, and it arose from one simple admission + which she had been forced to make to herself within the last few days, and + this was, that her husband was as much her kingly superior in heart and + mind as he was in rank and power. She had never till now imagined him + capable of performing a brave deed, or pursuing an independently noble + course of action. Throughout all the days of his married life he had + followed the ordinary routine of his business or pleasure with scarce a + break,—in winter to his country seat on the most southern coast of + his southern land,—in spring to the capital,—in full summer to + some fashionable ‘bath’ or ‘cure,’—in autumn to different great + houses for the purpose of shooting other people’s game by their obsequious + invitation,—and in the entire round he had never shown himself + capable of much more than a flirtation with the prettiest or the most + pushing new beauty, or a daring ride on the latest invention for + travelling at lightning speed. She had noticed a certain change in him + since he had ascended the throne, but she had attributed this to the + excessive boredom of having to attend to State affairs. + </p> + <p> + Now, however, all at once and without warning, this change had developed + into what was evidently likely to prove a complete transformation—and + he had surprised her into an involuntary, and more or less reluctant + admiration of qualities which she had never hitherto suspected in him. She + had consented to join him on this occasion in his trip to The Islands, in + order to try and fathom the actual drift of his intentions,—for his + idea that their son, Prince Humphry, had yielded to some particular + feminine attraction there, piqued her curiosity even more than her + interest. She turned away now from her observation of the shore, as it + receded on the horizon and became a mere thin line of light which vanished + in its turn as the vessel curtsied onward; and she moved to the place + prepared for her accommodation—a sheltered corner of the deck, + covered by silken awnings, and supplied with luxurious deck chairs and + footstools. Here two of her ladies were waiting to attend upon her, but + none of the rougher sex she so heartily abhorred. As she seated herself + among her cushions with her usual indolent grace, she raised her eyes and + saw, standing at a respectful distance from her, a distinguished personage + who had but lately arrived at the Court, from England,—Sir Walter + Langton, a daring traveller and explorer in far countries,—one who + had earned high distinction at the point of the sword. He had been + presented to her some evenings since, among a crowd of other notabilities, + and she had, as was her usual custom with all men, scarcely given him a + passing glance. Now as she regarded him, she suddenly decided, out of the + merest whim, to call him to her side. She sent one of her ladies to him, + charged with her invitation to approach and take his seat near her. He + hastened to obey, with some surprise, and no little pleasure. He was a + handsome man of about forty, sun-browned and keen of eye, with a grave + intellectual face after the style of a Vandyk portrait, and a kindly + smile; and he was happily devoid of all that unbecoming officiousness and + obsequiousness which some persons affect when in the presence of Royalty. + He bowed profoundly as the Queen received him, saying to him with a smile:— + </p> + <p> + “You are a stranger here, Sir Walter Langton!—I cannot allow you to + feel solitary in our company!” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible for anyone to feel solitary when you are near, Madam?” + returned Sir Walter gallantly, as he obeyed the gesture with which she + motioned him to be seated;—“You must be weary of hearing that even + your silent presence is sufficient to fill space with melody and charm! + And I am not altogether a stranger; I know this country well, though I + have never till now had the honour of visiting its ruling sovereign.” + </p> + <p> + “It is very unlike England,” said the Queen, slowly unfurling her fan of + soft white plumage and waving it to and fro. + </p> + <p> + “Very unlike, indeed!” he agreed, and a musing tenderness darkened his + fine hazel eyes as he gazed out on the sparkling sea. + </p> + <p> + “You like England best?” resumed the Queen. + </p> + <p> + “Madam, I am an Englishman! To me there is no land so fair, or so much + worth living and dying for, as England!” + </p> + <p> + “Yet—I suppose, like all your countrymen, you are fond of change?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—and no, Madam!” replied Langton.—“In truth, if I am to + speak frankly, it is only during the last thirty or forty years that my + countrymen have blotted their historical scutcheons by this fondness for + change. Where travelling is necessary for the attainment of some worthy + object, then it is wise and excellent,—but where it is only for the + purpose of distracting a self-satiated mind, it is of no avail, and indeed + frequently does more harm than good.” + </p> + <p> + “Self-satiated!” repeated the Queen,—“Is not that a strange word?” + </p> + <p> + “It is the only compound expression I can use to describe the discontented + humour in which the upper classes of English society exist to-day,” + replied Sir Walter. “For many years the soul of England has been held in + chains by men whose thoughts are all of Self,—the honour of England + has been attainted by women whose lives are moulded from first to last on + Self. To me, personally, England is everything,—I have no thought + outside it—no wish beyond it. Yet I am as ashamed of some of its + leaders of opinion to-day, as if I saw my own mother dragged in the dust + and branded with infamy!” + </p> + <p> + “You speak of your Government?” began the Queen. + </p> + <p> + “No, Madam,—I have no more quarrel with my country’s present + Government than I could have with a child who is led into a ditch by its + nurse. It is a weak and corrupted Government; and its actual rulers are + vile and abandoned women.” + </p> + <p> + The Queen’s eyes opened in a beautiful, startled wonderment;—this + man’s clear, incisive manner of speech interested her. + </p> + <p> + “Women!” she echoed, then smiled; “You speak strongly, Sir Walter! I have + certainly heard of the ‘advanced’ women who push themselves so much + forward in your country, but I had no idea they were so mischievous! Are + they to be admired? Or pitied?” + </p> + <p> + “Pitied, Madam,—most sincerely pitied!” returned Sir Walter;—“But + such misguided simpletons as these are not the creatures who rule, or play + with, or poison the minds of the various members who compose our + Government. The ‘advanced’ women, poor souls, do nothing but talk + platitudes. They are perfectly harmless. They have no power to persuade + men, because in nine cases out of ten, they have neither wit nor beauty. + And without either of these two charms, Madam, it is difficult to put even + a clever cobbler, much less a Prime Minister, into leading strings! No,—it + is the spendthrift women of a corrupt society that I mean,—the women + who possess beauty, and are conscious of it,—the women who have a + mordant wit and use it for dangerous purposes—the women who give up + their homes, their husbands, their children and their reputations for the + sake of villainous intrigue, and the feverish excitement of speculative + money-making;—with these—and with the stealthy spread of + Romanism,—will come the ruin of my country!” + </p> + <p> + “So grave as all that!” said the Queen lightly;—“But, surely, Sir + Walter, if you see ruin and disaster threatening so great an Empire in the + far distance, you and other wise men of your land are able to stave it + off?” + </p> + <p> + “Madam, I have no power!” he returned bitterly. “Those who have thought + and worked,—those who are able to see what is coming by the light of + past experience, are seldom listened to, or if they get a hearing, they + are not seldom ridiculed and ‘laughed down.’ Till a strong man speaks, we + must all remain dumb. There is no real Government in England at present, + just as there is no real Church. The Government is made up of directly + self-interested speculators and financiers rather than diplomatists,—the + Church, for which our forefathers fought, is yielding to the bribery of + Rome. It is a time of Sham,—sham politics, and sham religion! We + have fallen upon evil days,—and unless the people rise, as it is to + be hoped to God they will, serious danger threatens the glory and the + honour of England!” + </p> + <p> + “Would you desire revolution and bloodshed, then?” enquired the Queen, + becoming more and more interested as she saw that this Englishman did not, + like most of his sex, pass the moments in gazing at her in speechless + admiration,—“Surely not!” + </p> + <p> + “I would have revolution, Madam, but not bloodshed,” he replied;—“I + think my countrymen are too well grounded in common-sense to care for any + movement which could bring about internal dissension or riot,—but, + at the same time, I believe their native sense of justice is great enough + to resist tyranny and wrong and falsehood, even to the death. I would have + a revolution—yes—but a silent and bloodless one!” + </p> + <p> + “And how would you begin?” asked the Queen. + </p> + <p> + “The People must begin, Madam!” he answered;—“All reforms must begin + and end with the People only! For example, if the People would decline to + attend any church where the incumbent is known to encourage practices + which are disloyal to the faith of the land, such disloyalty would soon + cease. If the majority of women would refuse to know, or to receive, any + woman of high position who had voluntarily disgraced herself, they would + soon put a stop to the lax morality of the upper classes. If our builders, + artisans and mechanics would club together, and refuse to make guns or + ships for our enemies in foreign countries, we should not run the risk of + being one day hoisted with our own petard. In any case, the work of + Revolution rests with the people, though it is quite true they need + teachers to show them how to begin.” + </p> + <p> + “And are these teachers forthcoming?” + </p> + <p> + “I think so!” said Sir Walter meditatively. “Throughout all history, as + far back as we can trace it, whenever a serious reform has been needed in + either society or government, there has always been found a leader to head + the movement.” + </p> + <p> + The Queen’s beautiful eyes rested upon him with a certain curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “What of your King?” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Madam, he is my King!” he replied,—“And I serve him faithfully!” + </p> + <p> + She was silent. She began to wonder whether he had any private motive to + gain, any place he sought to fill, that he should assume such a + touch-me-not air at this stray allusion to his Sovereign. + </p> + <p> + “Lèse-majesté is so common nowadays!” she mused;—“It is such an + ordinary thing to hear vulgar <i>parvenus</i> talk of their king as if he + were a public-house companion of theirs, that it is somewhat remarkable to + find one who speaks of his monarch with loyalty and respect. I suppose, + however, like everyone else, he has his own ends to serve!—Kings are + the last persons in the world who can command absolute fidelity!” + </p> + <p> + She glanced dreamily over the sea, and perceiving a slight shade of + weariness on her face, Sir Walter discreetly rose, craving her permission + to retire to the saloon, where he had promised to join the King. When he + had left her, she turned to one of her ladies, the Countess Amabil, and + remarked: + </p> + <p> + “A very personable gentleman, is he not?” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” rejoined the Countess, who was very lovely in herself, and of a + bright and sociable disposition;—“I have often thought it would be + more pleasant and profitable for all of us if we had many such personable + gentlemen with us oftener!” + </p> + <p> + A slight frown of annoyance crossed the Queen’s face. The Countess was a + very charming lady; very fascinating in her own way, but her decided + predilection for the sterner sex often led her to touch on dangerous + ground with her Royal mistress. This time, however, she escaped the + chilling retort her remark might possibly, on another occasion, have + called down upon her. The Queen said nothing. She sat watching the sea,—and + now and again took up her field-glass to study the picturesque coast of + The Islands, which was rapidly coming into view. Teresa de Launay, the + second lady in attendance on her, was reading, and, seeing her quite + absorbed in her book, the Queen presently asked her what it contained. + </p> + <p> + “You have smiled twice over that book, Teresa,” she said kindly;—“What + is it about?” + </p> + <p> + “Madam, it speaks of love!” replied Teresa, still smiling. + </p> + <p> + “And love makes you smile?” + </p> + <p> + “I would rather smile than weep over it, Madam!” replied Teresa, with a + slight colour warming her fair face;—“But as concerns this book, I + smile, because it is full of such foolish verses,—as light and sweet—and + almost as cloying,—as French <i>fondants</i>!” + </p> + <p> + “Let me hear!” said the Queen; “Read me a few lines.” + </p> + <p> + “This one, called ‘A Canzonet’ is brief enough for your Majesty’s + immediate consideration,” replied Teresa;—“It is just such a thing + as a man might scribble in his note-book after a bout of champagne, when + he is in love for ten minutes! He would not mean a word of it,—but + it might sound pretty by moonlight!” Whereupon she read aloud:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + My Lady is pleased to smile, + And the world is glad and gay; + My Lady is pleased to weep;— + And it rains the livelong day! + + My Lady is pleased to hate, + And I lose my life and my breath; + My Lady is pleased to love,— + And I am the master of Death! + + I know that my Lady is Love, + By the magical light about her; + I know that my Lady is Life, + For I cannot live without her! +</pre> + <p> + “And you do not think any man would truly mean as much love as this?” + queried the Queen. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Madam, you know he would not! If he had written such lines about the + joys of dining, or the flavour of an excellent cigar, they might then + indeed be taken as an expression of his truest and deepest feeling! But + his ‘Lady’! Bah! She is a mere myth,—a temporary peg to hang a stray + emotion on!” + </p> + <p> + She laughed, and her laughter rippled merrily on the air. + </p> + <p> + “I do not think the men who write so easily about love can ever truly feel + it,” she went on;—“Those who really love must surely be quite unable + to express themselves. This man who sings about his ‘Lady’ being pleased + to do this or do that, was probably trying to obtain the good graces of + some pretty housemaid or chorus girl!” + </p> + <p> + A slight contemptuous smile crossed the Queen’s face; from her expression + it was evident that she agreed in the main with the opinion of her + vivacious lady-in-waiting. Just at that moment the King and his suite, + with Sir Walter Langton and one or two other gentlemen, who had been + invited to join the party, came up from the saloon, and the conversation + became general. + </p> + <p> + “Have you seen Humphry at all to-day?” enquired the King aside of De + Launay. “I sent him an early message asking him to join us, and was told + he had gone out riding. Is that true?” + </p> + <p> + “I have not seen his Royal Highness since the morning, Sir,” replied the + equerry; “He then met me,—and Professor von Glauben also—in + the gardens. He gave me no hint as to whether he knew of your intention to + sail to The Islands this afternoon or not; he was reading, and with some + slight discussion on the subject of the book he was interested in, he and + the Professor strolled away together.” + </p> + <p> + “But where is Von Glauben?” pursued the King; “I sent for him likewise, + but he was absent.” + </p> + <p> + “I understood him to say that you had not commanded his attendance again + to-day, Sir,” replied Sir Roger;—“He told me he had already waited + upon you.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly I did not command his attendance when I saw him the first thing + this morning,” replied the King; “I summoned him then merely to satisfy + his scruples concerning my health and safety, as he seemed last night to + have doubts of both!” He smiled, and his eyes twinkled humourously. “Later + on, I requested him to join us in this excursion, but his servant said he + had gone out, leaving no word as to when he would return. An eccentricity! + I suppose he must be humoured!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger was silent. The King looked at him narrowly, and saw that there + was something in his thoughts which he was not inclined to utter, and with + wise tact and discretion forbore to press any more questions upon him. It + was not a suitable time for cross-examination, even of the most friendly + kind; there were too many persons near at hand who might be disposed to + listen and to form conjectures; moreover the favouring wind had so aided + the Royal yacht in her swift course that The Islands were now close at + hand, and the harbour visible, the run across from the mainland having + been accomplished under the usual two hours. + </p> + <p> + The King scanned the coast through his glass with some interest. + </p> + <p> + “We shall obtain amusement from this unprepared trip,” he said, addressing + the friends who were gathered round him; “We have forbidden any + announcement of our visit here, and, therefore, we shall receive no + recognition, or welcome. We shall have to take the people as we find + them!” + </p> + <p> + “Let us hope they will prove themselves agreeable, Sir,” said one of the + suite, the Marquis Montala, a somewhat effeminate elegant-looking man, + with small delicate features and lazily amorous eyes,—“And that the + women of the place will not be too alarmingly hideous.” + </p> + <p> + “Women are always women.” said the King gaily; “And you, Montala, if you + cannot find a pretty one, will put up with an ugly one for the moment + rather than have none at all! But beauty exists everywhere, and I daresay + we shall find it in as good evidence here as in other parts of the + kingdom. Our land is famous for its lovely women,”—and turning to + Sir Walter Langton he added—“I think, Sir Walter, we can almost beat + your England in that one particular!” + </p> + <p> + “Some years ago, Sir, I should have accepted that challenge,” returned Sir + Walter, “And with the deepest respect for your Majesty, I should have + ventured to deny the assertion that any country in the world could surpass + England for the beauty of its women. But since the rage for masculine + sports and masculine manners has taken hold of English girls, I am not at + all disposed to defend them. They have, unhappily, lost all the soft grace + and modesty for which their grandmothers were renowned, and one begins to + remark that their very shapes are no longer feminine. The beautiful full + bosoms, admired by Gainsborough and Romney, are replaced by an unbecoming + flatness—the feet and hands are growing large and awkward, instead + of being well-shaped, white and delicate—the skin is becoming coarse + and rough of texture, and there is very little complexion to boast of, if + we except the artificial make-up of the women of the town. Some few pretty + and natural women remain in the heart of the forest and the country, but + the contamination is spreading, and English women are no longer the models + of womanhood for all the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you married, Sir Walter?” asked the King with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “To no woman, Sir! I have married England—I love her and work for + her only!” + </p> + <p> + “You find that love sufficient to fill your heart?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” returned Sir Walter musingly—“perhaps if I speak + personally and selfishly—no! But when I argue the point logically, I + find this—that if I had a wife she might probably occupy too much of + my time,—certes, if I had children, I should be working for them and + their future welfare;—as it is, I give all my life and all my work + to my country, and my King!” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you will meet with the reward you merit,” said the Queen gently; + “Kings are not always well served!” + </p> + <p> + “I seek no reward,” said Sir Walter simply; “The joy of work is always its + own guerdon.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the yacht ran into harbour, and with a loud warning cry the + sailors flung out the first rope to a man on the pier, who stood gazing in + open-mouthed wonder at their arrival. He seemed too stricken with + amazement to move, for he failed to seize the rope, whereat, with an angry + exclamation as the rope slipped back into the water, and the yacht bumped + against the pier, a sailor sprang to land, and as it was thrown a second + time, seized it and made it fast to the capstan. A few more moments and + the yacht was safely alongside, the native islander remaining still + motionless and staring. The captain of the Royal vessel stepped on shore + and spoke to him. + </p> + <p> + “Are there any men about here?” + </p> + <p> + The individual thus addressed shook his head in the negative. + </p> + <p> + “Are you alone to keep the pier?” + </p> + <p> + The head nodded in the affirmative. A voice, emanating from a thickly + bearded mouth was understood to growl forth something about ‘no strange + boats being permitted to harbour there.’ Whereupon the Captain walked up + to the uncouth-looking figure, and said briefly. + </p> + <p> + “We are here by the King’s order! That vessel is the Royal yacht, and + their Majesties are on board.” + </p> + <p> + For one instant the islander stared more wildly than ever, then with a cry + of amazement and evident alarm, ran away as fast as his legs could carry + him and disappeared. The captain returned to the yacht and related his + experience to Sir Roger de Launay. The King heard and was amused. + </p> + <p> + “It seems, Madam,” he said, turning to the Queen, “That we shall have The + Islands to ourselves; but as our visit will be but brief, we shall no + doubt find enough to interest us in the mere contemplation of the scenery + without other human company than our own. Will you come?” + </p> + <p> + He extended his hand courteously to assist her across the gangway of the + vessel, and in a few minutes the Royal party were landed, and the yacht + was left to the stewards and servants, who soon had all hands at work + preparing the dinner which was to be served during the return sail. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. — “GLORIA—IN EXCELSIS!” + </h2> + <p> + The King and Queen, followed by their suite and their guests, walked + leisurely off the pier, and down a well-made road, sparkling with crushed + sea-shells and powdered coral, towards a group of tall trees and green + grass which they perceived a little way ahead of them. There was a + soothing quietness everywhere,—save for the singing of birds and the + soft ripple of the waves on the sandy shore, it was a silent land: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “In which it seemed always afternoon— + All round the coast the languid air did swoon— + Breathing like one that hath a weary dream.” + </pre> + <p> + The Queen paused once or twice to look around her; she was vaguely touched + and charmed by the still beauty of the scene. + </p> + <p> + “It is very lovely!” she said, more to herself than to any of her + companions; “The world must have looked something like this in the first + days of creation,—so unspoilt and fresh and simple!” + </p> + <p> + The Countess Amabil, walking with Sir Walter Langton, glanced coquettishly + at her cavalier and smiled. + </p> + <p> + “It is idyllic!” she said;—“A sort of Arcadia without Corydon or + Phyllis! Do all the inhabitants go to sleep or disappear in the daytime, I + wonder?” + </p> + <p> + “Not all, I imagine,” replied Sir Walter; “For here comes one, though, + judging from the slowness of his walk, he is in no haste to welcome his + King!” + </p> + <p> + The personage he spoke of was indeed approaching, and all the members of + the Royal party watched his advance with considerable curiosity. He was + tall and upright in bearing, but as he came nearer he was seen to be a man + of great age, with a countenance on which sorrow and suffering had left + their indelible traces. There were furrows on that face which tears had + hollowed out for their swifter flowing, and the high intellectual brow + bore lines and wrinkles of anxiety and pain, which were the soul’s + pen-marks of a tragic history. He was attired in simple fisherman’s garb + of rough blue homespun, and when he was within a few paces of the King, he + raised his cap from his curly silver hair with an old-world grace and + deferential courtesy. Sir Roger de Launay went forward to meet him and to + explain the situation. + </p> + <p> + “His Majesty the King,” he said, “has wished to make a surprise visit to + his people of The Islands,—and he is here in person with the Queen. + Can you oblige him with an escort to the principal places of interest?” + </p> + <p> + The old man looked at him with a touch of amusement and derision. + </p> + <p> + “There are no places here of interest to a King,” he said; “Unless a poor + man’s house may serve for his curious comment! I am not his Majesty’s + subject—but I live under his protection and his laws,—and I am + willing to offer him a welcome, since there is no one else to do so!” + </p> + <p> + He spoke with a refined and cultured accent, and in his look and bearing + evinced the breeding of a gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “And your name?” asked Sir Roger courteously. + </p> + <p> + “My name is Réné Ronsard,” he replied. “I was shipwrecked on this coast + years ago. Finding myself cast here by the will of God, here I have + remained!” + </p> + <p> + As he said this, Sir Roger remembered what he had casually heard at times + about the ‘life-philosopher’ who had built for himself a dwelling on The + Islands out of the timbers of wrecked vessels. This must surely be the + man! Delighted at having thus come upon the very person most likely to + provide some sort of diversion for their Majesties, and requesting Ronsard + to wait at a distance for a moment, he hastened back to the King and + explained the position. Whereupon the monarch at once advanced with + alacrity, and as he approached the venerable personage who had offered him + the only hospitality he was likely to receive in this part of his realm, + he extended his hand with a frank and kindly cordiality. Réné Ronsard + accepted it with a slight but not over-obsequious salutation. + </p> + <p> + “We owe you our thanks,” said the King, “for receiving us thus readily, + and without notice; which is surely the truest form of hospitable + kindness! That we are strangers here is entirely our own fault, due to our + own neglect of our Island subjects; and it is for this that we have sought + to know something of the place privately, before visiting it with such + public ceremonial and state as it deserves. We shall be indebted to you + greatly if you will lend us your aid in this intention.” + </p> + <p> + “Your Majesty is welcome to my service in whatever way it can be of use to + you,” replied Ronsard slowly; “As you see, I am an old man and poor—I + have lived here for well-nigh thirty years, making as little demand as + possible upon the resources of either rough Nature or smooth civilization + to provide me with sustenance. There is poor attraction for a king in such + a simple home as mine!” + </p> + <p> + “More than all men living, a king has cause to love simplicity,” returned + the monarch, as with his swift and keen glance he noted the old man’s + proud figure, fine worn features, and clear, though deeply-sunken eyes;—“for + the glittering shows of ceremony are chiefly irksome to those who have to + suffer their daily monotony. Let me present you to the Queen—she + will thank you as I do, for your kindly consent to play the part of host + to us to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,”—murmured Ronsard—“No thanks—no thanks!” Then, as + the King said a few words to his fair Consort, and she received the old + man’s respectful salutation in the cold, grave way which was her custom, + he raised his eyes to her face, and started back with an involuntary + exclamation. + </p> + <p> + “By Heaven!” he said suddenly and bluntly, “I never thought to see any + woman’s beauty that could compare with that of my Gloria!” + </p> + <p> + He spoke more to himself than to any listener, but the King hearing his + words, was immediately on the alert, and when the whole Royal party moved + on again, he, walking in a gracious and kindly way by the old man’s side, + and skilfully keeping up the conversation at first on mere generalities, + said presently:— + </p> + <p> + “And that name of Gloria;—may I ask you who it is that bears so + strange an appellation?” + </p> + <p> + Ronsard looked at him somewhat doubtingly. + </p> + <p> + “Your Majesty considers it strange? Had you ever seen her, you would think + it the only fitting name for her,” he answered,—“For she is surely + the most glorious thing God ever made!” + </p> + <p> + “Your wife—or daughter?” gently hinted the King. + </p> + <p> + The old man smiled bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I have never owned wife or child! For aught I know Gloria may have + been born like the goddess Aphrodite, of the sunlight and the sea! No + other parents have ever claimed her.” + </p> + <p> + He checked himself, and appeared disposed to change the subject. The King + looked at him encouragingly. + </p> + <p> + “May I not hear more of her?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + Ronsard hesitated—then with a certain abruptness replied— + </p> + <p> + “Nay—I am sorry I spoke of her! There is nothing to tell. I have + said she is beautiful—and beauty is always stimulating—even to + Kings! But your Majesty will have no chance of seeing her, as she is + absent from home to-day.” + </p> + <p> + The King smiled;—had the rumours of his many gallantries reached The + Islands then?—and was this ‘life-philosopher’ afraid that ‘Gloria ‘—whoever + she was—might succumb to his royal fascinations? The thought was + subtly flattering, but he disguised the touch of amusement he felt, and + spoke his next words with a kindly and indulgent air. + </p> + <p> + “Then, as I shall not see her, you may surely tell me of her? I am no + betrayer of confidence!” + </p> + <p> + A pale red tinged Ronsard’s worn features—anon he said:— + </p> + <p> + “It is no question of confidence, Sir,—and there is no secret or + mystery associated with the matter. Gloria was, like myself, cast up from + the sea. I found her half-drowned, a helpless infant tied to a floating + spar. It was on the other side of these Islands—among the rocks + where there is no landing-place. There is a little church on the heights + up there, and every evening the men and boys practise their sacred + singing. It was sunset, and I was wandering by myself upon the shore, and + in the church above me I heard them chant ‘Gloria! Gloria! Gloria in + excelsis Deo!’ And while they were yet practising this line I came upon + the child,—lying like a strange lily, in a salt pool,—between + two shafts of rock like fangs on either side of her, bound fast with rope + to a bit of ship’s timber. I untied her little limbs, and restored her to + life; and all the time I was busy bringing her back to breath and motion, + the singing in the church above me was ‘Gloria!’ and ever again ‘Gloria!’ + So I gave her that name. That was nineteen years ago. She is married now.” + </p> + <p> + “Married!” exclaimed the King, with a curious sense of mingled relief and + disappointment. “Then she has left you?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, she has not left me!” replied Ronsard; “She stays with me till + her husband is ready to give her a home. He is very poor, and lives in + hope of better days. Meanwhile poverty so far smiles upon them that they + are happy;—and happiness, youth and beauty rarely go together. For + once they have all met in the joyous life of my Gloria!” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to see her!” said the King, musingly; “You have interested + me greatly in her history!” + </p> + <p> + The old man did not reply, but quickening his pace, moved on a little in + advance of the King and his suite, to open a gate in front of them, which + guarded the approach to a long low house with carved gables and lattice + windows, over which a wealth of roses and jasmine clambered in long + tresses of pink and white bloom. Smooth grass surrounded the place, and + tall pine trees towered in the background; and round the pillars of the + broad verandah, which extended to the full length of the house front, + clematis and honeysuckle twined in thick clusters, filling the air with + delicate perfume. The Royal party murmured their admiration of this + picturesque abode, while Ronsard, with a nimbleness remarkable for a man + of his age, set chairs on the verandah and lawn for his distinguished + guests. Sir Walter Langton and the Marquis Montala strolled about the + garden with some of the ladies, commenting on the simple yet exquisite + taste displayed in its planting and arrangement; while the King and Queen + listened with considerable interest to the conversation of their venerable + host. He was a man of evident culture, and his description of the + coral-fishing community, their habits and traditions, was both graphic and + picturesque. + </p> + <p> + “Are they all away to-day?” asked the King. + </p> + <p> + “All the men on this side of The Islands—yes, Sir,” replied Ronsard; + “And the women have enough to do inside their houses till their husbands + return. With the evening and the moonlight, they will all be out in their + fields and gardens, making merry with innocent dance and song, for they + are very happy folk—much happier than their neighbours on the + mainland.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you acquainted with the people of the mainland, then?” enquired the + King. + </p> + <p> + “Sufficiently to know that they are dissatisfied;” returned Ronsard + quietly,—“And that, deep down among the tangled grass and flowers of + that brilliant pleasure-ground called Society, there is a fierce and + starving lion called the People, waiting for prey!” + </p> + <p> + His voice sank to a low and impressive tone, and for a moment his hearers + looked astonished and disconcerted. He went on as though he had not seen + the expression of their faces. + </p> + <p> + “Here in The Islands there was the same discontent when I first came. + Every man was in heart a Socialist,—every young boy was a budding + Anarchist. Wild ideas fired their brains. They sought Equality. No man + should be richer than another, they said. Equal lots,—equal lives. + They had their own secret Society, connected with another similar one + across the sea yonder. They were brave, clever and desperate,—moved + by a burning sense of wrong,—wrong which they had not the skill to + explain, but which they felt. It was difficult to persuade or soothe such + men, for they were men of Nature,—not of Shams. But fierce and + obstinate as they were, they were good to me when I was cast up for dead + on their seashore. And I, in turn, have tried to be good to them. That is, + I have tried to make them happy. For happiness is what we all work for and + seek for,—from the beginning to the end of life. We go far afield + for it, when it oftener lies at our very doors. Well!—they are a + peaceful community now, and have no evil intentions towards anyone. They + grudge no one his wealth—I think if the truth were known, they + rather pity the rich man than envy him. So, at any rate, I have taught + them to do. But, formerly, they were, to say the least of it, dangerous!” + </p> + <p> + The King heard in silence, although the slightest quizzical lifting of his + eyebrows appeared to imply that ‘dangerous’ was perhaps too strong a term + by which to designate a handful of Socialistic coral-fishers. + </p> + <p> + “It is curious,” went on Ronsard slowly, “how soon the sense of wrong and + injustice infects a whole community. One malcontent makes a host of + malcontents. This is a fact which many governments lose sight of. If I + were the ruler of a country—” + </p> + <p> + Here he suddenly paused—then added with a touch of brusqueness— + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, Sir; I have never known the formalities which apply to + conversation with a king, and I am too old to learn now. No doubt I speak + too boldly! To me you are no more than man; you should be more by + etiquette—but by simple humanity you are not!” + </p> + <p> + The King smiled, well pleased. This independent commoner, with his rough + garb and rougher simplicity of speech, was a refreshing contrast to the + obsequious personages by whom he was generally surrounded; and he felt an + irresistible desire to know more of the life and surroundings of one who + had gained a position of evident authority among the people of his own + class. + </p> + <p> + “Go on, my friend!” he said. “Honest expression of thought can offend none + but knaves and fools; and though there are some who say I have a smack of + both, yet I flatter myself I am wholly neither of the twain! Continue what + you were saying—if you were ruler of a country, what would you do?” + </p> + <p> + Réné Ronsard considered for a moment, and his furrowed brows set in a + puzzled line. + </p> + <p> + “I think,” he said slowly, at last, “I should choose my friends and + confidants among the leaders of the people.” + </p> + <p> + “And is not that precisely what we all do?” queried the King lightly; + “Surely every monarch must count his friends among the members of the + Government?” + </p> + <p> + “But the Government does not represent the actual people, Sir!” said + Ronsard quietly. + </p> + <p> + “No? Then what does it represent?” enquired the King, becoming amused and + interested in the discussion, and holding up his hand to warn back De + Launay, and the other members of his suite who were just coming towards + him from their tour of inspection through the garden—“Every member + of the Government is elected by the people, and returned by the popular + vote. What else would you have?” + </p> + <p> + “Ministers have not always the popular vote,” said Ronsard; “They are + selected by the Premier. And if the Premier should happen to be shifty, + treacherous or self-interested, he chooses such men as are most likely to + serve his own ends. And it can hardly be said, Sir, that the People truly + return the members of Government. For when the time comes for one such man + to be elected, each candidate secures his own agent to bribe the people, + and to work upon them as though they were so much soft dough, to be + kneaded into a political loaf for his private and particular eating. Poor + People! Poor hard-working millions! In the main they are all too busy + earning the wherewithal to Live, to have any time left to Think—they + are the easy prey of the party agent, except—except when they gather + to the voice of a real leader, one who though not in Government, governs!” + </p> + <p> + “And is there such an one?” enquired the King, while as he spoke his + glance fell suddenly, and with an unpleasant memory, on the flashing blue + of the sapphire in the Premier’s signet he wore; “Here, or anywhere?” + </p> + <p> + “Over there!” said Ronsard impressively, pointing across the landscape + seawards; “On the mainland there is not only one, but many! Women,—as + well as men. Writers,—as well as speakers. These are they whom + Courts neglect or ignore,—these are the consuming fire of thrones!” + His old eyes flashed, and as he turned them on the statuesque beauty of + the Queen, she started, for they seemed to pierce into the very recesses + of her soul. “When Court and Fashion played their pranks once upon a time + in France, there was a pen at work on the ‘<i>Contrat Social</i>’—the + pen of one Rousseau! Who among the idle pleasure-loving aristocrats ever + thought that a mere Book would have helped to send them to the scaffold!” + He clenched his hand almost unconsciously—then he spoke more + quietly. “That is what I mean, when I say that if I were ruler of a + country, I should take special care to make friends with the people’s + chosen thinkers. Someone in authority”—and here he smiled + quizzically—“should have given Rousseau an estate, and made him a + marquis—<i>in time</i>! The leaders of an advancing Thought,—and + not the leaders of a fixed Government are the real representatives of the + People!” + </p> + <p> + Something in this last sentence appeared to strike the King very forcibly. + </p> + <p> + “You are a philosopher, Réné Ronsard,” he said rising from his chair, and + laying a hand kindly on his shoulder. “And so, in another way am I! If I + understand you rightly, you would maintain that in many cases discontent + and disorder are the fermentation in the mind of one man, who for some + hidden personal motive works his thought through a whole kingdom; and you + suggest that if that man once obtained what he wanted there would be an + end of trouble—at any rate for a time till the next malcontent + turned up! Is not that so?” + </p> + <p> + “It is so, Sir,” replied Ronsard; “and I think it has always been so. In + every era of strife and revolution, we shall find one dissatisfied Soul—often + a soul of genius and ambition—at the centre of the trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Probably you are right,” said the monarch indulgently; “But evidently the + dissatisfied soul is not in <i>your</i> body! You are no Don Quixote + fighting a windmill of imaginary wrongs, are you?” + </p> + <p> + A dark red flush mounted to the old man’s brow, and as it passed away, + left him pale as death. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I have fought against wrongs in my time; but they were not + imaginary. I might have still continued the combat but for Gloria!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! She is your peace-offering to an unjust world?” + </p> + <p> + “No Sir; she is God’s gift to a broken heart,” replied Ronsard gently. + “The sea cast her up like a pearl into my life; and so for her sake I + resolved to live. For her only I made this little home—for her I + managed to gain some control over the rough inhabitants of these Islands, + and encouraged in them the spirit of peace, mirth and gladness. I soothed + their discontent, and tried to instil into them something of the Greek + love of beauty and pleasure. But after all, my work sprang from a + personal, I may as well say a selfish motive—merely to make the + child I loved, happy!” + </p> + <p> + “Then do you not regret that she is married, and no longer yours to + cherish entirely?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I regret nothing!” answered Ronsard; “For I am old and must soon die. + I shall leave her in good and safe hands.” + </p> + <p> + The King looked at him thoughtfully, and seemed about to ask another + question, then suddenly changing his mind, he turned to his Consort and + said a few words to her in a low tone, whereupon as if in obedience to a + command, she rose, and with all the gracious charm which she could always + exert if she so pleased, she enquired of Ronsard if he would permit them + to see something of the interior of his house. + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” replied Ronsard, with some embarrassment; “All I have is at your + service, but it is only a poor place.” + </p> + <p> + “No place is poor that has peace in it,” returned the Queen, with one of + those rare smiles of hers, which so swiftly subjugated the hearts of men. + “Will you lead the way?” + </p> + <p> + Thus persuaded, Réné Ronsard could only bow a respectful assent, and obey + the request, which from Royalty was tantamount to a command. Signing to + the other members of the party, who had stood till now at a little + distance, the Queen bade them all accompany her. + </p> + <p> + “The King will stay here till we return,” she said, “And Sir Roger will + stay with him!” + </p> + <p> + With these words, and a flashing glance at De Launay, she stepped across + the lawn, followed by her ladies-in-waiting, with Sir Walter Langton and + the other gentlemen; and in another moment the brilliant little group had + disappeared behind the trailing roses and clematis, which hung in + profusion from the oaken projections of the wide verandah round Ronsard’s + picturesque dwelling. Standing still for a moment, with Sir Roger a pace + behind him, the King watched them enter the house—then quickly + turning round on his heel, faced his equerry with a broad smile. + </p> + <p> + “Now, De Launay,” he said, “let us find Von Glauben!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger started with surprise, and not a little apprehension. + </p> + <p> + “Von Glauben, Sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—Von Glauben! He is here! I saw his face two minutes ago, + peering through those trees!” And he pointed down a shadowy path, dark + with the intertwisted gloom of untrained pine-boughs. “I am not dreaming, + nor am I accustomed to imagine spectres! I am on the track of a mystery, + Roger! There is a beautiful girl here named Gloria. The beautiful girl is + married—possibly to a jealous husband, for she is apparently hidden + away from all likely admirers, including myself! Now suppose Von Glauben + is that husband!” + </p> + <p> + He broke off and laughed. Sir Roger de Launay laughed with him; the idea + was too irresistibly droll. But the King was bent on mischief, and + determined to lose no time in compassing it. + </p> + <p> + “Come along!” he said. “If this tangled path holds a secret, it shall be + discovered before we are many minutes older! I am confident I saw Von + Glauben; and what he can be doing here passes my comprehension! Follow me, + Roger! If our worthy Professor has a wife, and his wife is beautiful, we + will pardon him for keeping her existence a secret from us so long!” + </p> + <p> + He laughed again; and turning into the path he had previously indicated, + began walking down it rapidly, Sir Roger following closely, and revolving + in his own perplexed mind the scene of the morning, when Von Glauben had + expressed such a strong desire to get away to The Islands, and had + admitted that there was “a lady in the case.” + </p> + <p> + “Really, it is most extraordinary!” he thought. “The King no sooner + decides to break through conventional forms, than all things seem loosened + from their moorings! A week ago, we were all apparently fixed in our + orbits of exact routine and work—the King most fixed of all—but + now, who can say what may happen next!” + </p> + <p> + At that moment the monarch turned round. + </p> + <p> + “This path seems interminable, Roger,” he said; “It gets darker, closer + and narrower. It thickens, in fact, like, the mystery we are probing!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger glanced about him. A straight band of trees hemmed them in on + either side, and the daylight filtered through their stems pallidly, + while, as the King had said, there seemed to be no end to the path they + were following. They walked on swiftly, however, exchanging no further + word, when suddenly an unexpected sound came sweeping up through the heavy + branches. It was the rush and roar of the sea,—a surging, natural + psalmody that filled the air, and quivered through the trees with the + measured beat of an almost human chorus. + </p> + <p> + “This must be another way to the shore,” said the King, coming to a + standstill; “And there must be rocks or caverns near. Hark how the waves + thunder and reverberate through some deep hollow!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger listened, and heard the boom of water rolling in and rolling out + again, with the regularity and rhythm of an organ swell, but he caught an + echo of something else besides, which piqued his curiosity and provoked + him to a touch of unusual excitement,—it was the sweet and + apparently quickly suppressed sound of a woman’s laughter. He glanced at + his Royal master, and saw at once that he, too, had sharp ears for that + silvery cadence of mirth, for his eyes flashed into a smile. + </p> + <p> + “On, Roger,” he said softly; “We are close on the heels of the problem!” + </p> + <p> + But they had only pressed forward a few steps when they were again brought + to a sudden pause. A voice, whose gruffly mellow accents were familiar to + both of them, was speaking within evidently close range, and the King, + with a warning look, motioned De Launay back a pace or two, himself + withdrawing a little into the shadow of the trees. + </p> + <p> + “Ach! Do not sing, my princess!” said the voice; “For if you open your + rosy mouth of music, all the birds of the air, and all the little fishes + of the sea will come to listen! And, who knows! Someone more dangerous + than either a bird or a fish may listen also!” + </p> + <p> + The King grasped De Launay by the arm. + </p> + <p> + “Was I not right?” he whispered. “There is no mistaking Von Glauben’s + accent!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger looked, as he felt, utterly bewildered. In his own mind he felt + it very difficult to associate the Professor with a love affair. Yet + things certainly seemed pointing to some entanglement of the sort. + Suddenly the King held up an admonitory finger. + </p> + <p> + “Listen!” he said. + </p> + <p> + Another voice spoke, rich and clear, and sweet as honey. + </p> + <p> + “Why should I not sing?” and there was a thrill of merriment in the + delicious accents. “You are so afraid of everything to-day! Why? Why + should I stay here with nothing to do? Because you tell me the King is + visiting The Islands. What does that matter? What do I care for the King? + He is nothing to me!” + </p> + <p> + “You would be something, perhaps, to him if he saw you,” replied the + guttural voice of Von Glauben. “It is safer to be out of his way. You are + a very wilful princess this afternoon! You must remember your husband is + jealous!” + </p> + <p> + The King started. + </p> + <p> + “Her husband! What the devil does Von Glauben know about her husband!” + </p> + <p> + De Launay was dumb. A nameless fear and dismay began to possess him. + </p> + <p> + “My husband!” And the sweet voice laughed out again. “It would be strange + indeed for a poor sailor to be jealous of a king!” + </p> + <p> + “If the poor sailor had a beautiful wife he worshipped, and the King + should admire the wife, he might have cause to be jealous!” replied Von + Glauben; “And with some ladies, a poor sailor would stand no chance + against a king! Why are you so rebellious, my princess, to-day? Have I not + brought a letter from your beloved which plainly asks you to keep out of + the sight of the King? Have I not been an hour with you here, reading the + most beautiful poetry of Heine?” + </p> + <p> + “That is why I want to sing,” said the sweet voice, with a touch of + wilfulness in its tone. “Listen! I will give you a reading of Heine in + music!” And suddenly, rich and clear as a bell, a golden cadence of notes + rang out with the words: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Ah, Hast thou forgotten, That I possessed thy heart?” + </pre> + <p> + The King sprang lightly out of his hiding-place, and with De Launay moved + on slowly and cautiously through the trees. + </p> + <p> + “Ach, mein Gott!” they heard Von Glauben exclaim—“That is a + bird-call which will float on wings to the ears of the King!” + </p> + <p> + A soft laugh rippled on the air. + </p> + <p> + “Dear friend and master, why are you so afraid?” asked the caressing + woman’s voice again;—“We are quite hidden away from the Royal + visitors,—and though you have been peeping at the King through the + trees, and though you know he is actually in our garden, he will never + find his way here! This is quite a secret little study and schoolroom, + where you have taught me so much!—yes—so much!—and I am + very grateful! And whenever you come to see me you teach me something more—you + are always good and kind!—and I would not anger you for the world! + But what is the good of knowing and feeling beautiful things, if I may not + express them?” + </p> + <p> + “You do express them,—in yourself,—in your own existence and + appearance!” said the Professor gruffly; “but that is a physiological + accident which I do not expect you to understand!” + </p> + <p> + There was a moment’s silence. Then came a slight movement, as of quick + feet clambering among loose pebbles, and the voice rang out again. + </p> + <p> + “There! Now I am in my rocky throne! Do you remember—Ah, no!—you + know nothing about it,—but I will tell you the story! It was here, + in this very place, that my husband first saw me!” + </p> + <p> + “Ach so!” murmured Von Glauben. “It is an excellent place to make a first + appearance! Eve herself could not have chosen more picturesque + surroundings to make a conquest of Adam!” + </p> + <p> + Apparently his mild sarcasm fell on unheeding ears. + </p> + <p> + “He was walking slowly all alone on the shore,” went on the voice, + dropping into a more plaintive and tender tone; “The sun had sunk, and one + little star was sparkling in the sky. He looked up at the star—and—” + </p> + <p> + “Then he saw a woman’s eye,” interpolated Von Glauben; “Which is always + more attractive to weak man than an impossible-to-visit planet! What does + Shakespeare say of women’s eyes? + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven, + Having some business, do entreat her eyes + To twinkle in their spheres till they return. + What if her eyes were there, they in her head? + The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars, + As daylight doth a lamp; her eye in heaven + Would through the airy regions stream so bright, + That birds would sing and think it were not night!’” + </pre> + <p> + “Ach! That is so!” + </p> + <p> + As the final words left his lips, a rich note of melody stirred the air, + and a song in which words and music seemed thoroughly welded together, + rose vibratingly up to the quiet sky: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Here by the sea, + My Love found me! + Seagulls over the waves were swinging; + Mermaids down in their caves were singing, + And one little star in the rosy sky + Sparkled above like an angel’s eye! + My Love found me, + And I and he + Plighted our troth eternally! + Oh day of splendour, + And self-surrender! + The day when my Love found me! + + Here, by the sea, + My King crown’d me! + Wild ocean sang for my Coronation, + With the jubilant voice of a mighty nation!— + ‘Mid the towering rocks he set my throne, + And made me forever and ever his own! + My King crown’d me, + And I and he + Are one till the world shall cease to be! + Oh sweet love story! + Oh night of glory! + The night when my King crown’d me!” + </pre> + <p> + No language could ever describe the marvellous sweetness of the voice that + sung these lines; it was so full of exquisite triumph, tenderness and + passion, that it seemed more supernatural than human. When the song + ceased, a great wave dashed on the shore, like a closing organ chord, and + Von Glauben spoke. + </p> + <p> + “There! You wanted your own way, my princess, and you have had it! You + have sung like one of the seraphim;—do not be surprised if mortals + are drawn to listen. Sst! What is that?” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause. The King had inadvertently cracked a twig on one of the + pine-boughs he was holding back in an endeavour to see the speakers. But + he now boldly pushed on, beckoning De Launay to follow close, and in + another minute had emerged on a small sandy plateau, which led, by means + of an ascending path, to a rocky eminence, encircled by huge boulders and + rocky pinnacles, which somewhat resembled peaks of white coral,—and + here, on a height above him,—with the afternoon sun-glow bathing her + in its full mellow radiance, sat a visibly enthroned goddess of the + landscape,—a girl, or rather a perfect woman, more beautiful than + any he had ever seen, or even imagined. He stared up at her in dazzled + wonder, half blinded by the brightness of the sun and her almost equally + blinding loveliness. + </p> + <p> + “Gloria!” he exclaimed breathlessly, hardly conscious of his own + utterance; “You are Gloria!” + </p> + <p> + The fair vision rose, and came swiftly forward with an astonished look in + her bright deep eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Yes!” she said, “I am Gloria!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. — A SEA PRINCESS + </h2> + <p> + Scarcely had she thus declared herself, when the Bismarckian head and + shoulders of Von Glauben appeared above the protecting boulders; and + moving with deliberate caution, the rest of his body came slowly after, + till he stood fully declared in an attitude of military ‘attention.’ He + showed neither alarm nor confusion at seeing the King; on the contrary, + the fixed, wooden expression of his countenance betokened some + deeply-seated mental obstinacy, and he faced his Royal master with the + utmost composure, lifting the slouched hat he wore with his usual stiff + and soldierly dignity, though carefully avoiding the amazed stare of his + friend, Sir Roger de Launay. + </p> + <p> + The King glanced him up and down with a smiling air of amused curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “So this is how you pursue your scientific studies, Professor!” he said + lightly; “Well!”—and he turned his eyes, full of admiration, on the + beautiful creature who stood silently confronting him with all that + perfect ease which expresses a well-balanced mind,—“Wisdom is often + symbolised to us as a marble goddess,—but when Pallas Athene takes + so fair a shape of flesh and blood as this, who shall blame even a veteran + philosopher for sitting at her feet in worship!” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, Sir,” returned Von Glauben calmly; “There is no goddess of + Wisdom here, so please you, but only a very simple and unworldly young + woman. She is—” Here he hesitated a moment, then went on—“She + is merely the adopted child of a fisherman living on these Islands.” + </p> + <p> + “I am aware of that!” said the King still smiling. “Réné Ronsard is his + name. He is my host to-day; and he has told me something of her. But, + certes, he did not mention that you had adopted her also!” + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben flushed vexedly. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” he stammered, “I could explain—” + </p> + <p> + “Another time!” interrupted the King, with a touch of asperity. + “Meanwhile, present your—your pupil in the poesy of Heine,—to + me!” + </p> + <p> + Thus commanded, the Professor, casting a vexed glance at De Launay, who + did not in the least comprehend his distress, went to the girl, who during + their brief conversation had stood quietly looking from one to the other + with an expression of half-amused disdain on her lovely features. + </p> + <p> + “Gloria,” he began reluctantly—then whispering in her ear, he + muttered—“I told you your voice would do mischief, and it has done + it!” Then aloud—“Gloria,—this—this is the King!” + </p> + <p> + She smiled, but did not change her erect and easy attitude. + </p> + <p> + “The King is welcome!” she said simply. + </p> + <p> + She had evidently no intention of saluting the monarch; and Sir Roger de + Launay gazed at her in mingled surprise and admiration. She was certainly + wonderfully beautiful. Her complexion had the soft clear transparency of a + pink sea-shell—her eyes, large and lustrous, were as densely blue as + the dark azure in the depths of a wave,—and her hair, of a warm + bronze chestnut, caught back with a single band of red coral, seemed to + have gathered in its rich curling clusters all the deepest tints of autumn + leaves flecked with a golden touch of the sun. Her figure, clad in a + straight garment of rough white homespun, was the model of perfect + womanhood. She stood a little above the medium height, her fair head + poised proudly on regal shoulders, while the curve of the full bosom would + have baffled the sculptural genius of a Phidias. The whole exquisite + outline of her person was the expressed essence of beauty, from the + lightest wave of her hair, down to her slender ankles and small feet; and + the look that irradiated her noble features was that of child-like + happiness and repose,—the untired expression of one who had never + known any other life than the innocent enjoyment bestowed upon her by God + and divine Nature. Beautiful as his Queen-Consort was and always had been, + the King was forced to admit to himself that here was a woman far more + beautiful,—and as he looked upon her critically, he saw that there + was a light and splendour about her which only the happiness of Love can + give. Her whole aspect was as of one uplifted into a finer atmosphere than + that of earth,—she seemed to exhale purity from herself, as a rose + exhales perfume, and her undisturbed serenity and dignity, when made aware + of the Royal presence, were evidently not the outcome of ill-breeding or + discourtesy, but of mere self-respect and independence. He approached her + with a strange hesitation, which for him was quite a new experience. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad I have been fortunate enough to meet you!” he said gently;—“Some + kindly fate guided my steps down the path which brought me to this part of + the shore, else I might have gone away without seeing you!” + </p> + <p> + “That would have been no loss to your Majesty,” answered Gloria calmly;—“For + to see me, is of no use to anyone!” + </p> + <p> + “Would your husband say so?” hazarded the King with a smile. + </p> + <p> + Her eyes flashed. + </p> + <p> + “My husband would say what is right,” she replied. “He would know better + how to talk to you than I do!” + </p> + <p> + He had insensibly drawn nearer to her as he spoke; meanwhile Von Glauben, + with a disconsolate air, had joined Sir Roger de Launay, who, by an + enquiring look and anxious uplifting of his eyebrows, dumbly asked what + was to be the upshot of this affair,—only to receive a dismal shake + of the head in reply. + </p> + <p> + “Possibly I know your husband,” went on the King, anxious to continue + conversation with so beautiful a creature. “If I do, and he is in my + personal service, he shall not lack promotion! Will you tell me his name?” + </p> + <p> + A startled look came into the girl’s eyes, and a deep blush swept over her + fair cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “I dare not!” she said;—“He has forbidden me!” + </p> + <p> + “Forbidden you!” The King recoiled a step—a vague suspicion rankled + in his mind. “Then, though your King asks you a friendly question, you + refuse to answer it?” + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben here gripped Sir Roger so fiercely by the arm, that the latter + nearly cried out with pain. + </p> + <p> + “She must not tell,” he muttered—“She must not—she will not!” + </p> + <p> + But Gloria was looking straight at her Royal questioner. + </p> + <p> + “I have no King but my husband!” she said firmly. “I have sworn before God + to obey him in all things, and I will not break my vow!” + </p> + <p> + “Good girl! Wise girl!” exclaimed Von Glauben. “Ach, if all the beautiful + women so guarded their tongues and obeyed their husbands, what a happy + world it would be!” + </p> + <p> + The King turned upon him. + </p> + <p> + “True! But you are not bound by the confidences of marriage, Professor,—so + that while in our service our will must be your law! You, therefore, can + perhaps tell me the name of the fortunate man who has wedded this fair + lady?” + </p> + <p> + The Professor’s countenance visibly reddened. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” he stammered—“With every respect for your Majesty, I would + rather lose my much-to-be-appreciated post with you than betray my + friends!” + </p> + <p> + The King suddenly lost patience. + </p> + <p> + “By Heaven!” he exclaimed, “Is my command to be slighted and set aside as + if it were naught? Not while I am king of this country! What mystery is + here that I am not to know?” + </p> + <p> + Gloria laughed outright, and the pretty ripple of mirth, so unforced and + natural, diverted the monarch’s irritation. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you are angry!” she said, her lovely eyes twinkling and sparkling + like diamonds:—“So! Then your Majesty is no more than a very common + man who loses temper when he cannot have his own way!” She laughed again, + and the King stared at her unoffended,—being spellbound, both by her + regal beauty, and her complete indifference to himself. “I will speak like + the prophets do in the Bible and say, ‘Lo! there is no mystery, O King!’ I + am only poor Gloria, a sailor’s wife,—and the sailor has a place on + board your son the Crown Prince’s yacht, and he does not want his master + to know that he is married lest he lose that place! Is not that plain and + clear, O King? And why should I disobey my beloved in such a simple + matter?” + </p> + <p> + The King was still in something of a fume. + </p> + <p> + “There is no reason why you should disobey,” he said more quietly, but + still with vexation;—“But, equally, there is no reason why your + husband should be dismissed from the Crown Prince’s service, because he + has chosen to marry. If you tell me his name, I will make all things easy + for him, for you, and your future. Can you not trust me?” + </p> + <p> + With wonderful grace and quickness Gloria suddenly sprang forward, caught + the King’s hand, kissed it, and then threw it lightly away from her. + </p> + <p> + “No!” she said, with a pretty defiance; “I kiss the hand of the country’s + King—but I have my own King to serve!” + </p> + <p> + And pausing for no more words, she turned away, sprang lightly up the + rocks as swiftly as a roe-deer, and disappeared. And from some hidden + corner, clear and full and sweet, her voice rang out above the peaceful + plashing of the waves: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “My King crown’d me! + And I and he + Are one till the world shall cease to be!” + </pre> + <p> + Stricken dumb and confused by the suddenness of her action, and the + swiftness of her departure, the King stood for a moment inert, gazing up + the rocky height with the air of one who has seen a vision of heaven + withdrawn again into its native element. Some darkening doubt troubled his + mind, and it was with an altogether changed and stern countenance that he + confronted Von Glauben. + </p> + <p> + “Last night, Professor, you were somewhat anxious for our health and + safety,” he said severely; “It is our turn now to be equally anxious for + yours! We are of opinion that you, like ourselves, run some risk of danger + by meddling in affairs which do not concern you! Silence!” This, as the + Professor, deeply moved by his Royal master’s evident displeasure, made an + attempt to speak. “We will hear all you have to say to-morrow. Meanwhile—follow + your fair charge!” And he pointed up in the direction whither Gloria had + vanished. “Her husband”—and he emphasized the word,—“whoever + he is, appears to have entrusted her safety to you;—see that you do + not betray his trust, even though you have betrayed mine!” + </p> + <p> + At this remark Von Glauben was visibly overcome. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, you have never had reason to complain of any lack of loyalty in me + to you and to your service,” he said with an earnest dignity which became + him well;—“In the matter of the poor child yonder, whose beauty + would surely be a fatal snare to any man, there is much to be told,—which + if told truly, will prove that I am merely the slave of circumstances + which were not created by me,—and which it is possible for a + faithful servant of your Majesty to regret! But a betrayer of trust I have + never been, and I beseech your Majesty to believe me when I say that the + acuteness of that undeserved reproach cuts me to the heart! I yield to no + man in the respect and affection I entertain for your Royal person, not + even to De Launay here—who knows—who knows—” + </p> + <p> + He broke off, unable through strong emotion to proceed. + </p> + <p> + “‘Who knows’—What?” enquired the King, turning his steadfast eyes on + Sir Roger. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, Sir! Absolutely nothing!” replied the equerry, opening his eyes + as widely as their habitual langour would permit; “I am absolutely + ignorant of everything concerning Von Glauben except that he is an honest + man! That I certainly do know!” + </p> + <p> + A slight smile cleared away something of the doubt and displeasure on the + King’s face. Approaching the disconsolate Professor, he laid one hand on + his shoulder and looked him steadily in the eyes. + </p> + <p> + “By my faith, Von Glauben, if I thought positively that you could play me + false in any matter, I would never believe a man again! Come! Forgive my + hasty speech, and do not look so downcast! Honest I have always known you + to be,—and that you will prove your honesty, I do not doubt! But—there + is something in this affair which awakens grave suspicion in my mind. For + to-day I press no questions—but to-morrow I must know all! You + understand? <i>All</i>! Say this to the girl, Gloria,—say it to her + husband also—as, of course, you know who her husband is. If he + serves on Prince Humphry’s yacht, that is enough to say that Humphry + himself has probably seen her. Under all the circumstances, I confess, my + dear Von Glauben, that your presence here is a riddle which needs + explanation!” + </p> + <p> + “It shall be explained, Sir—” murmured the Professor. + </p> + <p> + “Naturally! It must, of course be explained. But I hope you give me credit + for not being altogether a fool; and I have an idea that my son’s frequent + mysterious visits to The Islands have something to do with this fair + Gloria of Glorias!” Von Glauben started involuntarily. “You perhaps think + it too? Or know it? Well, if it is so, I can hardly blame him overmuch,—though + I am sorry he should have selected a poor sailor’s wife as a subject for + his secret amours! I should have thought him possessed of more honour. + However—to-morrow I shall look to you for a full account of the + matter. For the present, I excuse your attendance, and permit you to + remain with her whom you call ‘princess’!” + </p> + <p> + He stepped back, and, taking De Launay’s arm, turned round at once, and + walked away back to Ronsard’s house by the path he had followed with such + eagerness and care. + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben watched the two tall figures disappear, and then with a + troubled look, began to climb slowly up the rocks in the direction where + Gloria had gone. His reflections were not altogether as philosophical as + usual, because as he said to himself—“One can never tell how a woman + is going to meet misfortune! Sometimes she takes it well; and then the men + who have ruthlessly destroyed her happiness go on their way rejoicing; but + more often she takes it ill, and there is the devil to pay! Yet—Gloria + is not like any ordinary woman—she is a carefully selected specimen + of her sex, which a kindly Nature has produced as an example of what women + were intended to be when they were first created. I wonder where she has + hidden herself?” + </p> + <p> + Arriving at the summit of the ascent, he peered down towards the sea. + Slopes of rank grass and sea-daisies tufted the rocks on this side, + divided by certain deep hollows which the action of the waves had + honeycombed here and there; and below the grass was the shore, powdered + thickly with sand, of a fine, light, and sparkling colour, like gold dust. + Here in the full light of the sinking sun lay Gloria, her head pillowed + against a rough stone, on the top of which a tall cluster of daisies, + sometimes called moon-flowers, waved like white plumes. + </p> + <p> + “Gloria!” called Von Glauben. + </p> + <p> + She looked up, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Has Majesty gone?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Gone for the present,” replied the Professor, beginning to put one foot + cautiously before the other down a roughly hewn stairway in the otherwise + almost inaccessible cliff. “But, like the sun which is setting to-night, + he will rise again to-morrow!” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I come and help you down?” enquired the girl, turning on her elbow + as she lay, and lifting her lovely face, radiant as a flower, towards him. + </p> + <p> + “Whether down or up, you shall never help me, my princess!” he replied. + “When I can neither climb nor fall without the assistance of a woman’s + hand, I shall take a pistol and tell it to whisper in my ear—‘Good-bye, + Heinrich Von Glauben! You are all up—finish—gone!’” + </p> + <p> + Here, with a somewhat elephantine jump, he alighted beside her and threw + himself on the warm sand with a deep sigh of mingled exhaustion and + relief. + </p> + <p> + “You would be very wicked to put a pistol to your ear,” said Gloria + severely;—“It is only a coward who shoots himself!” + </p> + <p> + “Ach so! And it is a brave man who shoots others! That is curious, is it + not, princess? It is a little bit of man’s morality; but we have no time + to discuss it now. We have something more serious to consider,—your + husband!” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him wonderingly. + </p> + <p> + “My husband? Do you really think he will be very angry that the King saw + me?” + </p> + <p> + The Professor appeared to be considering the question; but in reality he + was studying the exquisite delicacy of the face turned so wistfully upon + him, and the lovely lines of the slim throat and rounded chin—“So + beautiful a creature”—he was saying within himself—“And must + she also suffer pain and disillusion like all the rest of her unfortunate + sex!” Aloud he replied. + </p> + <p> + “My princess, it is not for me to say he will be ‘angry,’—for how + could he be angry with the one he loves to such adoration! He will be + sorry and troubled—it will put him into a great difficulty! Ach!—a + whole nest of difficulties!” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” And Gloria’s eyes filled with sudden tears. “I would not grieve him + for the world! I cannot understand why it should matter at all, even if + the King does find out that he is married. Are the rules so strict for all + the men who serve on board the Royal vessels?” + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben bit his lips to hide an involuntary smile. But he answered her + with quite a martinet air. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, they are strict—very strict! Particularly so in the case of + your husband. You see, my child—you do not perhaps quite understand—but + he is a sort of superior officer on board; and in close personal + attendance on the Crown Prince.” + </p> + <p> + “He did not tell me that!” said the girl a little anxiously; “Yet surely + it would not matter if he loses one place; can he not easily get another?” + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben was looking at her with a grave, almost melancholy intentness. + </p> + <p> + “Listen, my princess,—listen to your poor old friend, who means you + so much good, and no harm at all! Your husband—and I too, for that + matter,—wished much to prevent the King from seeing you—for—for + many reasons. When I heard he was coming to The Islands, I resolved to + arrive here before him, and so I did. I said nothing to Ronsard, not even + to warn him of the King’s impending visit. I took you just quietly, as I + have often done, for a walk, with a book to read and to explain to you, + because you tell me you want to study; though in my opinion you know quite + enough—for a woman. I gave you a letter from your husband, and you + know he asked you in that letter to avoid all possibility of meeting with + the King. Good! Well, now, what happens? You sing—and lo! his + Majesty, like a fish on a hook, is drawn up open-mouthed to your feet! + Now, who is to blame? You or I?” + </p> + <p> + A little perplexed line appeared on the girl’s fair brows. “I am, I + suppose!” she said somewhat plaintively,—“But yet, even now, I do + not understand. What is the King? He is nothing! He does nothing for + anybody! People make petitions to him, and he never answers them—they + try to point out errors and abuses, and he takes no trouble to remedy them—he + is no better than a wooden idol! He is not a real man, though he looks + like one.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you think he looks like one?” murmured Von Glauben; “That is to say + you are not altogether displeased with his appearance?” + </p> + <p> + Gloria’s eyes darkened a moment with thought,—then flashed with + laughter. + </p> + <p> + “No,” she said frankly—“He is more kingly than I thought a king + could be. But he should not lose temper. That spoils all dignity!” + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Kings are but mortal,” he said, “and never to lose temper would be + impossible to any man.” + </p> + <p> + “It is such a waste of time!” declared Gloria—“Why should anyone + lose self-control? It is like giving up a sword to an enemy.” + </p> + <p> + “That is one of Réné Ronsard’s teachings,”—said the Professor—“It + is excellent in theory! But in practice I have seen Réné give way to + temper himself, with considerable enjoyment of his own mental + thunderstorm. As for the King, he is generally a very equable personage; + and he has one great virtue—that is courage. He is brave as a lion—perhaps + braver than many lions!” + </p> + <p> + She raised her eyes enquiringly. + </p> + <p> + “Has he proved it?” + </p> + <p> + Rather taken aback by the question, he stared at her solemnly. + </p> + <p> + “Proved it? Well! He has had no chance. The country has been at peace for + many years—but if there should ever be a war——” + </p> + <p> + “Would he go and fight for the country?” enquired Gloria. + </p> + <p> + “In person? No. He would not be allowed to do that. His life would be + endangered——” + </p> + <p> + “Of course!” interrupted the girl with a touch of contempt; “But if he + would allow himself to be ruled by others in such a matter, I do not call + him brave!” + </p> + <p> + The Professor drew out his spectacles, and fixing them on his nose with + much care, regarded her through them with bland and kindly interest. + </p> + <p> + “Very simple and primitive reasoning, my princess!” he said; “And from an + early historic point of view, your idea is correct. In the olden times + kings went themselves to battle, and led their soldiers on to victory in + person. It was very fine; much finer than our modern ways of warfare. But + it has perhaps never occurred to you that a king’s life nowadays is always + in danger? He can do nothing more completely courageous than to show + himself in public!” + </p> + <p> + “Are kings then so hated?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “They are not loved, it must be confessed,” returned Von Glauben, taking + off his spectacles again; “But that is quite their own fault. They seldom + do anything to deserve the respect,—much less the affection of their + subjects. But this king—this man you have just seen—certainly + deserves both.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what has he done?” asked Gloria wonderingly. “I have heard people + say he is very wicked—that he takes other men’s wives away from them—” + </p> + <p> + The Professor coughed discreetly. + </p> + <p> + “My princess, let me suggest to you that he could scarcely take other + men’s wives away from them, unless those wives were perfectly willing to + go!” + </p> + <p> + She gave an impatient gesture. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there are weak women, no doubt; but then a king should know better + than to put temptation in their way. If a man undertakes to be strong, he + should also be honourable. Then,—what of the taxes the King imposes + on the people? The sufferings of the poor over there on the mainland are + terrible!—I know all about them! I have heard Sergius Thord!” + </p> + <p> + The Professor gave an uncomfortable start. + </p> + <p> + “You have heard Sergius Thord? Where?” + </p> + <p> + “Here!” And Gloria smiled at his expression of wonderment. “He has spoken + often to our people, and he is father Réné’s friend.” + </p> + <p> + “And what does he talk about when he speaks here?” enquired Von Glauben. + “When does he come, and how does he go?” + </p> + <p> + “Always at night,” answered Gloria; “He has a sailing skiff of his own, + and on many an evening when the wind sets in our quarter, he arrives quite + suddenly, all alone, and in a moment, as if by magic, the Islanders all + seem to know he is here. On the shore, or in the fields he assembles them + round him, and tells them many things that are plain and true. I have + heard him speak often of the shortness of life and its many sorrows, and + he says we could all make each other happy for the little time we have to + live, if we would. And I think he is right; it is only wicked and selfish + people who make others unhappy!” + </p> + <p> + The Professor was silent. Gloria, watching him, wondered at his somewhat + perturbed expression. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know the King very well?” she asked suddenly. “He seemed very + cross with you!” + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben roused himself from a fit of momentary abstraction. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,—he was cross!” he rejoined. “I, like your husband, am in his + service—and I ought to have been on duty to-day. It will be all + right, however—all right! But—” He paused for a moment, then + went on—“You say that only wicked and selfish people make others + unhappy. Now suppose your husband were wicked and selfish enough to make + <i>you</i> unhappy; what would you say?” + </p> + <p> + A sweet smile shone in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “He could not make me unhappy!” she said. “He would not try! He loves me, + and he will always love me!” + </p> + <p> + “But, suppose,” persisted the Professor—“Just for the sake of + argument—suppose he had deceived you?” + </p> + <p> + With a low cry she sprang up. + </p> + <p> + “Impossible!” she exclaimed; “He is truth itself! He could not deceive + anyone!” + </p> + <p> + “Come and sit down again,” said Von Glauben tranquilly; “It is disturbing + to my mind to see you standing there pronouncing your faith in the + integrity of man! No male creature deserves such implicit trust, and + whenever a woman gives it, she invariably finds out her mistake!” + </p> + <p> + But Gloria stood still, The rich colour had faded from her cheeks—her + eyes were dilated with alarm, and her breath came and went quickly. + </p> + <p> + “You must explain,” she said hurriedly; “You must tell me what you mean by + suggesting such a wicked thought to me as that my husband could deceive + me! It is not right or kind of you,—it is cruel!” + </p> + <p> + The Professor scrambled up hastily out of his sandy nook, and approaching + her, took her hand very gently and respectfully in his own and kissed it. + </p> + <p> + “My dear—my princess—I was wrong! Forgive me!” he murmured, + and there was a little tremor in his voice; “But can you not understand + the possibility of a man loving a woman very much, and yet deceiving her + for her good?” + </p> + <p> + “It could never be for her good,” said Gloria firmly; “It would not be for + mine! No lie ever lasts!” + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben looked at her with a sense of reverence and something like + awe. The after-glow of the sinking sun was burning low down upon the sea, + and turning it to fiery crimson, and as she stood bathed in its splendour, + the white rocks towering above her, and the golden sands sparkling at her + feet, she appeared like some newly descended angel expressing the very + truth of Heaven itself in her own presence on earth. As they stood thus, + the sudden boom of a single cannon echoed clear across the waves. + </p> + <p> + “There goes the King!” said Von Glauben; “Majesty departs for the present, + having so far satisfied his curiosity! That gun is the signal. Child!”—and + turning towards her again, he took both her hands in his, and spoke with + emphatic gravity and kindness—“Remember that I am your friend + always! Whatever chances to you, do not forget that you may command my + service and devotion till death! In this strange life, we never know from + day to day what may happen to us, for constant change is the law of Nature + and the universe,—but after all, there is something in the soul of a + true man which does not change with the elements,—and that is—loyalty + to a sworn faith! In my heart, I have sworn an oath of fealty to you, my + beautiful little princess of the sea!—and it is a vow that shall + never be broken! Do you understand? And will you remember?” + </p> + <p> + Her large dark blue eyes looked trustingly into his. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I will never forget!” she said, with a touch of wistfulness in + her accents; “But I do not know why you should be anxious for me—there + is nothing to fear for my happiness. I have all the love I care for in the + world!” + </p> + <p> + “And long may you keep it!” said the Professor earnestly; “Come! It will + soon be time for me to leave you, and I must see Réné before I go. If you + follow my advice, you will say nothing to him of having met the King—not + for the present, at any rate.” + </p> + <p> + She agreed to this, though with some little hesitation,—then they + ascended the cliff, and walking by way of the pine-wood through which the + King had come, arrived at Ronsard’s house, to find the old man quite + alone, and peacefully engaged in tying up the roses and jessamine on the + pillars of his verandah. His worn face lighted up with animation and + tenderness as Gloria approached him and threw her arms around his neck, + and to her he related the incident of the King and Queen’s unexpected + visit, as a sort of accidental, uninteresting, and wholly unimportant + occurrence. The Queen, he said, was very beautiful; but too cold in her + manner, though she had certainly taken much interest in seeing the house + and garden. + </p> + <p> + “It was just as well you were absent, child,” he added—“Royalty + brings an atmosphere with it which is not wholesome. A king never knows + what it is to be an honest man!” + </p> + <p> + “Those are your old, discarded theories, Ronsard!” said Von Glauben, + shaking his head;—“You said you would never return to them!” + </p> + <p> + “Aye!” rejoined Ronsard;—“I have tried to put away all my old + thoughts and dreams for her sake”—and his gaze rested lovingly on + Gloria as, standing on tiptoe to reach a down-drooping rose, she gathered + it and fastened it in her bosom. “There should only be peace and + contentment where <i>she</i> dwells! But sometimes my life’s long + rebellion against sham and injustice stirs in my blood, and I long to pull + down the ignorant people’s idols of wood and straw, and set up men in + place of dummies!” + </p> + <p> + “A Mumbo-Jumbo of some kind has always been necessary in the world, my + friend,” said the Professor calmly; “Either in the shape of a deity or a + king. A wood and straw Nonentity is better than an incarnated fleshly + Selfishness. Will you give me supper before I leave?” + </p> + <p> + Ronsard smiled a cheery assent, and Gloria preceding them, and singing in + a low tone to herself as she went, they all entered the house together. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the Royal yacht was scudding back to the mainland over crisp + waters on the wings of a soft breeze, with a bright moon flying through + fleecy clouds above, and silvering the foam-crests of the waves below. + There was music on board,—the King and Queen dined with their + guests,—and laughter and gay converse intermingled with the sound of + song. They talked of their day’s experience—of the beauty of The + Islands—of Ronsard,—his quaint house and quainter self,—so + different to the persons with whom they associated in their own exclusive + and brilliant Court ‘set,’ and the pretty Countess Amabil flirting + harmlessly with Sir Walter Langton, suggested that a ‘Flower Feast’ or + Carnival should be held during the summer, for the surprise and benefit of + the Islanders, who had never yet seen a Royal pageant of pleasure on their + shores. + </p> + <p> + But Sir Roger de Launay, ever watching the Queen, saw that she was very + pale, and more silent even than was her usual habit, and that her eyes + every now and again rested on the King, with something of wonder, as well + as fear. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. — SECRET SERVICE + </h2> + <p> + In one of the ultra-fashionable quarters of the brilliant and overcrowded + metropolis which formed the nucleus and centre of everything notable or + progressive in the King’s dominions, there stood a large and + aggressively-handsome house, over-decorated both outside and in, and + implying in its general appearance vulgarity, no less than wealth. These + two things go together very much nowadays; in fact one scarcely ever sees + them apart. The fair, southern city of the sea was not behind other modern + cities in luxury and self-aggrandisement, and there were certain members + of the population who made it their business to show all they were worth + in their domestic and home surroundings. One of the most flagrant + money-exhibitors of this kind was a certain Jew named David Jost. Jost was + the sole proprietor of the most influential newspaper in the kingdom, and + the largest shareholder in three other newspaper companies, all apparently + differing in party views, but all in reality working into the same hands, + and for the same ends. Jost and his companies virtually governed the + Press; and what was euphoniously termed ‘public opinion’ was the opinion + of Jost. Should anything by chance happen to get into his own special + journal, or into any of the other journals connected with Jost, which Jost + did not approve of, or which might be damaging to Jost’s social or + financial interests, the editor in charge was severely censured; if the + fault occurred again he was promptly dismissed. ‘Public opinion’ had to be + formed on Jost’s humour; otherwise it was no opinion at all. A few other + newspapers led a precarious existence in offering a daily feeble + opposition to Jost; but they had not cash enough to carry on the quarrel. + Jost secured all the advertisers, and as a natural consequence of this, + could well afford to be the ‘voice of the people’ ad libitum. He was + immensely wealthy, openly vicious, and utterly unscrupulous; and made + brilliant speculative ‘deals’ in the unsuspecting natures of those who + were led, by that bland and cheery demeanour which is generally associated + with a large paunch, to consider him a ‘good fellow’ with his ‘heart in + the right place.’ With regard to this last assertion, it may be doubted + whether he had a heart at all, in any place, right or wrong. He was + certainly not given to sentiment. He had married for money, and his wife + had died in a mad-house. He was now anxious to marry again for position; + and while looking round the market for a sufficiently perfect person of + high-breeding, he patronized the theatre largely, and ‘protected’ several + ballet-girls and actresses. Everyone knew that his life was black with + villainy and intrigue of the most shameless kind, yet everyone swore that + he was a good man. Such is the value of a limitless money-bag! + </p> + <p> + It was very late in the evening of the day following that on which the + King had paid his unexpected visit to The Islands,—and David Jost + had just returned from a comic opera-house, where he had supped in private + with two or three painted heroines of the footlights. He was in an + excellent humour with himself. He had sprung a mine on the public; and a + carefully-concocted rumour of war with a foreign power had sent up certain + stocks and shares in which he had considerable interest. He smiled, as he + thought of the general uneasiness he was creating by a few headlines in + his newspaper; and he enjoyed to the full the tranquil sense of having + flung a bone of discord between two nations, in order to watch them from + his arm-chair fighting like dogs for it tooth and claw, till one or the + other gave in. + </p> + <p> + “Lutera will have to thank me for this,” he said to himself; “And he will + owe me both a place and a title!” + </p> + <p> + He sat down at his desk in his warm and luxuriously-furnished study,—turned + over a few letters, and then glanced up at the clock. Its hands pointed to + within a few minutes of midnight. Taking up a copy of his own newspaper, + he frowned slightly, as he saw that a certain leading article in favour of + the Jesuit settlement in the country had not appeared. + </p> + <p> + “Crowded out, I suppose, for want of space,” he said; “I must see that it + goes in to-morrow. These Jesuits know a thing or two; and they are not + going to plank down a thousand pounds for nothing. They have paid for + their advertisement, and they must have it. They ought to have had it + to-day. Lutera must warn the King that it will not do to offend the + Church. There’s a lot of loose cash lying idle in the Vatican,—we + may as well have some of it! His Majesty has acted most unwisely in + refusing to grant the religious Orders the land they want. He must be + persuaded to yield it to them by degrees,—in exchange of course for + plenty of cash down, without loss of dignity!” + </p> + <p> + At that moment the door-bell rang softly, as if it were pulled with + extreme caution. A servant answered it, and at once came to his master’s + room. + </p> + <p> + “A gentleman to see you, sir, on business,” he said. + </p> + <p> + Jost looked up. + </p> + <p> + “On business? At this time of night? Say I cannot see him—tell him + to come again to-morrow!” + </p> + <p> + The servant withdrew, only to return again with a more urgent statement. + </p> + <p> + “The gentleman says he must see you, sir; he comes from the Premier.” + </p> + <p> + “From the Premier?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; his business is urgent, he says, and private. He sent in his + card, sir.” + </p> + <p> + Here he handed over the card in question, a small, unobtrusive bit of + pasteboard, laid in solitary grandeur on a very large silver salver. + </p> + <p> + David Jost took it up, and scanned it with some curiosity. “‘Pasquin + Leroy’! H’m! Don’t know the name at all. ‘Urgent business; bear private + credentials from the Marquis de Lutera’!” He paused again, considering,—then + turned to the waiting attendant. “Show him in.”. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir!” + </p> + <p> + Another moment and Pasquin Leroy entered,—but it was an altogether + different Pasquin Leroy to the one that had recently enrolled himself as + an associate of Sergius Thord’s Revolutionary Committee. <i>That</i> + particular Pasquin had seemed somewhat of a dreamer and a visionary, with + a peculiar and striking resemblance to the King; <i>this</i> Pasquin Leroy + had all the alertness and sharpness common to a practised journalist, + press-reporter or commercial traveller. Moreover, his countenance, adorned + with a black mustache, and small pointed beard, wore a cold and + concentrated air of business—and he confronted the Jew millionaire + without the slightest embarrassment or apology for having broken in upon + his seclusion at so unseasonable an hour. He used a pince-nez, and was + constantly putting it to his eyes, as though troubled with + short-sightedness. + </p> + <p> + “I presume your matter cannot wait, sir,” said Jost, surveying him coolly, + without rising from his seat,—“but if it can—” + </p> + <p> + “It cannot!” returned Leroy, bluntly. + </p> + <p> + Jost stared. + </p> + <p> + “So! You come from the Marquis de Lutera?” + </p> + <p> + “I do.” + </p> + <p> + “Your credentials?” + </p> + <p> + Leroy stepped close up to him, and with a sudden movement, which was + somewhat startling, held up his right hand. + </p> + <p> + “This signet is, I believe, familiar to you,—and it will be enough + to prove that I come on confidential business which cannot be trusted to + writing!” + </p> + <p> + Jost gazed at the flashing sapphire on the stranger’s hand with a sense of + deadly apprehension. He recognised the Premier’s ring well enough; and he + also knew that it would never have been sent to him in this mysterious way + unless the matter in question was almost too desperate for whispering + within four walls. An uneasy sensation affected him; he pulled at his + collar, looked round the room as though in search of inspiration, and then + finally bringing his small, swine-like eyes to bear on the neat soldierly + figure before him, he said with a careless air: + </p> + <p> + “You probably bring news for the Press affecting the present policy?” + </p> + <p> + “That remains to be seen!” replied Leroy imperturbably; “From a perfectly + impartial standpoint, I should imagine that the present policy may have to + alter considerably!” + </p> + <p> + Jost recoiled. + </p> + <p> + “Impossible! It cannot be altered!” he said roughly,—then suddenly + recollecting himself, he assumed his usual indolent equanimity, and rising + slowly, went to a side door in the room and threw it open. + </p> + <p> + “Step in here,” he said; “We can talk without fear of interruption. Will + you smoke?” + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure!” replied Leroy, accepting a cigar from the case Jost + extended—then glancing with a slight smile at the broad, squat + Jewish countenance which had, in the last couple of minutes, lost + something of its habitual redness, he added—“I am glad you are + disposed to discuss matters with me in a friendly, as well as in a + confidential way. It is possible my news may not be altogether agreeable + to you;—but of course you would be more willing to suffer + personally, than to jeopardise the honour of Ministers.” + </p> + <p> + He uttered the last sentence more as a question than a statement. + </p> + <p> + Jost shifted one foot against the other uneasily. + </p> + <p> + “I am not so sure of that,” he said after a pause, during which he had + drawn himself up, and had endeavoured to look conscientious; “You see I + have the public to consider! Ministers may fall; statesmen may be thrown + out of office; but the Press is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever!” + </p> + <p> + “Except when a great Editor changes his opinions,” said Leroy tranquilly,—“Which + is, of course, always a point of reason and conscience, as well as of—advantage! + In the present case I think—but—shall we not enter the sanctum + of which you have so obligingly opened the door? We can scarcely be too + private when the King’s name is in question!” + </p> + <p> + Jost opened his furtive eyes in amazement. + </p> + <p> + “The King? What the devil has he to do with anything but his women and his + amusements?” + </p> + <p> + A very close observer might have seen a curious expression flicker over + Pasquin Leroy’s face at these words,—an expression half of laughter, + half of scorn,—but it was slight and evanescent, and his reply was + frigidly courteous. + </p> + <p> + “I really cannot inform you; but I am afraid his Majesty is departing + somewhat from his customary routine! He is, in fact, taking an active, + instead of a passive part in national affairs.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he must be warned off the ground!” said Jost irritably; “He is a + Constitutional monarch, and must obey the laws of the Constitution.” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely!” And Leroy looked carefully at the end of his cigar; “But at + present he appears to have an idea that the laws of the Constitution are + being tampered with by certain other kings;—for example,—the + kings of finance!” + </p> + <p> + Jost muttered a half-inaudible oath. + </p> + <p> + “Come this way,” he said impatiently;—“Bad news is best soon over!” + </p> + <p> + Leroy gave a careless nod of acquiescence,—then glancing round the + room, up at the clock, and down again to Jost’s desk, strewn with letters + and documents of every description, he smiled a little to himself, and + followed the all-powerful editor into the smaller adjoining apartment. The + door closed behind them both, and Jost turned the key in the lock from + within. + </p> + <p> + For a long time all was very silent. Jost’s valet and confidential + servant, sleepy and tired, waited in the hall to let his master’s visitor + out,—and hearing no sound, ventured to look into the study now and + then,—but to no purpose. He knew the sanctity of that inner chamber + beyond; he knew that when the Premier came to see the great Jost,—as + he often did,—it was in that mysterious further room that business + was transacted, and that it was as much as his place was worth to venture + even to knock at the door. So, yawning heavily, he dozed on his bench in + the hall,—woke with a start and dozed again,—while the clock + slowly ticked away the minutes till with a dull clang the hour struck One. + Then on again went the steady and wearisome tick-tick of the pendulum, for + a quarter of an hour, half an hour,—and three-quarters,—till + the utterly fatigued valet was about to knock down a few walking-sticks + and umbrellas, and make a general noise of reminder to his master as to + how the time was going, when, to his great relief, he heard the inner door + open at last, and the voice of the mysterious visitor ring out in clear, + precise accents. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing will be done publicly, of course,—unless Parliament insists + on an enquiry!” The speaker came towards the hall, and the valet sprang up + from his bench, and stood ready to show the stranger out. + </p> + <p> + Jost replied, and his accents were thick and unsteady. + </p> + <p> + “Enquiry cannot be forced! The Marquis himself can burk any such attempt.” + </p> + <p> + “But—if the King should insist?” + </p> + <p> + “He would be breaking all the rules of custom and precedent,” said Jost,—“And + he would deserve to be dethroned!” + </p> + <p> + Pasquin Leroy laughed. + </p> + <p> + “True! Good-night, Mr. Jost! Can I do anything for you in Moscow?” The two + men now came into the full light shed by the great lamp in the hall. Jost + looked darkly red in the face—almost apoplectic; Leroy was as cool, + imperturbable and easy of manner as a practised detective or professional + spy. + </p> + <p> + “In Moscow,” Jost repeated—“You are going straight to Russia?” + </p> + <p> + “I think so.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you are in the secret service?” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly! A curious line of business, too, which the outside world knows + very little of. Ah!—if the excellent people—the masses as we + call them—knew what rogues had the ruling of their affairs in some + countries—not in this country, of course!” he added with a quizzical + smile,—“but in some others, not very far away, I wonder how many + revolutions would break out within six months! Good-night, Mr. Jost!” + </p> + <p> + “Good-night!” responded Jost briefly. “You will let me know any further + developments?” + </p> + <p> + “Most assuredly!” + </p> + <p> + The servant opened the door, and Pasquin Leroy slipped a gold coin worth a + sovereign into his hand, whereupon, of course, the worthy domestic + considered him to be a ‘real gentleman.’ As soon as he had passed into the + street, and the door was shut and barred for the night, Jost bade his man + go to bed, a command which was gladly obeyed; and re-entering his study, + passed all the time till the breaking of dawn in rummaging out letters and + documents from various desks, drawers and despatch-boxes, and burning them + carefully one by one in the open grate. While thus employed, he had a + truly villainous aspect,—each flame he kindled with each paper + seemed to show up a more unpleasing expression on his countenance, till at + last,—when such matter was destroyed as he had at present determined + on,—he drew himself up and stood for a moment surveying the pile of + light black ashes, which was all that was left of about a hundred or more + incriminating paper witnesses to certain matters in which he had more than + a lawful interest. + </p> + <p> + “It will be difficult now to trace my hand in the scheme!” he said to + himself, frowning heavily, as he considered various uncomfortable + contingencies arising out of his conversation with his late visitor. “If + the thunderbolt falls, it will crush Carl Pérousse—not me. Yes! It + means ruin for him—ruin and disgrace—but for me—well! I + shall find it as easy to damn Pérousse as it has been to support him, for + he cannot involve me without adding tenfold to his own disaster! I think + it will be safe enough for me—possibly not so safe for the Premier. + However, I will write to him to-morrow, just to let him know I received + his messenger.” + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, while David Jost was thus cogitating unpleasant and even + dangerous possibilities, which were perhaps on the eve of occurring to + himself and certain of his associates in politics and journalism, Pasquin + Leroy was hurrying along the city streets under the light of a clear, + though pallid and waning moon. Few wanderers were abroad; the police + walked their various rounds, and one or two miserable women passed him, + like flying ghosts in the thin air of night. His mind was in a turmoil of + agitation; and the thoughts that were tossing rapidly through his brain + one upon the other, were such as he had never known before. He had + fathomed a depth of rascality and deception, which but a short month ago, + he could scarcely have believed capable of existence. The cruel injury and + loss preparing for thousands of innocent persons through the + self-interested plotting of a few men, was almost incalculable,—and + his blood burned with passionate indignation as he realized on what a + verge of misery, bloodshed, disaster and crime the unthinking people of + the country stood, pushed to the very edge of a fall by the shameless and + unscrupulous designs of a few financiers, playing their gambling game with + the public confidence,—and cheating nations as callously as they + would have cheated their partners at cards. + </p> + <p> + “Thank God, it is not too late!” he murmured; “Not quite too late to save + the situation!—to rescue the people from long years of undeserved + taxation, loss of trade and general distress! It is a supreme task that + has been given me to accomplish!—but if there is any truth and right + in the laws of the Universe, I shall surely not be misjudged while + accomplishing it!” + </p> + <p> + He quickened his pace;—and to avoid going up one of the longer + thoroughfares which led to the citadel and palace, he decided to cross one + of the many picturesque bridges, arched over certain inlets from the sea, + and forming canals, where barges and other vessels might be towed up to + the very doors of the warehouses which received their cargoes. But just as + he was about to turn in the necessary direction, he halted abruptly at + sight of two men, standing at the first corner in the way of his advance, + talking earnestly. He recognized them at once as Sergius Thord and the + half-inebriated poet, Paul Zouche. With noiseless step he moved cautiously + into the broad stretch of black shadow cast by the great façade of a block + of buildings which occupied half the length of the street in which he + stood, and so managing to slip into the denser darkness of a doorway, was + able to hear what they were saying. The full, mellow, and persuasive tone + of Thord’s voice had something in it of reproach. + </p> + <p> + “You shame yourself, Zouche!” he said; “You shame me; you shame us all! + Man, did God put a light of Genius in your soul merely to be quenched by + the cravings of a bestial body? What associate are you for us? How can you + help us in the fulfilment of our ideal dream? By day you mingle with + litterateurs, scientists, and philosophers,—report has it that you + have even managed to stumble your way into my lady’s boudoir;—but by + night you wander like this,—insensate, furious, warped in soul, + muddled in brain, and only the heart of you alive,—the poor + unsatisfied heart—hungering and crying for what itself makes + impossible!” + </p> + <p> + Zouche broke into a harsh laugh. Turning up his head to the sky, he thrust + back his wild hair, and showed his thin eager face and glittering eyes, + outlined cameo-like by the paling radiance of the moon. + </p> + <p> + “Well spoken, my Sergius!” he exclaimed. “You always speak well! Your + thoughts are of flame—your speech is of gold; the fire melts the + ore! And then again you have a conscience! That is a strange possession!—quite + useless in these days, like the remains of the tail we had when we were + all happy apes in the primeval forest, pelting the Megatherium or other + such remarkable beasts with cocoanuts! It was a much better life, Sergius, + believe me! A Conscience is merely a mental Appendicitis! There should be + a psychical surgeon with an airy lancet to cut it out. Not for me!—I + was born perfect—without it!” + </p> + <p> + He laughed again, then with an abrupt change of manner he caught Thord + violently by the arm. + </p> + <p> + “How can you speak of shame?” he said—“What shame is left in either + man or woman nowadays? Naked to the very skin of foulness, they flaunt a + nudity of vice in every public thoroughfare! Your sentiments, my grand + Sergius, are those of an old world long passed away! You are a reformer, a + lover of truth—a hater of shams—and in the days when the + people loved truth,—and wanted justice,—and fought for both, + you would have been great! But greatness is nowadays judged as ‘madness’—truth + as ‘want of tact’—desire for justice is ‘clamour for notoriety.’ + Shame? There is no shame in anything, Sergius, but honesty! That is a + disgrace to the century; for an honest man is always poor, and poverty is + the worst of crimes.” He threw up his arms with a wild gesture,—“The + worst of crimes! Do I not know it!” + </p> + <p> + Thord took him gently by the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “You talk, Zouche, as you always talk, at random, scarcely knowing, and + certainly not half meaning what you say. There is no real reason in your + rages against fate and fortune. Leave the accursed drink, and you may + still win the prize you covet—Fame.” + </p> + <p> + “Not I!” said Zouche scornfully,—“Fame in its original sense + belonged also to the growing-time of the world—when, proud of youth + and the glow of life, the full-fledged man judged himself immortal. Fame + now is adjudged to the biped-machine who drives a motor-car best,—or + to the fortunate soap-boiler who dines with a king! Poetry is understood + to be the useful rhyme which announces the virtues of pills and + boot-blacking! Mark you, Sergius!—my latest volume was ‘graciously + accepted by the King’! Do you know what that means?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Thord, a trifle coldly; “And if it were not that I know your + strange vagaries, I should say you wronged your election as one of us, to + send any of your work to a crowned fool!” + </p> + <p> + Zouche laughed discordantly. + </p> + <p> + “You would? No, you would not, my Sergius, if you knew the spirit in which + I sent it! A spirit as wild, as reckless, as ranting, as defiant as ever + devil indulged in! The humility of my presentation letter to his Majesty + was beautiful! The reply of the flunkey-secretary was equally beautiful in + smug courtesy: ‘Sir, I am commanded by the King to thank you for the book + of poems you have kindly sent for his acceptance!’ I say again, Thord, do + you know what it means?” + </p> + <p> + “No; I only wish that instead of talking here, you would let me see you + safely home.” + </p> + <p> + “Home! I have no home! Since <i>she</i> died—” He paused, and a grey + shadow crossed his face like the hue of approaching sickness or death. “I + killed her, poor child! Of course you know that! I neglected her,—deserted + her—left her to die! Well! She is only one more added to the list of + countless women martyrs who have been tortured out of an unjust world—and + now—now I write verses to her memory!” He shivered as with cold, + still clinging to Thord’s arm. “But I did not tell you what great good + comes of sending a book to the King! It means less to a writer than to a + boot-maker. For the boot-maker can put up a sign: ‘Special Fitter for the + ease of His Majesty’s Corns’—but if a poet should say his verse is + ‘accepted’ by a monarch, the shrewd public take it at once to be bad + verse, and will have none of it! That is the case with my book to-day!” + </p> + <p> + “Why did you send it?” asked Thord, with grave patience. “Your business + with kings is to warn, not to flatter!” + </p> + <p> + “Just so!” cried Zouche; “And if His Most Gracious and Glorious had been + pleased to look inside the volume, he would have seen enough to startle + him! It was sent in hate, my Sergius,—not in humility,—just as + the flunkey-secretary’s answer was penned in derision, aping courtesy! How + you look, under this wan sky of night! Reproachful, yet pitying, as the + eyes of Buddha are your eyes, my Sergius! You are a fine fellow—your + brain is a dome decorated with glorious ideals!—and yet you are like + all of us, weak in one point, as Achilles in the heel. One thing could + turn you from man into beast—and that would be if Lotys loved—not + you—she never will love you—but another!”—Thord started + back as though suddenly stabbed, and angrily shook off his companion, who + only laughed again,—a shrill, echoing laugh in which there was a + note of madness and desolation. “Bah!” he exclaimed; “You are a fool after + all! You work for a woman as I did—once! But mark you!—do not + kill her—as I did—once! Be patient! Watch the light shine, + even though it does not illumine your path; be glad that the rose blooms + for itself, if not for you! It will be difficult!—meanwhile you can + live on hope—a bitter fruit to eat; but gnaw it to the last rind, my + Sergius! Hope that Lotys may melt in your fire, as a snowflake in the sun! + Come! Now take the poor poet home,—the drunken child of inspiration—take + him home to his garret in the slums—the poet whose book has been + accepted by the King!” + </p> + <p> + Pulling himself up from his semi-crouching position, he seized Thord’s arm + again more tightly, and began to walk along unsteadily. Presently he + paused, smiling vacantly up at the gradually vanishing stars. + </p> + <p> + “Lotys speaks to our followers on Saturday,” he said; “You know that?” + </p> + <p> + Thord bent his head in acquiescence. + </p> + <p> + “You will be there, of course. I shall be there! What a voice she has! + Whether we believe what she says or not, we must hear,—and hearing, + we must follow. Where shall we drink in the sweet Oracle this time?” + </p> + <p> + “At the People’s Assembly Rooms,” responded Thord; “But remember, Zouche, + she does not speak till nine o’clock. That means that you will be unfit to + listen!” + </p> + <p> + “You think so?” responded Zouche airily, and leaning on Thord he stumbled + onward, the two passing close in front of the doorway where Pasquin Leroy + stood concealed. “But I am more ready to understand wisdom when drunk, + than when sober, my Sergius! You do not understand. I am a human + eccentricity—the result of an <i>amour</i> between a fiend and an + angel! Believe me! I will listen to Lotys with all my devil-saintly soul,—you + will listen to her with all your loving, longing heart—and with us + two thus attentive, the opinions of the rest of the audience will scarcely + matter! How the street reels! How the old moon dances! So did she whirl + pallidly when Antony clasped his Egyptian Queen, and lost Actium! Remember + the fate of Antony, Sergius! Kingdoms would have been seized and + controlled by men such as you are, long before now—if there had not + always been a woman in the case—a Cleopatra—or a Lotys!” + </p> + <p> + Still laughing foolishly, he reeled onwards, Sergius Thord + half-supporting, half-leading him, with grave carefulness and brotherly + compassion. They were soon out of sight; and Pasquin Leroy, leaving his + dark hiding-place, crossed the bridge with an alert step, and mounted a + steep street leading to the citadel. From gaps between the tall leaning + houses a glimpse of the sea, silvered by the dying moonlight, flashed now + and again; and in the silence of the night the low ripple of small waves + against the breakwater could be distinctly heard. A sense of holy calm + impressed him as he paused a moment; and the words of an old monkish verse + came back to him from some far-off depth of memory: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Lord Christ, I would my soul were clear as air, + With only Thy pure radiance falling through! +</pre> + <p> + He caught his breath hard—there was a smarting sense as of tears in + his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “So proudly throned, and so unloved!” he muttered. “Yet,—has not the + misprisal and miscomprehension been merited? Whose is the blame? Not with + the People, who, despite the prophet’s warning, ‘still put their trust in + princes’—but with the falsity and hollowness of the system! + Sovereignty is like an old ship stuck fast in the docks, and unfit for + sailing the wide seas—crusted with barnacles of custom and + prejudice,—and in every gale of wind pulling and straining at a + rusty chain anchor. But the spirit of Change is in the world; a hurrying + movement that has wings of fire, and might possibly be called Revolution! + It is better that the torch should be lighted from the Throne than from + the slums!” + </p> + <p> + He went on his way quickly,—till reaching the outer wall of the + citadel, he was challenged by a sentinel, to whom he gave the password in + a low tone. The man drew back, satisfied, and Leroy went on, mounting from + point to point of the cliff, till he reached a private gate leading into + the wide park-lands which skirted the King’s palace. Here stood a muffled + and cloaked figure evidently watching for him; for as soon as he appeared + the gate was noiselessly opened for his admittance, and he passed in at + once. Then he and the person who had awaited his coming, walked together + through the scented woods of pine and rhododendrons, and talking in low + and confidential voices, slowly disappeared. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. — THE KING’S VETO + </h2> + <p> + The Marquis de Lutera was a heavy sleeper, and for some time had been + growing stouter than was advisable for the dignity of a Prime Minister. He + had been defeated of late years in one or two important measures; and his + colleague, Carl Pérousse, had by gradual degrees succeeded in worming + himself into such close connection with the rest of the members of the + Cabinet, that he, Lutera, felt himself being edged out, not only from + political ‘deals,’ but from the profits appertaining thereto. So, growing + somewhat indifferent, as well as disgusted at the course affairs were + taking, he had made up his mind to retire from office, as soon as he had + carried through a certain Bill which, in its results, would have the + effect of crippling the people of the country, while helping on his own + interests to a considerable degree. At the immediate moment he had a + chance of looming large on the political horizon. Carl Pérousse could not + do anything of very great importance without him; they were both too + deeply involved together in the same schemes. In point of fact, if + Pérousse could bring the Premier to a fall, the Premier could do the same + by Pérousse. The two depended on each other; and Lutera, conscious that if + Pérousse gained any fresh accession of power, it would be to his, + Lutera’s, advantage, was gradually preparing to gracefully resign his + position in the younger and more ambitious man’s favour. But he was not + altogether comfortable in his mind since his last interview with the King. + The King had shown unusual signs of self-will and obstinacy. He had + presumed to give a command affecting the national policy; and, moreover, + he had threatened, if his command were not obeyed, to address Parliament + himself on the subject in hand, from the Throne. Such an unaccustomed, + unconstitutional idea was very upsetting to the Premier’s mind. It had + cost him a sleepless night; and when he woke to a new day’s work, he was + in an extremely irritable humour. He was doubtful how to act;—for to + complain of the King would not do; and to enlighten the members of the + Cabinet as to his Majesty’s declared determination to dispose amicably of + certain difficulties with a foreign power, which the Ministry had fully + purposed fanning up into a flame of war, might possibly awaken a storm of + dissension and discussion. + </p> + <p> + “We all want money!” said the Marquis gloomily, as he rose from his + tumbled bed to take his first breakfast, and read his early morning + letters—“And to crush a small and insolent race, whose country is + rich in mineral product, is simply the act of squeezing an orange for the + necessary juice. Life would be lost, of course, but we are over-populated; + and a good war would rid the country of many scamps and vagabonds. Widows + and orphans could be provided for by national subscriptions, invested as + the Ministry think fit, and paid to applicants after about twenty years’ + waiting!” He smiled sardonically. “The gain to ourselves would be + incalculable; new wealth, new schemes, new openings for commerce and + speculation in every way! And now the King sets himself up as an obstacle + to progress! If he were fond of money, we could explain the whole big + combine, and offer him a share;—but with a character such as he + possesses, I doubt if it would work! With some monarchs whom I could name, + it would be perfectly easy. And yet,—for the three years he has been + on the throne, he has been passive enough,—asking no questions,—signing + such documents as he has been told to sign,—uttering such speeches + as have been written for him,—and I was never more shocked and taken + aback in my life than yesterday morning, when he declared he had decided + to think and act for himself! Simply preposterous! An ordinary man who + presumes to think and act for himself is always a danger to the community—but + a king! Good Heavens! We should have the old feudal system back again.” + </p> + <p> + He sipped his coffee leisurely, and opened a few letters; there were none + of very pressing importance. He was just about to glance through the + morning’s newspaper, when his man-servant entered bearing a note marked + ‘Private and Immediate.’ He recognized the handwriting of David Jost. + </p> + <p> + “Anyone waiting for an answer?” he enquired. + </p> + <p> + “No, Excellency.” + </p> + <p> + The man retired. The Marquis broke the large splotchy seal bearing the + coat-of-arms which Jost affected, but to which he had no more right than + the man in the moon, and read what seemed to him more inexplicable than + the most confusing conundrum ever invented. + </p> + <p> + “MY DEAR MARQUIS,—I received your confidential messenger last night, + and explained the entire situation. He left for Moscow this morning, but + will warn us of any further developments. Sorry matters look so grave for + you. Should like a few minutes private chat when you can spare the time.— + </p> + <p> + “Yours truly, DAVID JOST.” + </p> + <p> + Over and over again the Marquis read this brief note, staring at its every + word and utterly unable to understand its meaning. + </p> + <p> + “What in the world is the fellow driving at!” he exclaimed angrily—“‘My + messenger’! ‘Explained the entire situation’! The devil! ‘Left for + Moscow’! Upon my soul, this is maddening!” And he rang the bell sharply. + </p> + <p> + “Who brought this note?” he asked, as his servant entered. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Jost’s own man, Excellency.” + </p> + <p> + “Has he gone?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Excellency.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait!” And sitting down he wrote hastily the following lines: + </p> + <p> + “DEAR SIR,—Your letter is inexplicable. I sent no messenger to you + last night. If you have any explanation to offer, I shall be disengaged + and alone till 11.30 this morning. + </p> + <p> + “Yours truly,—DE LUTERA.” + </p> + <p> + Folding, sealing, and addressing this, he marked it ‘Private’ and gave it + to his man. + </p> + <p> + “Take this yourself,” he said, “and put it into Mr. Jost’s own hands. + Trust no one to deliver it. Ask to see him personally, and then give it to + him. You understand?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Excellency.” + </p> + <p> + His note thus despatched, the Marquis threw himself down in his arm-chair, + and again read Jost’s mysterious communication. + </p> + <p> + “Whatever messenger has passed himself off as coming from me, Jost must + have been crazy to receive him without credentials,” he said. “There must + be a mistake somewhere!” + </p> + <p> + A vague alarm troubled him; he was not moved by conscientious scruples, + but the idea that any of his secret moves should be ‘explained’ to a + stranger was, to say the least of it, annoying, and not conducive to the + tranquillity of his mind. A thousand awkward possibilities suggested + themselves at once to his brain, and as he carried a somewhat excitable + disposition under his heavy and phlegmatic exterior, he fumed and fretted + himself for the next half hour into an impatience which only found vent in + the prosaic and everyday performance of dressing himself. Ah!—if + those who consider a Prime Minister great and exalted, could only see him + as he pulls on his trousers, and fastens his shirt collar, what a + disillusion would be promptly effected! Especially if, like the Marquis de + Lutera, he happened to be over-stout, and difficult to clothe! This + particular example of Premiership was an ungainly man; his proud position + could not make him handsome, nor lend true dignity to his deportment. Old + Mother Nature has a way of marking her specimens, if we will learn to + recognize the signs she sets on certain particular ‘makes’ of man. The + Marquis de Lutera was ‘made’ to be a stock-jobber, not a statesman. His + bent was towards the material gain and good of himself, more than the + advantage of his country. His reasoning was a slight variation of + Falstaff’s logical misprisal of honour. He argued; “If I am poor, then + what is it to me that others are rich? If I am neglected, what do I care + that the people are prosperous? Let me but secure and keep those certain + millions of money which shall ensure to me and my heritage a handsome + endowment, not only for my life, but for all lives connected with mine + which come after me,—and my ‘patriotism’ is satisfied!” + </p> + <p> + He had just finished insinuating himself by degrees into his morning coat, + when his servant entered. + </p> + <p> + “Well!” he asked impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Jost is coming round at once, Excellency. He ordered his carriage + directly he read your note.” + </p> + <p> + “He sent no answer?” + </p> + <p> + “None, Excellency.” + </p> + <p> + “When he arrives, show him into the library.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Excellency.” + </p> + <p> + The Marquis thereupon left his sleeping apartment, and descended to the + library himself. The sun was streaming brilliantly into the room, and the + windows, thrown wide open, showed a cheerful display of lawn and + flower-garden, filled with palms and other semi-tropical shrubs, for + though the Premier’s house was in the centre of the fashionable quarter of + the city, it had the advantage of extensive and well-shaded grounds. A law + had been passed in the late King’s time against the felling of trees, it + having been scientifically proved that trees in a certain quantity, not + only purify the air from disease germs affecting the human organization, + but also save the crops from many noxious insect-pests and poisonous + fungi. Having learned the lesson at last, that the Almighty may be trusted + to know His own business, and that trees are intended for wider purposes + than mere timber, the regulations were strict concerning them. No one + could fell a tree on his own ground without, first of all, making a + statement at the National Office of Aboriculture as to the causes for its + removal; and only if these causes were found satisfactory, could a stamped + permission be obtained for cutting it down or ‘lifting’ it to other + ground. The result of this sensible regulation was that in the hottest + days of summer the city was kept cool and shady by the rich foliage + branching out everywhere, and in some parts running into broad avenues and + groves of great thickness and beauty. The Marquis de Lutera’s garden had + an additional charm in a beautiful alley of orange trees, and the + fragrance wafted into his room from the delicious blossoms would have + refreshed and charmed anyone less troubled, worried and feverish, than he + was at the time. But this morning the very sunshine annoyed him;—never + a great lover of Nature, the trees and flowers forming the outlook on + which his heavy eyes rested were almost an affront. The tranquil beauty of + an ever renewed and renewing Nature is always particularly offensive to an + uneasy conscience and an exhausted mind. + </p> + <p> + The sound of wheels grinding along the outer drive brought a faint gleam + of satisfaction on his brooding features, and he turned sharply round, as + the door of the library was thrown open to admit Jost, whose appearance, + despite his jaunty manner, betokened evident confusion and alarm. + </p> + <p> + “Good-morning, Mr. Jost!” said the Marquis stiffly, as his confidential + man ushered in the visitor,—then when the servant had retired and + closed the door, he added quickly—“Now what does this mean?” + </p> + <p> + Jost dropped into a chair, and pulling out a handkerchief wiped the + perspiration from his brow. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know!” he said helplessly; “I don’t know what it means! I have + told you the truth! A man came to see me late last night, saying he was + sent by you on urgent business. He said you wished me to explain the + position we held, and the amount of the interests we had at stake, as + there were grave discoveries pending, and complexities likely to ensue. He + gave his name—there is his card!” + </p> + <p> + And with a semi-groan, he threw down the bit of pasteboard in question. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis snatched it up. + </p> + <p> + “‘Pasquin Leroy’! I never heard the name in my life,” he said fiercely. + “Jost, you have been done! You mean to tell me you were such a fool as to + trust an entire stranger with the whole financial plan of campaign, and + that you were credulous enough to believe that he came from me—me—De + Lutera,—without any credentials?” + </p> + <p> + “Credentials!” exclaimed Jost; “Do you suppose I would have received him + at all had credentials been lacking? Not I! He brought me the most sure + and confidential sign of your trust that could be produced—your own + signet-ring!” + </p> + <p> + The Marquis staggered back, as though Jost’s words had been so many direct + blows on the chest,—his countenance turned a livid white. + </p> + <p> + “My signet-ring!” he repeated,—and almost unconsciously he looked at + the hand from which the great jewel was missing; “My signet!”—Then + he forced a smile—“Jost, I repeat, you have been done!—doubly + fooled!—no one could possibly have obtained my signet,—for at + this very moment it is on the hand of the King!” + </p> + <p> + Jost rose slowly out of his chair, his eyes protruding out of his head, + his jaw almost dropping in the extremity of his amazement. + </p> + <p> + “The King!”—he gasped—“The King!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, man, the King!” repeated De Lutera impatiently,—“Only + yesterday morning his Majesty, having mislaid his own ring for the moment, + borrowed mine just before starting on his yachting cruise. How you stare! + You have been fooled!—that is perfectly plain and evident!” + </p> + <p> + “The King!” repeated Jost stupidly—“Then the man who came to me last + night—” He broke off, unable to find any words for the expression of + the thoughts which began to terrify him. + </p> + <p> + “Well!—the man who came to you last night,” echoed the Marquis,—“He + was not the King, I suppose, was he?” And he laughed derisively. + </p> + <p> + “No—he was not the King,” said Jost slowly; “I know <i>him</i> well + enough! But it might have been someone in the King’s service! For he knew, + or said he knew, the King’s intentions in a certain matter affecting both + you and Carl Pérousse,—and in a more distant way, myself—and + warned me of a coming change in the policy. Ah!—it is now your turn + to stare, Marquis! You had best be on your guard, for if the person who + came to me last night was not your messenger, he was the King’s spy! And, + in that case, we are lost!” + </p> + <p> + The Marquis paced the room with long uneven strides,—his mind was + greatly agitated, but he had no wish to show his perturbation too openly + to one whom he considered as a mere tool in his service. + </p> + <p> + “I know,” went on Jost emphatically, “that the ring he wore was yours! I + noticed it particularly while I was talking to him. It would take a long + time and exceptional skill to make any imitation of that sapphire. There + is no doubt that it was your signet!” + </p> + <p> + The Premier halted suddenly in his nervous walk. + </p> + <p> + “You told him the whole scheme, you say?” + </p> + <p> + “I did.” + </p> + <p> + “And his reply?” + </p> + <p> + “Was, that the King had discovered it, and proposed insisting on an + enquiry.” + </p> + <p> + “And then?” + </p> + <p> + “Well! Then he warned me to look out for myself,—as anyone connected + with Carl Pérousse’s financial deal would inevitably be ruined during the + next few weeks.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is going to work the ruin?” asked the Marquis with a sneer; “Do you + not know that if the King dared to give an opinion on a national crisis, + he would be dethroned?” + </p> + <p> + “There are the People—” began Jost. + </p> + <p> + “The People! Human emmets—born for crushing under the heel of power! + A couple of ‘leaders’ in your paper, Jost, can guide the fool-mob any + way!” + </p> + <p> + “That depends!” said Jost hesitatingly; “If what the fellow said last + night be true—” + </p> + <p> + “It is not true!” said the Premier authoritatively. “We are going on in + precisely the same course as originally arranged. Neither King nor People + can interfere! Go home, and write an article about love of country, Jost! + You look in the humour for it!” + </p> + <p> + The Jew’s expression was anything but amiable. + </p> + <p> + “What is to be done about last night?” he asked sullenly. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing at present. I am going to the palace at two o’clock—I shall + see the King, and find out whether my signet is lost, stolen or strayed. + Meanwhile, keep your own counsel! If you have been betrayed into giving + your confidence to a spy in the foreign service, as I imagine—(for + the King has never employed a spy, and is not likely to do so), and he + makes known his information, it can be officially denied. The official + denial of a Government, Jost, like charity, has before now covered a + multitude of sins!” + </p> + <p> + An instinctive disinclination for further conversation brought the + interview between them abruptly to a close, and Jost, full of a suspicious + alarm, which he was ashamed to confess, drove off to his newspaper + offices. The Premier, meantime, though harassed by secret anxiety, managed + to display his usual frigid equanimity, when, after Jost’s departure, his + private secretary arrived at the customary time, to transact under his + orders the correspondence and business of the day. This secretary, Eugène + Silvano by name, was a quiet self-contained young man, highly ambitious, + and keenly interested in the political situation, and, though in the + Premier’s service, not altogether of his way of thinking. He called the + Marquis’s attention now to a letter that had missed careful reading on the + previous day. It was from the Vicar-General of the Society of Jesus, + expressing surprise and indignation that the King should have refused the + Society’s request for such land as was required to be devoted to religious + and educational purposes, and begging that the Premier would exert his + influence with the monarch to persuade him to withdraw or mitigate his + refusal. + </p> + <p> + “I can do nothing;” said the Marquis irritably,—“the lands they want + belong to the Crown. The King can dispose of them as he thinks best.” + </p> + <p> + The secretary set the letter aside. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I reply to that effect?” he enquired. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis nodded. + </p> + <p> + “I know,” said Silvano presently with a slight hesitation, “that you never + pay any attention to anonymous communications. Otherwise, there is one + here which might merit consideration.” + </p> + <p> + “What does it concern?” + </p> + <p> + “A revolutionary meeting,” replied Silvano, “where it appears the woman, + Lotys, is to speak.” + </p> + <p> + The Premier shrugged his shoulders and smiled. “You must enlighten me! Who + is the woman Lotys?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that no one exactly knows!” replied the secretary. “A strange + character, without doubt, but—” He paused and spoke more + emphatically—“She has power!” + </p> + <p> + Lutera gave a gesture of irritation. + </p> + <p> + “Bah! Over whom does she exercise it. Over one man or many?” + </p> + <p> + “Over one half the population at least,” responded Silvano, quietly, + turning over a few papers without looking up. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis stared at him, slightly amused. + </p> + <p> + “Have you taken statistics of the lady’s followers,” he asked; “Are you + one of them yourself?” + </p> + <p> + Silvano raised his eyes,—clear dark eyes, deep-set and steady in + their glance. + </p> + <p> + “Were I so, I should not be here;” he replied—“But I know how she + speaks; I know what she does! and from a purely political point of view I + think it unwise to ignore her.” + </p> + <p> + “What is this anonymous communication you speak of?” asked the Premier, + after a pause. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it is brief enough,” answered Silvano unfolding a paper, and he read + aloud: + </p> + <p> + “To the Marquis de Lutera, Premier. + </p> + <p> + “Satisfy yourself that those who meet on Saturday night where Lotys + speaks, have already decided on your downfall!” + </p> + <p> + “Oracular!” said the Marquis carelessly;—“To decide is one thing—to + fulfil the decision is another! Lotys, whoever she may be, can preach to + her heart’s content, for all I care! I am rather surprised, Silvano, that + a man of your penetration and intelligence should attach any importance to + revolutionary meetings, which are always going on more or less in every + city under the sun. Why, it was but the other day, the police were sent to + disperse a crowd which had gathered round the fanatic, Sergius Thord; only + the people had sufficient sense to disperse themselves. A street-preacher + or woman ranter is like a cheap-jack or a dispenser of quack medicines;—the + mob gathers to such persons out of curiosity, not conviction.” + </p> + <p> + The secretary made no reply, and went on with other matters awaiting his + attention. + </p> + <p> + At a few minutes before two o’clock the Marquis entered his carriage, and + was driven to the palace. There he learned that the King was receiving, + more or less unofficially, certain foreign ambassadors and noblemen of + repute in the Throne-room. A fine band was playing military music in the + great open quadrangle in front of the palace, where pillars of + rose-marble, straight as the stems of pine-trees, held up fabulous + heraldic griffins, clasping between their paws the country’s shield. Flags + were flying,—fountains flashing,—gay costumes gleamed here and + there,—and the atmosphere was full of brilliancy and gaiety,—yet + the Marquis, on his way to the audience-chamber, was rendered + uncomfortably aware of one of those mysterious impressions which are + sometimes conveyed to us, we know not how, but which tend to prepare us + for surprise and disappointment. Some extra fibre of sensitiveness in his + nervous organization was acutely touched, for he actually fancied he saw + slighting and indifferent looks on the faces of the various flunkeys and + retainers who bowed him along the different passages, or ushered him up + the state stairway, when—as a matter of fact,—all was + precisely the same as usual, and it was only his own conscience that gave + imaginary hints of change. Arrived at the ante-chamber to the Throne-room, + he was surprised to find Prince Humphry there, talking animatedly to the + King’s physician, Professor Von Glauben. The Prince seemed unusually + excited; his face was flushed, and his eyes extraordinarily brilliant, and + as he saw the Premier, he came forward, extending his hand, and almost + preventing Lutera’s profound bow and deferential salutation. + </p> + <p> + “Have you business with the King, Marquis?” enquired the young man with a + light laugh. “If you have, you must do as I am doing,—wait his + Majesty’s pleasure!” + </p> + <p> + The Premier lifted his eyebrows, smiled deprecatingly, and murmuring + something about pressure of State affairs, shook hands with Von Glauben, + whose countenance, as usual, presented an impenetrable mask to his + thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “It is rather a new experience for me,” continued the Prince, “to be + treated as a kind of petitioner on the King’s favour, and kept in + attendance,—but no matter!—novelty is always pleasing! I have + been cooling my heels here for more than an hour. Von Glauben, too, has + been waiting;—contrary to custom, he has not even been permitted to + enquire after his Majesty’s health this morning!” + </p> + <p> + Lutera maintained his former expression of polite surprise, but said + nothing. Instinct warned him to be sparing of words lest he should betray + his own private anxiety. + </p> + <p> + The Prince went on carelessly. + </p> + <p> + “Majesty takes humours like other men, and must, more than other men, I + suppose, be humoured! Yet there is to my mind something unnatural in a + system which causes several human beings to be dependent on another’s + caprice!” + </p> + <p> + “You will not say so, Sir, when you yourself are King,” observed the + Marquis. + </p> + <p> + “Long distant be the day!” returned the Prince. “Indeed, I hope it may + never be! I would rather be the simplest peasant ploughing the fields, and + happy in my own way, than suffer the penalties and pains surrounding the + possession of a Throne!” + </p> + <p> + “Only,” put in Von Glauben sententiously, “you would have to take into + consideration, Sir, whether the peasant ploughing the fields is happy in + his own way. I have made ‘the peasant ploughing the fields’ a special form + of study,—and I have always found him a remarkably discontented, + often ill-fed—and therefore unhealthy individual.” + </p> + <p> + “We are all discontented, if it comes to that!” said Prince Humphry with a + light laugh,—“Except myself! I am perfectly contented!” + </p> + <p> + “You have reason to be, Sir,” said Lutera, bowing low. + </p> + <p> + “You are quite right, Marquis!—I have! More reason than perhaps you + are aware of!” + </p> + <p> + His eyes lightened and flashed; he looked unusually handsome, and the + Premier’s shifty glance rested on him for a moment with a certain + curiosity. But he had not been accustomed to pay very much attention to + the words or actions of the Heir-Apparent, considering him to be a very + ‘ordinary’ young man, without either the brilliancy or the ambition which + should mark him out as worthy of his exalted station. And before any + further conversation could take place, Sir Roger de Launay entered the + room and announced to the Marquis that the King was ready to receive him. + Prince Humphry turning sharply round, faced the equerry. + </p> + <p> + “I am still to wait?” he enquired, with a slight touch of hauteur. + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger bowed respectfully. + </p> + <p> + “Your instant desire to see the King, your father, Sir, was communicated + to his Majesty at once,” he replied. “The present delay is by his + Majesty’s own orders. I much regret——” + </p> + <p> + “Regret nothing, my dear Sir Roger,” he said. “My patience does not easily + tire! Marquis, I trust your business will not take long?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall endeavour to make it as brief as possible, Sir,” replied the + Premier deferentially as he withdrew. + </p> + <p> + It was with a certain uneasiness, however, in his mind that he followed + Sir Roger to the Throne-room. There was no possibility of exchanging so + much as a word with the equerry; besides, De Launay was not a talking man. + Passing between the lines of attendants, pages, lords-in-waiting and + others, he was conscious of a certain loss of his usual self-possession as + he found himself at last in the presence of the King,—who, attired + in brilliant uniform, was conversing graciously and familiarly with a + select group of distinguished individuals whose costume betokened them as + envoys or visitors from foreign courts in the diplomatic service. + Perceiving the Premier, however, he paused in his conversation, and + standing quite still awaited his approach. Then he extended his hand, with + his usual kindly condescension. Instinctively Lutera’s eyes searched that + hand, with the expression of a guilty soul searching for a witness to its + innocence. There shone the great sapphire—his own signet—and + to his excited fancy its blue glimmer emitted a witch-like glow of menace. + Meanwhile the King was speaking. + </p> + <p> + “You are just a few minutes late, Marquis!” he said; “Had you come a + little earlier, you would have met M. Pérousse, who has matters of import + to discuss with you.” Here he moved aside from those immediately in + hearing. “It is perhaps as well you should know I have ‘vetoed’ his war + propositions. It will rest now with you, to call a Council to-morrow,—the + next day,—or,—when you please!” + </p> + <p> + Completely taken aback, the Premier was silent for a moment, biting his + lips to keep down the torrent of rage and disappointment that threatened + to break out in violent and unguarded speech. + </p> + <p> + “Sir!—Your Majesty! Pardon me, but surely you cannot fail to + understand that in a Constitution like ours, the course decided upon by + Ministers <i>cannot</i> be vetoed by the King?” + </p> + <p> + The monarch smiled gravely. + </p> + <p> + “‘Cannot’ is a weak word, Marquis! I do not include it in my vocabulary! I + fully grant you that a plan of campaign decided upon by Ministers as you + say, has <i>not</i> been ‘vetoed’ by a reigning sovereign for at least a + couple of centuries,—and the custom has naturally fallen into + desuetude,—but if it should be found at any time,—(I do not + say it <i>has</i> been found) that Ministers are engaged in a seriously + mistaken policy, and are being misled by the doubtful propositions of + private financial speculators, so much as to consider their own advantage + more important and valuable than the prosperity of a country or the good + of a people,—then a king who does <i>not</i> veto the same is a + worse criminal than those he tacitly supports and encourages!” + </p> + <p> + Lutera turned a deadly white,—his eyes fell before the clear, + straight gaze of his Sovereign,—but he said not a word. + </p> + <p> + “A king’s ‘veto’ has before now brought about a king’s dethronement,” went + on the monarch; “Should it do so in my case, I shall not greatly care,—but + if things trend that way, I shall lay my thoughts openly before the People + for their judgment. They seldom or never hear the Sovereign whom they pay + to keep, speak to them on a matter gravely affecting their national + destinies,—but they shall hear <i>me</i>,—if necessary!” + </p> + <p> + The Marquis moistened his dry lips, and essayed to pronounce a few words. + </p> + <p> + “Your Majesty will run considerable risk——” + </p> + <p> + “Of being judged as something more than a mere dummy,” said the King—“Or + a fool set on a throne to be fooled! True! But the risk can only involve + life,—and life is immaterial when weighed in the balance against + Honour. By the way, Marquis, permit me to return to you this valuable + gem”;—Here drawing off the Premier’s sapphire signet, he handed it + to him—“Almost I envy it! It is a fine stone!—and worthy of + its high service!” + </p> + <p> + “Your Majesty has increased its value by wearing it,” said Lutera, + recovering a little of his strayed equanimity in his determination to + probe to the bottom of the mystery which perplexed his mind. “May I ask——” + </p> + <p> + “Anything in reason, my dear Marquis,” returned the King lightly, and + smiling as he spoke. “A thousand questions if you like!” + </p> + <p> + “One will suffice,” answered the Premier. “I had an unpleasant dream last + night about this very ring——” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” ejaculated the King; “Did you dream that I had dropped it in the sea + on my way to The Islands yesterday?” + </p> + <p> + He spoke jestingly, yet with a kindly air, and Lutera gained courage to + look boldly up and straight into his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I did not dream that you had lost it, Sir,” he answered—“but that + it had been stolen from your hand, and used by a spy for unlawful + purposes!” + </p> + <p> + A strange expression crossed the King’s face,—a look of inward + illumination; he smiled, but there was a quiver of strong feeling under + the smile. Advancing a step, he laid his hand with a light, half-warning + pressure on the Premier’s shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Dreams always go by contraries, Marquis!” he said;—“I assure you, + on my honour as a king and a gentleman, that from the moment you lent it + to me, till now,—when I return it to you,—<i>that ring has + never left my finger</i>!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. — “MORGANATIC” OR—? + </h2> + <p> + The Royal ‘at home’ was soon over. Many of those who had the felicity of + breathing in the King’s presence that afternoon remarked upon his + Majesty’s evident good health and high spirits, while others as freely + commented on the unapproachableness and irritability of the Marquis de + Lutera. Sir Walter Langton, the great English traveller, who was taking + his leave of the Sovereign that day, being bound on an expedition to the + innermost recesses of Africa, was not altogether agreeably impressed by + the Premier, whom he met on this occasion for the first and only time. + They had begun their acquaintance by talking generalities,—but + drifted by degrees into the dangerous circle of politics, and were + skirting round the edge of various critical questions of the day, when the + Marquis said abruptly: + </p> + <p> + “An autocracy would not flourish in your country, I presume, Sir Walter? + The British people have been too long accustomed to sing that they ‘never, + never will be slaves.’ Your Government is really more or less of a + Republic.” + </p> + <p> + “All Governments are so in these days, I imagine,” replied Langton. + “Autocracy on the part of a monarch is nowhere endured, save in Russia,—and + what is Russia? A huge volcano, smouldering with fire, and ever + threatening to break out in flame and engulf the Throne! Monarchs were not + always wisdom personified in olden times,—and I venture to consider + them nowadays less wise and more careless than ever. Only a return to + almost barbaric ignorance and superstition would tolerate any complete + monarchical authority in these present times of progress. It is only the + long serfdom of Russia that hinders the triumph of Liberty there, as + elsewhere.” + </p> + <p> + The Marquis listened eagerly, and with evident satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “I agree with you!” he said. “You consider, then, that in no country, + under any circumstances, could the people be expected to obey their + monarch blindly?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not! Even Rome, with its visible spiritual Head and Sovereign, + has no real power. It imagines it has; but let it make any decided step to + ensnare the liberties of the people at large, and the result would be + somewhat astonishing! Personally—” and he smiled gravely—“I + have often thought that my own country would be very much benefited by a + couple of years existence under an autocrat—an autocrat like + Cromwell, for example. A man strong and fierce, intelligent and candid,—who + would expose shams and destroy abuses,—who would have no mercy on + either religious, social, or political fraud, and who would perform the + part of the necessary hard broom for sweeping the National house. But, + unfortunately, we have no such man. You have,—in your Sergius + Thord!” + </p> + <p> + The Premier heard this name with unconcealed amazement. + </p> + <p> + “Sergius Thord! Why he is a mere fanatic——” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me!” interrupted Sir Walter,—“so was Cromwell!” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear sir!” remonstrated the Marquis smilingly,—“Is it + possible that you really consider Sergius Thord any sort of an influence + in this country? If you do, I assure you you are greatly mistaken!” + </p> + <p> + “I think not,” responded Sir Walter quietly; “With every respect for you, + Marquis, I believe I am not mistaken! Books written by Sergius Thord are + circulating in their thousands all over the world—his speeches are + reported not only here, but in journals which probably you never hear of, + in far-off countries,—in short, his propaganda is simply enormous. + He is a kind of new Rousseau, without,—so far as I can learn,—Rousseau’s + private vices. He is a man I much wished to see during my stay here, but I + have not had the opportunity of finding him out. He is an undoubted + genius,—but I need not remind you, Marquis, that a man is never a + prophet in his own country! The world’s ‘celebrity’ is always eyed with + more or less suspicion as a strange sort of rogue or vagabond in his own + native town or village!” + </p> + <p> + At that moment, the King, having concluded a conversation with certain of + his guests, who were thereupon leaving the Throne-room, approached them. + He had not spoken a word to the Premier since returning him his + signet-ring, but now he said: + </p> + <p> + “Marquis, I was almost forgetting a special request I have to make of + you!” + </p> + <p> + “A request from you is a command, Sir!” replied Lutera with hypocritical + deference and something of a covert sneer, which did not escape the quick + observation of Sir Walter Langton. + </p> + <p> + “In certain cases it should be so,” returned the King tranquilly; “And in + this you will probably make it so! I have received a volume of poems by + one Paul Zouche. His genius appears to me deserving of encouragement. A + grant of a hundred golden pieces a year will not be too much for his + hundred best poems. Will you see to this?” + </p> + <p> + The Marquis bowed. + </p> + <p> + “I have never heard of the man in question,” he replied hesitatingly. + </p> + <p> + “Probably not,” returned the King smiling;—“How often do Premiers + read poetry, or notice poets? Scarcely ever, if we may credit history! But + in this case——” + </p> + <p> + “I will make myself immediately acquainted with Paul Zouche, and inform + him of your Majesty’s gracious intention,” the Marquis hastened to say. + </p> + <p> + “It is quite possible he may refuse the grant,” continued the King; + “Sometimes—though seldom—poets are prouder than Prime + Ministers!” + </p> + <p> + With a brief nod of dismissal he turned away, inviting Sir Walter Langton + to accompany him, and there was nothing more for the Marquis to do, save + to return even as he had come, with two pieces of information puzzling his + brain,—one, that the King’s ‘veto’ had stopped a declaration of war,—unless,—which + was a very remote contingency,—he and his party could persuade the + people to go against the King,—the other, that some clever spy, with + the assistance of a fraudulent imitation of his signet-ring, had become + aware of the financial interests involved in a private speculation + depending on the intended war, which included himself, Carl Pérousse, and + two or three other members of the Ministry. And, out of these two facts + might possibly arise a whole train of misfortune, ruin and disgrace to + those concerned. + </p> + <p> + It was considerably past three o’clock in the afternoon when the King, + retiring to his own private cabinet, desired Sir Roger de Launay to inform + Prince Humphry that he was now prepared to receive him. Sir Roger + hesitated a moment before going to fulfil the command. The King looked at + him with an indulgent smile. + </p> + <p> + “Things are moving too quickly, you think, Roger?” he queried. “Upon my + soul, I am beginning to find a new zest in life! I feel some twenty years + younger since I saw the face of the beautiful Gloria yesterday! We must + promote her sailor husband, and bring his pearl of the sea to our Court!” + </p> + <p> + “It was on this very subject, Sir, that Von Glauben wished to see your + Majesty the first thing this morning,” said Sir Roger;—“But you + refused him so early an audience. Yet you will remember that yesterday you + told him you wished for an explanation of his acquaintance with this girl. + He was ready and prepared to give it, but was prevented,—not only by + your refusal to see him,—but also by the Prince.” + </p> + <p> + Drawing up a chair to the open window, the King seated himself + deliberately, and lit a cigar. + </p> + <p> + “Presumably the Prince knows more than the Professor!” he said calmly; “We + will hear both, and give Royalty the precedence! Tell Prince Humphry I am + waiting for him.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger withdrew, and in another two or three minutes returned, throwing + open the door and ushering in the Prince, who entered with a quick step, + and brief, somewhat haughty salutation. Puffing leisurely at his cigar, + the King glanced his son up and down smilingly, but said not a word. The + Prince stood waiting for his father to speak, till at last, growing + impatient and waiving ceremony, he began. + </p> + <p> + “I came, Sir, to spare Von Glauben your reproaches,—which he does + not merit. You accused him yesterday, he tells me, of betraying your + trust; he has neither betrayed your trust nor mine! I alone am to blame in + this matter!” + </p> + <p> + “In what matter?” enquired the King quietly. + </p> + <p> + Prince Humphry coloured deeply, and then grew pale. There was a ray of + defiance in the light of his fine eyes, but the tumult within his soul + showed itself only in an added composure of his features. + </p> + <p> + “You wish me to speak plainly, I suppose,” he said;—“though you know + already what I mean. I repeat,—I, and I alone, am to blame,—for—for + anything that seemed strange to you yesterday, when you met Von Glauben at + The Islands.” + </p> + <p> + The King’s serious face lightened with a gleam of laughter. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing seemed very strange to me, Humphry,” he said, “except the one + fact that I found Von Glauben,—whom I supposed to be studying + scientific problems,—engaged in studying a woman instead! A very + beautiful woman, too, who ought to be something better than a sailor’s + wife. And I do not understand, as yet, what he has to do with her, unless—” + Here he paused and went on more slowly—“Unless he is, as I suspect, + acting for you in some way, and trying to tempt the fair creature with the + prospect of a prince’s admiration while the sailor husband is out of the + way! Remember, I know nothing—I merely hazard a guess. You are an + habitué of The Islands;—though I learned, on enquiry of the + interesting old gentleman who was good enough to be my host, Réné Ronsard, + that nobody had ever seen you there. They had only seen your yacht + constantly cruising about the bay. This struck me as curious, I must + confess. Some of your men were well known,—particularly one,—the + husband of the pretty girl I saw. Her name, it seems, is Gloria,—and + I must admit that it entirely suits her. I can hardly imagine that if you + have visited The Islands as often as you seem to have done, you can have + escaped seeing her. She is too beautiful to remain unknown to you—particularly + if her husband is, as they tell me, in your service. I asked her to give + me his name, but she refused it point-blank. I do not wish to accuse you + of an amour, which you are perhaps quite innocent of—but certain + things taken in their conjunction look suspicious,—and I would + remind you that honour in princes,—as in all men,—should come + before self-indulgence.” + </p> + <p> + “I entirely agree with you, Sir!” said the Prince, composedly; “And in the + present case honour has been my first thought, as it will be my last. + Gloria is my wife!” + </p> + <p> + “Your wife!” The King rose, his tall figure looking taller, his eyes + sparkling with anger from under their deep-set brows. “Your wife! Are you + mad, Humphry! You!——the Heir-Apparent to the Throne! You have + married her!” + </p> + <p> + “I have!” replied the Prince, and the words now came coursing rapidly from + his lips in his excitement—“I love her! I love her with all my heart + and soul!—and I have given her the only shield and safeguard love in + this world can give! I have married her in my own name—the name of + our family,—which neither she nor any of the humble folk out yonder + have ever heard—but she is wedded to me as fast as Church and Law + can make it,—and there is only one wrong connected with my vows to + her—she does not know who I am. I have deceived her there,—but + in nothing else. Had I told her of my rank, she would never have married + me. But now she is mine,—and for her sake I am willing to resign all + pretension to the Throne in favour of my brother Rupert. Let it be so, I + implore you! Let me live my own life of love and liberty in my own way!” + </p> + <p> + Rigid as a statue the King stood,—his lips were set hard and his + eyes lowered. Long buried thoughts rose up from the innermost recesses of + his being, and rushed upon his brain in a deluge of remembrance and + regret. What!—after all these years, had the ghost of his first + love, the little self-slain maiden of his boyhood’s dream, risen to avenge + herself in the life of his son? The strangeness of the comparison between + himself as he was now, and the eager passionate youth he was then, smote + him with a sense of sharp pain. Away in those far-off days he had believed + in love as the chief glory of existence; he had considered it as the poets + would have us consider it,—a saving, binding, holding and immortal + influence, which leads to all pure and holy things, even unto God Himself, + the Highest and Holiest of all. When he lost that belief, how great was + his loss!—when he ceased to experience that pure idealistic emotion, + how bitter became the monotony of living! Rapidly the stream of memory + swept over his innermost soul and shook his nerves, and it was only + through a strong effort of self-repression that at last, lifting up his + eyes he fixed them on the flushed face of his son, and said in measured + tones. + </p> + <p> + “This is a very unexpected and very unhappy confession of yours, Humphry! + You have acted most unwisely!—you have been disloyal to me, who am + not only your father, but your King! You have proved yourself unworthy of + the nation’s trust,—and you have deceived, more cruelly than you + think, an innocent and too-confiding girl. I shall not dispute the + legality of your marriage;—that would not be worth my while. You + have no doubt taken every step to make it as binding as possible;—however, + that is but a trifling matter in your case. You know that such a marriage + is, and can only be morganatic;—and as the immediate consequence of + your amazing folly, a suitable Royal alliance must be arranged for you at + once. The nuptials can be celebrated with the attainment of your majority + next year.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke coldly and calmly, but his heart was beating with mingled wrath + and pain, and even while he thus pronounced her doom, the exquisite face + of Gloria floated before him like the vision of a perfect innocence ruined + and betrayed. He realised that he possibly had an unusual character to + reckon with in her,—and he had lately become fully aware that there + was as much determination and latent force in the disposition of his son, + as in the mother who had given him birth. Pale and composed, the young + Prince heard him in absolute silence, and when he had finished, still + waited a moment, lest any further word should fall from the lips of his + parent and Sovereign. Then he spoke in quite as measured, cold and + tranquil a manner as the King had done. + </p> + <p> + “I need not remind you, Sir, that the days of tyranny are over. You cannot + force me into bigamy against my will!” + </p> + <p> + His father uttered a quick oath. + </p> + <p> + “Bigamy! Who talks of bigamy?” + </p> + <p> + “You do, Sir! I have married a beautiful and innocent woman,—she is + my lawful wife in the sight of God and man; yet you coolly propose to give + me a second wife under the ‘morganatic’ law, which, as I view it, is + merely a Royal excuse for bigamy! Now I have no wish to excuse myself for + marrying Gloria,—I consider she has honoured me far more than I have + honoured her. She has given me all her youth, her life, her love, her + beauty and her trust, and whatever I am worth in this world shall be hers + and hers only. I am quite prepared”—and he smiled somewhat + sarcastically,—“to make it a test case, and appeal to the law of the + realm. If that law tolerates a crime in princes, which it would punish in + commoners, then I shall ask the People to judge me!” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” And the King surveyed him with a touch of ironical amusement and + vague admiration for his audacity. “And suppose the people fail to + appreciate the romance of the situation?” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall resign my nationality;” said the young man coolly; “Because + a country that legalises a wrong done to the innocent, is not worth + belonging to! Concerning the Throne,—as I told you before—I am + ready to abandon it at once. I would rather lose all the kingdoms of the + world than lose Gloria!” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause, during which the King took two or three slow paces up + and down the room. At last he turned and faced his son; his eyes were + softer—his look more kindly. + </p> + <p> + “You are very much in love just now, Humphry!” he said; “And I do not wish + to be too hard on you in this matter, for there can be no question as to + the extraordinary beauty of the girl you call your wife——” + </p> + <p> + “The girl who <i>is</i> my wife,” interrupted the Prince decisively. + </p> + <p> + “Very well; so let it be!” said his father calmly; “The girl who <i>is</i> + your wife—for the present! I will give you time—plenty of time—to + consider the position reasonably!” + </p> + <p> + “I have already considered it,” he declared. + </p> + <p> + “No doubt! You think you have considered it. But if <i>you</i> do not want + to meditate any further upon your marriage problem, you must allow me the + leisure to do so, as one who has seen more of life than you,—as one + who takes things philosophically—and also—as one who was young—once;—who + loved—once;—and who had his own private dreams of happiness—once!” + He rested a hand on his son’s shoulder, and looked him full and fairly in + the eyes. “Let me advise you, Humphry, to go abroad! Travel round the + world for a year!” + </p> + <p> + The Prince was silent,—but his eyes did not flinch from his father’s + steady gaze. He seemed to be thinking rapidly; but his thoughts were not + betrayed by any movement or expression that could denote anxiety. He was + alert, calm, and perfectly self-possessed. + </p> + <p> + “I have no objection,” he said at last; “A year is soon past!” + </p> + <p> + “It is,” agreed the King, with a sense of relief at his ready assent; “But + by the end of that time——” + </p> + <p> + “Things will be precisely as they are now,” said the Prince tranquilly; + “Gloria will still be my wife, and I shall still be her husband!” + </p> + <p> + The King gave a gesture of annoyance. + </p> + <p> + “Whatever the result,” he said, “she cannot, and will not be Crown + Princess!” + </p> + <p> + “She will not envy that destiny in my brother Rupert’s wife,” said Prince + Humphry quietly; “Nor shall I envy my brother Rupert!” + </p> + <p> + “You talk like a fool, Humphry!” said the King impatiently; “You cannot + resign your Heir-Apparency to the Throne, without giving a reason;—and + so making known your marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “That is precisely what I wish to do,” returned the young man. “I have no + intention of keeping my marriage secret. I am proud of it! Gloria is mine—the + joy of my soul—the very pulse of my life! Why should I hide my + heart’s light under a cloud?” + </p> + <p> + His voice vibrated with tender feeling,—his handsome features were + softened into finer beauty by the passion which invigorated him, and his + father looking at him, thought for a moment that so might the young gods + of the fabled Parnassus have appeared in the height of their symbolic + power and charm. His own eyes grew melancholy, as he studied this vigorous + incarnation of ardent love and passionate resolve; and a slight sigh + escaped him unconsciously. + </p> + <p> + “You forget!” he said slowly, “you have, up to the present deceived the + girl. She does not know who you are. When she hears that you have played a + part,—that you are no sailor in the service of the Crown Prince, as + you have apparently represented yourself to be, but the Crown Prince + himself, what will she say to you? Perhaps she will hate you for the + deception, as much as she now loves you!” + </p> + <p> + A shadow darkened the young Prince’s open countenance, but it soon passed + away. + </p> + <p> + “She will never hate me!” he said,—“For when I do tell her the + truth, it will be when I have resigned all the ridiculous pomp and + circumstance of my position for her sake——” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps she will not let you resign it!” said the King; “She may be as + unselfish as she is beautiful!” + </p> + <p> + There was a slight, very slight note of derision in his voice, and the + Prince caught it up at once. + </p> + <p> + “You wrong yourself, Sir, more than you wrong my wife by any lurking + misjudgment of her,” he said, with singularly masterful and expressive + dignity. “As her husband, and the guardian of her honour, I also claim her + obedience. What I desire is her law!” + </p> + <p> + The King laughed a little forcedly. + </p> + <p> + “Evidently you have found the miracle of the ages, Humphry!” he said; “A + woman who obeys her master! Well! Let us talk no more of it. You have been + guilty of an egregious folly,—but nothing can make your marriage + otherwise than morganatic. And when the State considers a Royal alliance + for you advisable, you will be compelled to obey the country’s wish,—or + else resign the Throne.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall obey the country’s wish most decidedly,” said the Prince, “unless + it asks me to commit bigamy,—as you suggest,—in which case I + shall decline! Three or four Royal sinners of this class I know of, who + for all their pains have not succeeded in winning the attachment of their + people, either for themselves or their heirs. Their people know what they + are, well enough, and despise their fraudulent position as heartily as I + do! I am perfectly convinced that if it were put to the vote of the + country, no people in the world would wish their future monarch to be a + bigamist!” + </p> + <p> + “How you stick to a word and a phrase!” exclaimed the King irritably; “The + morganatic rule does away with the very idea of bigamy!” + </p> + <p> + “How do you prove it, Sir?” queried the Prince. “Bigamy is the act of + contracting a second marriage while the first partner is alive. It is + punished severely in commoners;—why should Royalty escape?” + </p> + <p> + The King began to laugh. This boy was developing ‘discursive philosophies’ + such as his own old tutor had abhorred. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my life, I do not know, Humphry!” he declared; “You must ask the + departed shades of those who made themselves responsible for kingship in + the first place. Personally, I do not come under the law. I have only + married once myself!” + </p> + <p> + His son looked full at him;—and the intensity of that look affected + and unsteadied his usual calm nerves. But he was not one to shirk an + unpleasant suggestion. + </p> + <p> + “You would say, Humphry, if your filial respect permitted you, that my one + marriage has been amplified in various other ways. Perfectly true! When + women lie down and ask you to walk over them, you do it if you are a man + and a king! When, on the contrary, women show you that they do not care + whether you are royal or the reverse, and despise you more than admire + you, you run after them for all you are worth! At least I do! I always + have done so. And, to a certain extent, it has been amusing. But the limit + is reached. I am growing old!” Here he took up the cigar he had thrown + aside when his son had first startled him by the announcement of his + marriage, and relighting it, began to smoke peaceably. “I am, as I say, + growing old. I have never found what is called love. You have—or + think you have! Enjoy your dream, Humphry—but—take my advice + and go abroad! See whether travel does not work a change in you or,—in + her!” He paused a moment, and while the Prince still regarded him fixedly, + added; “Will you tell the Queen?” + </p> + <p> + “I will leave you to tell her, Sir, with your permission;” replied the + Prince; “I cannot expect her sympathy.” + </p> + <p> + “Von Glauben, then, is the only person you have trusted with your + confidence?” + </p> + <p> + “Von Glauben was no party to my marriage, Sir. I was married fully three + months before I told him. He was greatly vexed and troubled,—but + when he saw Gloria, he was glad.” + </p> + <p> + “Glad!” echoed the King; “For what reason, pray?” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid, Sir,” said the young man with a smile, “his gladness was but + a part of his science! He said it was better for a prince to wed a healthy + and beautiful commoner, than the daughter of a hundred scrofulous kings!” + </p> + <p> + With a movement of intense indignation, the monarch sprang up from the + chair in which he had just seated himself. + </p> + <p> + “Now, by Heaven!” he exclaimed; “Von Glauben goes too far! He shall suffer + for this!” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” queried the Prince calmly; “You know that what he says is perfectly + true. True? Why, there is scarcely a Royal house in the world save our + own, without its hereditary curse of disease or insanity. We pay more + attention to the breeding of horses than the breeding of kings!” + </p> + <p> + The plain candour and veracity of the statement, left no room for denial. + </p> + <p> + “You have seen Gloria,” went on the Prince; “You know she is the most + beautiful creature your eyes ever rested upon! Von Glauben told me you + were stricken dumb, and almost stupefied at sight of her——” + </p> + <p> + “Damn Von Glauben!” said the King. + </p> + <p> + His son smiled ever so slightly, but continued. + </p> + <p> + “You have made yourself acquainted with her history—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes!” said the King; “That she is a foundling picked up from the sea—a + castaway from a wreck!—no one knows who her father and mother were, + and yet you, in your raving madness and folly of love, would make her + Crown Princess and future Queen!” + </p> + <p> + The Prince went on unheedingly. + </p> + <p> + “She is beautiful—and the simple method of her bringing up has left + her unspoilt and innocent. She is ignorant of the world’s ways—because—” + and his voice sank to a reverential tenderness—“God’s ways are more + familiar to her!” He paused, but his father was silent; he therefore went + on. “She is healthy, strong, simple and true,—more fit for a throne, + if such were her destiny, than any daughter of any Royal house I know of. + Happy the nation that could call such a woman their Queen!” + </p> + <p> + “As I have already told you, Humphry,” returned the King, “you are in + love!—with the love of a headstrong, passionate boy for a beautiful + and credulous girl. I do not propose to discuss the subject further. You + are willing to go abroad, you tell me,—then make your preparations + at once. I will select one or two necessary companions for you, and you + can start when you please. I would let Von Glauben accompany you, but—for + the present—I cannot well spare him. Your intended voyage must be + made public, and in this way nothing will be known of the manner in which + you have privately chosen to make a fool of yourself. I will explain the + situation to the Queen;—but beyond that I shall say nothing. Let me + know by to-morrow how soon you can arrange your departure.” + </p> + <p> + The Prince bowed composedly, and was about to retire, when the King called + him back. + </p> + <p> + “You do not ask my pardon, Humphry, for the offence you have committed?” + </p> + <p> + The young man flushed, and bit his lip. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I cannot ask pardon for what I do not consider is wrong! I have + married the woman I love; and I intend to be faithful to her. You married + a woman you did not love—and the result, according to my views, and + also according to my experience of my mother and yourself, is more or less + regrettable. If I have offended you, I sincerely beg your forgiveness, but + you must first point out the nature of the offence. Surely, it must be + more gratifying to you to know that I prefer to be a man of honour than a + common seducer?” + </p> + <p> + The King looked at him, and his own eyes fell under his son’s clear candid + gaze. + </p> + <p> + “Enough! You may go!” he said briefly. + </p> + <p> + The door opened and closed again;—he was gone. + </p> + <p> + The King, left alone, fixed his eyes on the sparkling line of the sea, + brightly blue, and the flower-bordered terrace in front of him. Life was + becoming interesting;—the long burdensome monotony of years had + changed into a variety of contrasting scenes and colours,—and in + taking up the problem of human life as lived by others, more than as lived + by himself, he had entered on a new path, untrodden by conventionalities, + and leading, he knew not whither. But, having begun to walk in it, he was + determined to go on—and to use each new experience as a guide for + the rest of his actions. His son’s marriage with a commoner—one who + indeed was not only a commoner but a foundling—might after all lead + to good, if properly taken in hand,—and he resolved not to make the + worst of it, but rather to let things take their own natural course. + </p> + <p> + “For love,” he said to himself somewhat bitterly, “in nine cases out of + ten ends in satiety,—marriage, in separation by mutual consent! Let + the boy travel for a year, and forget, if he can, the fair face which + captivates him,—for it is a fair face,—and more than that,—I + honestly believe it is the reflex of a fair soul!” + </p> + <p> + His eyes grew dreamy and absorbed; away on the horizon a little white + cloud, shaped like the outspread wings of a dove, hovered over the sea + just where The Islands lay. + </p> + <p> + “Yes! Let him see new scenes—strange lands, and varying customs; let + him hear modern opinions of life, instead of reading the philosophies of + Aurelius and Epictetus, and the poetry written ages ago by the dead wild + souls of the past;—and so he will forget—and all will be well! + While for Gloria herself,—and the old revolutionist Ronsard—we + shall doubtless find ways and means of consolation for them both!” + </p> + <p> + Thus he mused,—yet in the very midst of his thoughts the echoing + memory of a golden voice, round and rich with delight and triumph rang in + his ears: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “My King crown’d me! + And I and he + Are one till the world shall cease to be!” + </pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. — THE PROFESSOR ADVISES + </h2> + <p> + “I have discovered the secret of successful living, Professor,” said the + King, a couple of hours later as, walking in one of the many thickly + wooded alleys of the palace grounds, he greeted Von Glauben, who had been + told to meet him there, and who had been waiting the Royal approach with + some little trepidation,—“It is this,—to draw a straight line + of conduct, and walk in it, regardless of other people’s crooked curves!” + </p> + <p> + The Professor looked at him, and saw nothing but kindliness expressed in + his eyes and smile,—therefore, taking courage he replied without + embarrassment,— + </p> + <p> + “Truly, Sir, if a man is brave enough to do this, he may conquer + everything but death, and even face this last enemy without much alarm.” + </p> + <p> + “I agree with you!” replied the monarch; “And Humphry’s line has certainly + been straight enough, taken from the point of his own perspective! Do you + not think so?” + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben hesitated a moment—then spoke out boldly. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, as you now know all, I will frankly assure you that I think his + Royal Highness has behaved honourably, and as a true man! Society pardons + a prince for seducing innocence—but whether it will pardon him for + marrying it, is quite another question! And that is why I repeat, he has + behaved well. Though when he first told me he was married, I suffered a + not-to-be-explained misery and horror; ‘For,’ said he—‘I have + married an angel!’ Which naturally I thought (deducting a certain quantity + of the enthusiasm of youth for the statement) meant that he had married a + bouncing housemaid with large hands and feet. ‘That is well,’ I told him—‘For + divorce is now made easy in this country, and you can easily return the + celestial creature to her native element!’ At which I resigned myself to + hear some oaths, for violent expletives are always refreshing to the + masculine brain-matter. But his Royal Highness maintained the good + breeding which always distinguishes him, and merely proceeded with his + strange confession of romance,—which, as you, Sir, are now happily + aware of it, I need not recapitulate. Your knowledge of the matter has + lifted an enormous burden from my mind; Ach! Enormous!” + </p> + <p> + He gave a deep breath, and drew himself up to his full height—squared + his shoulders, and then, as it were stood firm, as though waiting attack. + </p> + <p> + The King laughed good-naturedly, and took him by the arm. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me all you know, Von Glauben!” he said; “I am acquainted with the + gist and upshot of the matter,—namely, Humphry’s marriage; but I am + wholly ignorant of the details.” + </p> + <p> + “There is little to tell, Sir,” said Von Glauben;—“Of the Prince’s + constant journeyings to The Islands we were all aware long ago; but the + cause of those little voyages was not so apparent. To avoid the suspicion + with which a Royal visitor would be viewed, the Prince, it appears, + assumed to be merely one of the junior officers on his own yacht,—and + under this disguise became known and much liked by the Islanders + generally. He fell in love at first sight with the beautiful girl your + Majesty saw yesterday—Gloria; ‘Glory-of-the-Sea’—as I + sometimes call her, and they were married by the old parish priest in the + little church among the rocks—the very church where, as her adopted + father, Ronsard, tells me, he heard the choristers singing a ‘Gloria in + Excelsis’ on the day he found her cast up on the shore.” + </p> + <p> + “Well!” said the King, seeing that he paused; “And is the marriage legal, + think you?” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly so, Sir!” replied Von Glauben; “Registered by law, as well as + sanctified by church. The Prince tells me he married her in his own name,—but + no one,—not even the poor little priest who married them,—knew + the surname of your Majesty’s distinguished house, and I believe,—nay + I am sure—” here he heaved an unconscious sigh, “it will bring a + tragedy to the girl when she knows the true rank and title of her + husband!” + </p> + <p> + “How came <i>you</i> to make her acquaintance? Tell me everything!—you + know I will not misjudge you!” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, Sir, I hope you will not!” returned the Professor earnestly;—“For + there was never a man more hopelessly involved than myself in the net + prepared for me by this romantic lover, who has the honour to be your son. + In the first place, directly I heard this confession of marriage, I was + for telling you at once; but as he had bound me by my word of honour + before he began the story, to keep his confidence sacred, I was unable to + disburden myself of it. He said he wanted to secure me as a friend for his + wife. ‘That,’ said I firmly, ‘I will never be! For there will be + difficulty when all is known; and if it comes to a struggle between a + pretty fishwife and the good of a king—ach!—mein Gott!—I + am not for the fishwife!’” + </p> + <p> + The King smiled; and Von Glauben went on. + </p> + <p> + “Well, he assured me she was not a fishwife. I said ‘What is she then?’ ‘I + tell you,’ he replied, ‘she is an angel! You will come and see her; you + will pass as an old friend of her sailor husband; and when you have seen + her you will understand!’ I was angry, and said I would not go with him; + but afterwards I thought perhaps it would be best if I did, as I might be + able to advise him to some wise course. So I accompanied him one afternoon + in the past autumn to The Islands (he was married last summer) and saw the + girl,—the ‘Glory-of-the-Sea.’ And I must confess to your Majesty, my + heart went down before her beauty and innocence in absolute worship! And + if you were to kill me for it, I cannot help it—I am now as devoted + to her service as I am to yours!” + </p> + <p> + “Good!” said the King gently;—“Then you must help me to console her + in Humphry’s absence!” + </p> + <p> + Professor Von Glauben’s eyes opened widely, with a vague look of alarm. + </p> + <p> + “In his absence, Sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes! I am sending him abroad. He is quite willing to go, he tells me. His + departure will make all things perfectly easy for us. The girl must remain + in her present ignorance as to the position of the man she has really + married. The sailor she supposes him to be will accompany the Prince on + his yacht,—and it must be arranged that he never returns! She is + young, and will easily be consoled!” + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben was silent. + </p> + <p> + “<i>You</i> will not betray the Prince’s identity with her lover,” went on + the King, “and no one else knows it. In fact, you will be the very person + best qualified to tell her of his departure, and—in due time, of his + fictitious death!” + </p> + <p> + They were walking slowly under the heavy shadow of crossed ilex boughs,—and + Von Glauben came to a dead halt. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” he said, in rather unsteady accents; “With every respect for your + Majesty, I must altogether decline the task of breaking a pure heart, and + ruining a young life! Moreover, if your Majesty, after all your recent + experiences,”—and he laid great emphasis on these last words, + “thinks there is any ultimate good to be obtained by keeping up a lie, and + practising a fraud, the lessons we have learned in these latter days are + wholly unavailing! You began this conversation with me by speaking of a + straight line of conduct, which should avoid other people’s crooked + curves. Is this your Majesty’s idea of a straight line?” + </p> + <p> + He spoke with unguarded vehemence, but the King was not offended. On the + contrary, he looked whimsically interested and amused. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Von Glauben, you are not usually so inconsistent! Humphry himself + has kept up a lie, and practised a fraud on the girl——” + </p> + <p> + “Only for a time!” interrupted the Professor hastily. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we all do it ‘only for a time.’ Everything—life itself—is + ‘only for a time!’ You know as well as I do that this absurd marriage can + never be acknowledged. I explained as much to Humphry; I told him he could + guard himself by the morganatic law, provided he would consent to a Royal + alliance immediately—but the young fool swore it would be bigamy, + and took himself off in a huff.” + </p> + <p> + “He was right! It would be bigamy;—it <i>is</i> bigamy!”, said the + Professor; “Call it by what name you like in Court parlance, the act of + having two wives is forbidden in this country. The wisest men have come to + the conclusion that one wife is enough!” + </p> + <p> + “Humphry’s ideas being so absolutely childish,” went on the King, “it is + necessary for him to expand them somewhat. That is why I shall send him + abroad. You have a strong flavour of romance in your Teutonic composition, + Von Glauben,—and I can quite sympathise with your admiration for the + ‘Glory-of-the-Sea’ as you call her. From a man’s point of view, I admire + her myself. But I know nothing of her moral or mental qualities; though + from her flat refusal to give me her husband’s name yesterday, I judge her + as wilful,—but most pretty women are that. And as for my line of + conduct, it will, I assure you, be perfectly ‘straight,’—in the + direction of my duty as a King,—apart altogether from sentimental + considerations! And in this, as in other things,—” he paused and + emphasised his words—“I rely on your honour and faithful service!” + </p> + <p> + The Professor made no reply. He was, thinking deeply. With a kind of grim + scorn, he pointed out to himself that his imagination was held captive by + the mental image of a woman, whose eyes had expressed trust in him; and + almost as tenderly as the lover in Tennyson’s ‘Maud’ he could have said + that he ‘would die, To save from some slight shame one simple girl.’ + Presently he braced himself up, and confronted his Royal master. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” he said very quietly, yet with perfect frankness; “Your Majesty + must have the goodness to pardon me if I say you must not rely upon me at + all in this matter! I will promise nothing, except to be true to myself + and my own sense of justice. I have given up my own country for + conscience’ sake—I can easily give up another which is not my own, + for the same reason. In the matter of this marriage or ‘mésalliance’ as + the worldly would call it,—I have nothing whatever to do. While the + Prince asked me to keep his secret, I kept it. Now that he has confided it + to your Majesty, I am relieved and satisfied; and shall not in any way, by + word or suggestion, interfere with your Majesty’s intentions. But, at the + same time, I shall not assist them! For as regards the trusting girl who + has been persuaded that she has won a great love and complete happiness + for all her life,—I have sworn to be her friend;—and I must + respectfully decline to be a party to any further deception in her case. + Knowing what I know of her character, which is a pure and grand one, I + think it would be far better to tell her the whole truth, and let her be + the arbiter of her own destiny. She will decide well and truly, I am + sure!” + </p> + <p> + He ceased; the King was silent. Von Glauben studied his face attentively. + </p> + <p> + “You are a thinker, Sir,—a student and a philosopher. You are not + one of those kings who treat their kingship as a license for the free + exercise of intolerant humours and vicious practices. Were you no monarch + at all, you would still be a sane and thoughtful man. Take my humble + advice, Sir—for once put the unspoilt nature of a pure woman to the + test, and find out what a grand creature God intended woman to be, in her + pristine simplicity and virtue! Send for Gloria to this Court;—tell + her the truth!—and await the result with confidence!” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause. The King walked slowly up and down; at last he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “You may be right! I do not say you are wrong. I will consider your + suggestion. Certainly it would be the straightest course. But first a + complete explanation is due to the Queen. She must know all,—and if + her interest can be awakened by such a triviality as her son’s love-affair—” + and he smiled somewhat bitterly,—“perhaps she may agree to your plan + as the best way out of the difficulty. In any case”—here he extended + his hand which the Professor deferentially bowed over—“I respect + your honesty and plain speaking, Professor! I have reason to approve + highly of sincerity,—wherever and however I find it,—at the + present crisis of affairs. For the moment, I will only ask you to be on + your guard with Humphry;—and say as little as possible to him on the + subject of his marriage or intended departure from this country. Keep + everything as quiet as may be;—till—till we find a clear and + satisfactory course to follow, which shall inflict as little pain as + possible on all concerned. And now, a word with you on other matters.” + </p> + <p> + They walked on side by side, through the garden walks and ways, conversing + earnestly,—and by and by penetrating into the deeper recesses of the + outlying woodlands, were soon hidden among the crossing and recrossing of + the trees. Had they kept to the open ground, from whence the wide expanse + of the sea could be viewed from end to end, their discussions might + perhaps have been interrupted, and themselves somewhat startled,—for + they would have seen Prince Humphry’s yacht, with every inch of canvas + stretched to the utmost, flying rapidly before the wind like a wild white + bird, winging its swift, straight way to the west where the sun shot down + Apollo-like shafts of gold on the gleaming purple coast-line of The + Islands. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. — AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN + </h2> + <p> + It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that + semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of + brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy. + Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong + support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their + own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more + often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,—or what may be described + as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,—that places + them in triumph at the helm of affairs. To rise from a statesman to be a + Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not + necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good + deal of dash and impudence. Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among + the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small + peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very + plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, + picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools. But he had a + restless, domineering spirit of ambition. Ashamed of his plebeian origin, + and embittered from his earliest years by a sense of grudge against those + who moved in the highest and most influential circles of the time, the + idea was always in his mind that he would one day make himself an + authority over the very persons, who, in the rough and tumble working-days + of his younger manhood, would not so much as cast him a word or a look. He + knew that the first thing necessary to attain for this purpose was money; + and he had, by steady and constant plod, managed to enlarge and expand all + his business concerns into various, important companies, which he set + afloat in all quarters of the world,—with the satisfactory result + that by the time his years had run well into the forties, he was one of + the wealthiest men in the country. He had from the first taken every + opportunity to insinuate himself into politics; and in exact proportion to + the money he made, so was his success in acquiring such coveted positions + in life as brought with them the masterful control of various conflicting + aims and interests. His individual influence had extended by leaps and + bounds till he had become only secondary in importance to the Prime + Minister himself; and he possessed a conveniently elastic conscience, + which could be stretched at will to suit any party or any set of + principles. In personal appearance he was not prepossessing. Nature had + branded him in her own special way ‘Trickster,’ for those who cared to + search for her trademark. He was tall and thin, with a narrow head and a + deeply-lined, clean-shaven countenance, the cold immovability of which was + sometimes broken up by an unpleasant smile, that merely widened the pale + set lips without softening them, and disclosed a crooked row of + smoke-coloured teeth, much decayed. He had small eyes, furtively hidden + under a somewhat restricted frontal development,—his brows were + narrow,—his forehead ignoble and retreating. But despite a general + badness, or what may be called a ‘smirchiness’ of feature, he had learned + to assume an air of superiority, which by its sheer audacity prevented a + casual observer from setting him down as the vulgarian he undoubtedly was; + and his amazing pluck, boldness and originality in devising ways and means + of smothering popular discontent under various ‘shows’ of apparent public + prosperity, was immensely useful to all such ‘statesmen,’ whose + statesmanship consisted in making as much money as possible for themselves + out of the pockets of their credulous countrymen. He was seldom disturbed + by opposing influences; and even now when he had just returned from the + palace with the full knowledge that the King was absolutely resolved on + vetoing certain propositions he had set down in council for the somewhat + arbitrary treatment of a certain half-tributary power which had latterly + turned rebellious, he was more amused than irritated. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose his Majesty wants to distinguish himself by a melodramatic <i>coup + d’état</i>” he said, leaning easily back in his chair, and studying the + tips of his carefully pared and polished finger-nails;—“Poor fool! I + don’t blame him for trying to do something more than walk about his palace + in different costumes at stated intervals,—but he will find his + ‘veto’ out of date. We shall put it to the country;—and I think I + can answer for that!” + </p> + <p> + He smiled, as one who knows where and how to secure a triumph, and his + equanimity was not disturbed in the least by the unexpected arrival of the + Premier, who was just then announced, and who, coming in his turn from the + King’s diplomatic reception, had taken the opportunity to call and see his + colleague on his way home. + </p> + <p> + “You seem fatigued, Marquis!” he said, as, rising to receive his + distinguished guest, he placed a chair for him opposite his own. “Was his + Majesty’s conversazione more tedious than usual?” + </p> + <p> + Lutera looked at him with a dubious air. + </p> + <p> + “No!—it was brief enough so far as I was immediately concerned,” he + replied;—“I do not suppose I stayed more than twenty minutes in the + Throne-room altogether. I understand you have been told that our proposed + negotiations are to be vetoed?” + </p> + <p> + Pérousse smiled. + </p> + <p> + “I have been told—yes!—but I have been told many things which + I do not believe! The King certainly has the right of veto; but he dare + not exercise it.” + </p> + <p> + “Dare not?” echoed the Marquis—“From his present unconstitutional + attitude it seems to me he dare do anything!” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you he dare not!” repeated Pérousse quietly;—“Unless he + wishes to lose the Throne. I daresay if it came to that, we should get on + quite as well—if not better—with a Republic!” + </p> + <p> + Lutera looked at him with an amazed and reluctant admiration. + </p> + <p> + “<i>You</i> talk of a Republic? You,—who are for ever making the + most loyal speeches in favour of the monarchy?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” queried Pérousse lightly;—“If the monarchy does not do as + it is told, whip it like a naughty child and send it to bed. That has been + easily arranged before now in history!” + </p> + <p> + The Marquis sat silent,—thinking, or rather brooding heavily. Should + he, or should he not unburden himself of certain fears that oppressed his + mind? He cleared his throat of a troublesome huskiness and began,— + </p> + <p> + “If the purely business transactions in which you are engaged——” + </p> + <p> + “And you also,” put in Pérousse placidly. + </p> + <p> + The Premier shifted his position uneasily and went on. + </p> + <p> + “I say, if the purely business transactions of this affair were publicly + known——” + </p> + <p> + “As well expect Cabinet secrets to be posted on a hoarding in the open + thoroughfare!” said Pérousse. “What afflicts you with these sudden pangs + of distrust at your position? You have taken care to provide for all your + own people! What more can you desire?” + </p> + <p> + Lutera hesitated; then he said slowly:— + </p> + <p> + “I think there is only one thing for me to do,—and that is to send + in my resignation at once!” + </p> + <p> + Carl Pérousse raised himself a little out of his chair, and opened his + narrow eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Send in your resignation!” he echoed; “On what grounds? Do me the + kindness to remember, Marquis, that I am not yet quite ready to take your + place!” + </p> + <p> + He smiled his disagreeable smile,—and the Marquis began to feel + irritated. + </p> + <p> + “Do not be too sure that you will ever have it to take,” he said with some + acerbity; “If the King should by any means come to know of your financial + deal——” + </p> + <p> + “You seem to be very suddenly afraid of the King!” interrupted Pérousse; + “Or else strange touches of those catch-word ideals ‘Loyalty’ and + ‘Patriotism’ are troubling your mind! You speak of <i>my</i> financial + deal,—is not yours as important? Review the position;—it is + simply this;—for years and years the Ministry have been speculating + in office matters,—it is no new thing. Sometimes they have lost, and + sometimes they have won; their losses have been replaced by the imposition + of taxes on the people,—their gains they have very wisely said + nothing about. In these latter days, however, the loss has been + considerably more than the gain. ‘Patriotism,’ as stocks, has gone down. + ‘Honour’ will not pay the piper. We cannot increase taxation just at + present; but by a war, we can clear out some of the useless population, + and invest in contracts for supplies. The mob love fighting,—and + every small victory won, can be celebrated in beer and illuminations, to + expand what is called ‘the heart of the People.’ It is a great ‘heart,’ + and always leaps to strong drink,—which is cheap enough, being so + largely adulterated. The country we propose to subdue is rich,—and + both you and I have large investments of land there. With the success + which our arms are sure to obtain, we shall fill not only the State + coffers (which have been somewhat emptied by our predecessors’ + peculations), but our own coffers as well. The King ‘vetoes’ the war; then + let us hear what the People say! Of course we must work them up first; and + then get their verdict while they are red-hot with patriotic excitement. + The Press, ordered by Jost, can manage that! Put it to the country; + (through Jost);—but do not talk of resigning when we are on the + brink of success! <i>I</i> will carry this thing through, despite the + King’s ‘veto’!” + </p> + <p> + “Wait!” said the Marquis, drawing his chair closer to Pérousse, and + speaking in a low uneasy tone; “You do not know all! There is some secret + agency at work against us; and, among other things, I fear that a foreign + spy has been inadvertently allowed to learn the mainspring of our + principal moves. Listen, and judge for yourself!” + </p> + <p> + And he related the story of David Jost’s midnight experience, carefully + emphasising every point connected with his own signet-ring. As he + proceeded with the narration, Pérousse’s face grew livid,—once or + twice he clenched his hand nervously, but he said nothing till he had + heard all. + </p> + <p> + “Your ring, you say, had never left the King’s possession?” + </p> + <p> + “So the King himself assured me, this very afternoon.” + </p> + <p> + “Then someone must have passed off an imitation signet on David Jost,” + continued Pérousse meditatively. “What name did the spy give?” + </p> + <p> + “Pasquin Leroy.” + </p> + <p> + Carl Pérousse opened a small memorandum book, and carefully wrote the name + down within it. + </p> + <p> + “Whatever David Jost has said, David Jost alone is answerable for!” he + then said calmly—“A Jew may be called a liar with impunity, and + whatever a Jew has asserted can be flatly denied. Remember, he is in our + pay!” + </p> + <p> + “I doubt if he will consent to be made the scapegoat in this affair,” said + Lutera; “Unless we can make it exceptionally to his advantage;—he + has the press at his command.” + </p> + <p> + “Give him a title!” returned Pérousse contemptuously; “These Jew press-men + love nothing better!” + </p> + <p> + The Marquis smiled somewhat sardonically. + </p> + <p> + “Jost, with a patent of nobility would cut rather an extraordinary + figure!” he said; “Still he would probably make good use of it,—especially + if he were to start a newspaper in London! They would accept him as a + great man there!” + </p> + <p> + Pérousse gave a careless nod; his thoughts were otherwise occupied. + </p> + <p> + “This Pasquin Leroy has gone to Moscow?” + </p> + <p> + “According to his own words, he was leaving this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay that statement is a blind. I should not at all wonder if he is + still in the city. I will get an exact description of him from Jost, and + set Bernhoff on his track.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not forget,” said the Marquis impressively, “that he told Jost in + apparently the most friendly and well-meaning manner possible, that the + King had discovered the whole plan of our financial campaign. He even + reported <i>me</i> as being ready to resign in consequence——” + </p> + <p> + “Which apparently you are!” interpolated Pérousse with some sarcasm. + </p> + <p> + “I certainly have my resignation in prospect,” returned Lutera coldly—“And, + so far, this mysterious spy has seemingly probed my thoughts. If he is as + correct in his report concerning the King, it is impossible to say what + may be the consequence.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what can the King do?” demanded Pérousse impatiently, and with scorn + for the vacillating humour of his companion; “Granted that he knew + everything from the beginning——” + </p> + <p> + “Including your large land purchases and contract concessions in the very + country you propose war with,” put in the Marquis,—“Say that he knew + you had resolved on war, and had already started a company for the + fabrication of the guns and other armaments, out of which you get the + principal pickings—what then?” + </p> + <p> + “What then?” echoed Pérousse defiantly—“Why nothing! The King is as + powerless as a target in a field, set up for arrows to be aimed at! He + dare not divulge a State secret; he has no privilege of interference with + politics; all he can do is to ‘lead’ fashionable society—a poor + business at best—and at present his lead is not particularly + apparent. The King must do as We command!” + </p> + <p> + He rose and paced up and down with agitated steps. + </p> + <p> + “To-day, when he told me he had resolved to ‘veto’ my propositions, I + accepted his information without any manifestation of surprise. I merely + said it would have to be stated in the Senate, and that reasons would have + to be given. He agreed, and said that he himself would proclaim those + reasons. I told him it was impossible!” + </p> + <p> + “And what was his reply?” asked the Marquis. + </p> + <p> + “His reply was as absurd as his avowed intention. ‘Hitherto it has been + impossible,’ he said; ‘But in Our reign we shall make it possible!’ He + declined any further conversation with me, referring me to you and our + chief colleagues in the Cabinet.” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “Well! I pay no more attention to a King’s sudden caprice than I do to the + veering of the wind! He will alter his mind in a few days, when the + exigency of the matters in hand becomes apparent to him. In the same way, + he will revoke his decision about that grant of land to the Jesuits. He + must let them have their way.” + </p> + <p> + “What benefit do we get by favouring the Jesuits?” asked Lutera. + </p> + <p> + “Jost gets a thousand a year for putting flattering notices of the + schools, processions, festivals and such nonsense in his various + newspapers; and our party secures the political support of the Vatican in + Europe,—which just now is very necessary. The Pope must give his + Christian benediction not only to our Educational system, but also to the + war!” + </p> + <p> + “Then the King has set himself in our way already, even in this matter?” + </p> + <p> + “He has! Quite unaccountably and very foolishly. But we shall persuade him + still to be of our opinion. The ass that will not walk must be beaten till + he gallops! I have no anxiety whatever on any point; even the advent of + Jost’s spy, with an imitation of your signet on his finger appears to me + quite melodramatic, and only helps to make the general situation more + interesting,—to me at least;—I am only sorry to see that you + allow yourself to be so much concerned over these trifles!” + </p> + <p> + “I have my family to think of,” said the Marquis slowly; “My reputation as + a statesman, and my honour as a minister are both at stake.” Pérousse + smiled oddly, but said nothing. “If in any way my name became a subject of + popular animadversion, it would entirely ruin the position I believe I + have attained in history. I have always wished,—” and there was a + tinge of pathos in his voice—“my descendants to hold a certain pride + in my career!” + </p> + <p> + Pérousse looked at him with grim amusement. + </p> + <p> + “It is a curious and unpleasant fact that the ‘descendants’ of these days + do not care a button for their ancestors,” he said; “They generally try to + forget them as fast as possible. What do the descendants of Robespierre, + (if there are any), care about him? The descendants of Wellington? The + descendants of Beethoven or Lord Byron? Among the many numerous advantages + attending the world-wide fame of Shakespeare is that he has left no + descendants. If he had, his memory would have been more vulgarised by <i>them,</i> + than by any Yankee kicker at his grave! One of the most remarkable + features of this progressive age is the cheerful ease with which sons + forget they ever had fathers! I am afraid, Marquis, you are not likely to + escape the common doom!” + </p> + <p> + Lutera rose slowly, and prepared to take his departure. + </p> + <p> + “I shall call a Cabinet Council for Monday,” he said; “This is Friday. You + will find it convenient to attend?” + </p> + <p> + Pérousse, rising at the same time, assented smilingly. + </p> + <p> + “You will see things in a better and clearer light by then,” he said. + “Rely on me! I have not involved you thus far with any intention of + bringing you to loss or disaster. Whatever befalls you in this affair must + equally befall me; we are both in the same boat. We must carry things + through with a firm hand, and show no hesitation. As for the King, his + business is to be a Dummy; and as Dummy he must remain.” + </p> + <p> + Lutera made no reply. They shook hands,—not over cordially,—and + parted; and as soon as Pérousse heard the wheels of the Premier’s carriage + grinding away from his outer gate, he applied himself vigorously to the + handle of one of the numerous telephone wires fitted up near his desk, and + after getting into communication with the quarter he desired, requested + General Bernhoff, Chief of the Police, to attend upon him instantly. + Bernhoff’s headquarters were close by, so that he had but to wait barely a + quarter of an hour before that personage,—the same who had before + been summoned to the presence of the King,—appeared. + </p> + <p> + To him Pérousse handed a slip of paper, on which he had written the words + ‘Pasquin Leroy.’ + </p> + <p> + “Do you know that name?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + General Bernhoff looked at it attentively. Only the keenest and closest + observer could have possibly detected the slight flicker of a smile under + the stiff waxed points of his military moustache, as he read it. He + returned it carefully folded. + </p> + <p> + “I fancy I have heard it!” he said cautiously; “In any case, I shall + remember it.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! There is a man of that name in this city; trace him if you can! + Take this note to Mr. David Jost”—and while he spoke he hastily + scrawled a few lines and addressed them—“and he will give you an + exact personal description of him. He is reported to have left for Moscow,—but + I discredit that statement. He is a foreign spy, engaged, we believe, in + the work of taking plans of our military defences,—he must be + arrested, and dealt with rigorously at once. You understand?” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly,” replied Bernhoff, accepting the note handed to him; “If he is + to be discovered, I shall not fail to discover him!” + </p> + <p> + “And when you think you are on the track, let me have information at + once,” went on Pérousse; “But be well on your guard, and let no one learn + the object of your pursuit. Keep your own counsel!” + </p> + <p> + “I always do!” returned Bernhoff bluntly. “If I did not there might be + trouble!” + </p> + <p> + Pérousse looked at him sharply, but seeing the wooden-like impassiveness + of his countenance, forced a smile. + </p> + <p> + “There might indeed!” he said; “Your tact and discretion, General, do much + to keep the city quiet. But this affair of Pasquin Leroy is a private + matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Distinctly so!” agreed Bernhoff quietly; “I hold the position entirely!” + </p> + <p> + He shortly afterwards withdrew, and Carl Pérousse, satisfied that he had + at any rate taken precautions to make known the existence of a spy in the + city, if not to secure his arrest, turned to the crowding business on his + hands with a sense of ease and refreshment. He might not have felt quite + so self-assured and complacent, had he seen the worthy Bernhoff smiling + broadly to himself as he strolled along the street, with the air of one + enjoying a joke, the while he murmured,— + </p> + <p> + “Pasquin Leroy,—engaged in taking plans of the military defences—is + he? Ah!—a very dangerous amusement to indulge in! Engaged in taking + plans!—Ah!—Yes!—Very good,—very good; excellent! + Do I know the name? Yes! I fancy I might have heard it! Oh, yes, very good + indeed—excellent! And this spy is probably still in the city? Yes!—Probably! + Yes—I should imagine it quite likely!” + </p> + <p> + Still smiling, and apparently in the best of humours with himself and the + world at large, the General continued his easy stroll by the sea-fronted + ways of the city, along the many picturesque terraces, and up flights of + marble steps built somewhat in the fashion of the prettiest corners of + Monaco, till he reached the chief promenade and resort of fashion, which + being a broad avenue running immediately under and in front of the King’s + palace facing the sea, was in the late sunshine of the afternoon crowded + with carriages and pedestrians. Here he took his place with the rest, + saluting a fellow officer here, or a friend there,—and stood + bareheaded with the rest of the crowd, when a light gracefully-shaped + landau, drawn by four greys, and escorted by postillions in the Royal + liveries, passed like a triumphal car, enshrining the cold, changeless and + statuesque beauty of the Queen, upon whom the public were never weary of + gazing. She was a curiosity to them—a living miracle in her + unwithering loveliness; for, apparently unmoved by emotion herself, she + roused all sorts of emotions in others. Bernhoff had seen her a thousand + times, but never without a sense of new dazzlement. + </p> + <p> + “Always the same Sphinx!” he thought now, with a slight frown shading the + bluff good-nature of his usual expression; “She is a woman who will face + Death as she faces Time,—with that cold smile of hers which + expresses nothing but scorn of all life’s little business!” + </p> + <p> + He proceeded meditatively on his way to the palace itself, where, on + demand, he was at once admitted to the private apartments of the King. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. — ROYAL LOVERS + </h2> + <p> + Silver-white glamour of the moon, and velvet darkness of deep branching + foliage held the quiet breadth of The Islands between them. Low on the + shore the fantastic shapes of one or two tall cliffs were outlined black + on the fine sparkling sand,—tiny waves rose from the bosom of the + calm sea, and cuddling together in baby ripples made bubbles of their + crests, and broke here and there among the pebbles with low gurgles of + laughter, and in the warm silence of the southern night the nightingales + began to tune up their delicate fluty voices with delicious tremors and + pauses in the trying of their song. The under-scent of hidden violets + among moss flowed potently upon the quiet air, mingled with strong + pine-odours and the salt breath of the gently heaving sea,—and all + the land seemed as lonely and as fair as the fabled Eden might have been, + when the first two human mated creatures knew it as their own. To every + soul that loves for the first time, the vision of that Lost Paradise is + granted; to every man and woman who know and feel the truth of the divine + passion is vouchsafed a flashing gleam of glory from that Heaven which + gives them to each other. For the voluptuary—for the animal man,—who + like his four-footed kindred is only conscious of instinctive desire, this + pure expansion of the heart and ennobling of the thought is as a sealed + book,—a never-to-be-divulged mystery of joy, which, because he + cannot experience it, he is unable to believe in. It is a glory-cloud in + which the privileged ones are ‘caught up and received out of sight.’ It + transfuses the roughest elements into immortal influences,—it + colours the earth with fairer hues, and fills the days with beauty; every + hour is a gem of sweet thought set in the dreaming soul, and the lover, at + certain times of rapt ecstasy, would smile incredulously were he told that + anyone living could be unhappy. For love goes back to the beginning of + things,—to the time when the world was new. It has its birth in that + primeval light when ‘the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of + God shouted for joy.’ If it is real, deep, passionate and disinterested + love, it sees no difficulties and knows no disillusions. It is a + sufficient assurance of God to make life beautiful. But in these days of + the eld-time of nations, when all things are being mixed and prepared for + casting into a new mould of world-formation, where we and our + civilizations are not, and shall not be,—any more than the Egyptian + Rameses is part of us now,—love in its pristine purity, faith and + simplicity, is rare. Very little romance is left to hallow it; and it is + doubtful whether the white moon, swinging like a silver lamp in heaven + above the peaceful Islands, shed her glory anywhere on any such lovers in + the world, as the two who on this fair night of the southern springtime, + with arms entwined round each other, moved slowly up and down on the + velvet greensward outside Ronsard’s cottage,—Gloria and her ‘sailor’ + husband. + </p> + <p> + Gloria was happy,—and her happiness made her doubly beautiful. Clad + in her usual attire of white homespun, with her rich hair falling unbound + over her shoulders in girl-fashion, and just kept back by a band of white + coral, she looked like a young goddess of the sea; her lustrous, starlike + eyes gazed up into the tender responsive ones of the handsome stripling + she had so trustfully wedded, and not a shadow of doubt or fear darkened + the heaven of her confidence. She did not know how beautiful she was,—she + did not realise that her body was like one of the unfettered, graceful and + perfectly-proportioned figures of women left to our wondering reverence by + the Greek sculptors,—she had never thought about herself at all, not + even to compare her fair brilliancy of skin with the bronzed, + weather-beaten faces of the fisher-folk among whom she dwelt. Resting her + delicate classic head against the encircling arm of her lover and lord, + her beauty seemed almost unearthly in its pure transparency of feature, + outlined by the silver glimmer of the moonbeams; and the young man by her + side, with his handsome dark head, tall figure and distinguished bearing, + looked the fitting mate for her fair, blossoming womanhood. No two lovers + were ever more ideally matched in physical perfection; and as they moved + slowly to and fro on the soft dark grass, brushing the dewy scent from + hanging rose-boughs that pushed out inviting tufts of white and pink bloom + here and there from the surrounding foliage, they would have served many a + poet for some sweet idyll, or romance in rhyme, which should hold in its + stanzas the magic of immortality. Yet there was a shade of uneasiness in + the minds of both,—Prince Humphry was more silent than usual, and + seemed absorbed in thought; and Gloria, looking timidly up from time to + time at the dark poetic face of her ‘sailor’ lover, felt with a woman’s + quick instinct that something was troubling him, and remorsefully + concluded that she was to blame,—that he had heard of her having + been seen by the King, and that he was evidently vexed by it. He had + arrived that evening suddenly and unexpectedly; for she and her ‘little + father,’ as she called Réné Ronsard, had just begun their frugal supper, + when the Crown Prince’s yacht swept into the bay and dropped anchor. Half + an hour later he, the much-beloved ‘junior officer’ in the Crown Prince’s + service had appeared at the cottage door, greatly to their delight, for + they did not expect to see him so soon. They had supped together, and then + Ronsard himself had gone to superintend a meeting at a small social club + he had started for the amusement of the fisher-folk, wisely leaving the + young wedded lovers to themselves. And they had for a long time been very + quiet, save for such little words of love as came into tune with the + interchange of caresses,—and after a pause of anxious inward + thought, Gloria ventured on a timid query. + </p> + <p> + “Dearest,—are you <i>very</i> angry with me?” + </p> + <p> + He started,—and stopping in his walk, turned the fair face up + between his two hands, as one might lift a rose on its stem, and kissed it + tenderly. + </p> + <p> + “Angry? How can I ever be angry with you, Sweet? Besides what cause have I + for anger?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought, perhaps—” murmured Gloria, “that if the Professor told + you what I did yesterday,—when the King came—” + </p> + <p> + “He did tell me;” and the Prince still gazed down on that heavenly beauty + which was the light of the world to him. “He told me that you sang;—and + that your golden voice was a musical magnet which drew his Majesty to your + feet! I am not surprised,—it was only natural! But I could have + wished it had not happened just yet; however, it has happened, and we must + make the best of it!” + </p> + <p> + “It was my fault,” said the girl penitently;—“I had the fancy to + sing; and I <i>would</i> sing, though the good Professor told me not to do + so!” + </p> + <p> + The Prince was silent. He was bracing his mind to the inevitable. He had + determined that on this very night Gloria should know the truth. For he + was instinctively certain that if he went abroad, as his father wished him + to do, some means would be taken to remove her altogether from the country + before his return; and his idea was to tell her all, and make her + accompany him on his travels. As his wife, she was bound to obey him, he + argued within himself; she should, she must go with him! Unconsciously + Gloria’s next words supplied him with an opening to the subject. + </p> + <p> + “Why did you never tell me that the Professor was in the King’s service?” + she asked. “He seemed to know him quite well,—indeed, almost as a + friend!” + </p> + <p> + “He is the King’s physician,” answered the Prince abruptly; “And, + therefore, he is very greatly in the King’s confidence.” + </p> + <p> + He walked on, still keeping his arm round her, and seemed not to see the + half-frightened glance she gave him. + </p> + <p> + “The King’s physician!” she echoed;—“He does not seem a great person + at all,—he is quite a simple old German man!” + </p> + <p> + Her lover smiled. + </p> + <p> + “To be physician to the King, my Gloria, is not a very wonderful honour! + It merely implies that the man so chosen is perhaps the ablest fencer with + sickness and death; the greatness is in the simple old German himself, not + in the King’s preference. Von Glauben is a good man.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it;” said Gloria gently; “He is good,—and very kind. He said + he would always be my friend,—but he was very strange in his manner + yesterday, and almost I was vexed with him. Do you know what he said? He + asked me what I should do if you—my husband, had deceived me? Can + you imagine such a thing?” + </p> + <p> + Now was the supreme moment. With a violently beating heart the Prince + halted, and putting both arms round her waist, drew her up to him in such + a way that their eyes looked close into each other’s, and their lips were + within kissing touch. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my sweetest one! I can imagine such a thing! Such a thing is + possible! Consider it to be true! Consider that I <i>have</i> deceived + you!” + </p> + <p> + She did not move from his clasp, but into her large, lovely trusting eyes + came a look of grief and terror, and her face grew ashy pale. + </p> + <p> + “In what way?” she whispered faintly; “Tell me! I—I—cannot + believe it!” + </p> + <p> + “Gloria,—Gloria! My love, my darling! Do not tremble so! Do not + fear! I have not deceived you in any evil way,—what I have done was + for your good and mine; but now—now there is no longer any need of + deception,—you may, and <i>shall</i> know all the truth, my wife, my + dearest in the world! You shall know me as I truly am at last!” + </p> + <p> + She moved restlessly in his strong clasp,—she was trembling from + head to foot, as if her blood was suddenly chilled. + </p> + <p> + “As you truly are!” she echoed, with pale lips—“Are you not then + what I have believed you to be?” + </p> + <p> + And she made an effort to withdraw herself entirely from his embrace. But + he held her fast. + </p> + <p> + “I am your husband, Gloria!” he said, “and you are my wife! Nothing can + alter that; nothing can change our love or disunite our lives. But I am + not the poor naval officer I have represented myself to be!—though I + am glad I adopted such a disguise, because by its aid I wooed and won your + love! I am not in the service of the Crown Prince,—except in so far + as I serve my own needs! Why, how you tremble!”—and he held her + closer—“Do not be afraid, my darling! Lift up your eyes and look at + me with your own sweet trusting look,—do not turn away from me, + because instead of being the Prince’s servant, I am the Prince himself!” + </p> + <p> + “The Prince!” And with a cry of utter desolation, Gloria wrenched herself + out of his arms, and stood apart, looking at him in wild alarm and + bewilderment. “The Prince! You—you!—my husband! You,—the + King’s son! And you have married <i>me</i>!—oh, how cruel of you!—how + cruel!—how cruel!” + </p> + <p> + Covering her face with her hands, she broke into a low sobbing,—and + the Prince, cut to the heart by her distress, caught her again in his + arms. + </p> + <p> + “Hush, Gloria!” he said, with an accent of authority, though his own voice + was tremulous; “You must not grieve like this! You will break my heart! Do + you not understand? Do you not see that all my life is bound up in you?—that + I give it to you to do what you will with?—that I care nothing for + rank, state or throne without you?—that I will let all the world go + rather than lose you? Gloria, do not weep so!—do not weep! Every + tear of yours is a pang to me! What does it matter whether I am prince or + commoner? I love you!—we love each other!—we are one in the + sight of Heaven!” + </p> + <p> + He held her passionately in his arms, kissing the soft clusters of hair + that fell against his breast, and whispering all the tenderest words of + endearment he could think of to console and soothe her anguish. By degrees + she grew calmer, and her sobs gradually ceased. Dashing the tears from her + eyes, she looked up,—her face white as marble. + </p> + <p> + “You must not tell Ronsard!” she said in faint tones that shook with fear; + “He would kill you!” + </p> + <p> + The Prince smiled indulgently; his only thought was for her, and so long + as he could dry her tears, Ronsard’s rage or pleasure was nothing to him. + </p> + <p> + “He would kill you!” repeated Gloria, with wide open tear-wet eyes; “He + hates all kings, in his heart!—and if he knew that you—<i>you</i>—my + husband,—were what you say you are;—if he thought you had + married me under a disguise, only to leave me and never to want me any + more——” + </p> + <p> + “Gloria, Gloria!” cried the Prince, in despair; “Why will you say such + things! Never to want you any more! I want you all my life, and every + moment of that life! Gloria, you must listen to me—you must not turn + from me at the very time I need you most! Are you not brave? Are you not + true? Do you not love me?” + </p> + <p> + With a pathetic gesture she stretched out her hands to him. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, I love you!” she said; “I love you with all my heart! But you + have deceived me!—my dearest, you have deceived me! And if you had + only told me the truth, I would never,—for your own sake,—have + married you!” + </p> + <p> + “I know that!” said the Prince; “And that is why I determined to win you + under the mask of poverty! Now listen, my Princess and my Queen!—for + you are both! I want all your help—all your love—all your + trust! Do not be afraid of Ronsard; he will, he can do nothing to harm me! + You are my wife, Gloria,—you have promised before God to obey me! I + claim your obedience!” + </p> + <p> + She stood silent, looking at him,—pale and fair as an ivory statue + of Psyche, seen against the dark background of the heavily-branched trees. + Her mind was stunned and confused; she had not yet grasped the full + consciousness of her position,—but as he spoke, the old primitive + lessons of faith, steadfastness of purpose, and unwavering love and trust + in God, which her adopted father had instilled into her from childhood, + rose and asserted their sway over her startled, but unspoilt soul. + </p> + <p> + “You need not claim it!” she said, slowly; “It is yours always! I shall do + whatever you tell me, even if you command me to die for your sake!” + </p> + <p> + With a swift impulsive action, full of grace and spirit, he dropped on one + knee and kissed her hand. + </p> + <p> + “And so I pledge my faith to my Queen!” he said joyously. “Gloria! my + ‘Glory-of-the-Sea’!—you will forgive me for having in this one thing + misled you? Think of me as your sailor lover still!—it is a much + harder thing to be a king’s son than a simple, independent seafarer! Pity + me for my position, and help me to make it endurable! Come now with me + down to that rocky nook on the shore where I first saw you,—and I + will tell you exactly how everything stands,—and how I trust to your + love for me and your courage, to clear away all the difficulties before + us. You do not love me less?” + </p> + <p> + “I could not love you less!” she replied slowly; “but I cannot think of + you as quite the same!” + </p> + <p> + A shadow of pain darkened his face. + </p> + <p> + “Gloria,” he said sadly; “If your love was as great as mine you would + forgive!” + </p> + <p> + She stood a moment wavering and uncertain; their eyes were riveted on each + other in a strange spiritual attraction—her soft lips were a little + relaxed from their gravity as she steadfastly regarded him. She was + embarrassed, conscious, and very pale; but he drank in gratefully the + wonder and shy worship of those pure eyes,—and waited. Suddenly she + sprang to him and closed her arms about his neck, kissing him with simple + and loving tenderness. + </p> + <p> + “I do forgive! Oh, I do forgive!” she murmured; “Because I love you, my + darling—because I love you! Whatever you wish I will do for your + love’s sake—believe me!—but I am frightened just now!—it + is as if I did not know you—as if someone had taken you suddenly a + long way off! Give me a little time to recover my courage!—and to + know”—here a faint smile trembled on her beautiful curved mouth—“to + know,—and to <i>feel</i>,—that you are still my own!—even + though the world may try to part you from me!—still my very own!” + </p> + <p> + The warmth of passionate feeling in her face flushed it into a rose-glow + that spread from chin to brow,—and clasping her to his breast, he + gave her the speechless answer that love inscribes on eyes and lips,—then, + keeping his arm tenderly about her, he led her gently into the path + through the pinewood, which wound down to their favourite haunt by the + sea. + </p> + <p> + The moonlight had now increased in brilliancy, and illumined the landscape + with all the opulence, splendour and superabundance of radiance common to + the south,—the air was soft and balmy, and one great white cloud + floating lazily under the silver orb, moved slowly to the centre of the + heavens,—the violet-blue of night falling around it like an imperial + robe of state. The two youthful figures passed under the pine-boughs, + which closed over them odorously in dark arches of shadow, and wended + their slow way down to the seashore, from whence they could see the Royal + yacht lying at anchor, every tapering line of her fair proportions + distinctly outlined against the sky, and all her masts shining as if they + had been washed with silver dew; and the Heir-Apparent to a throne was,—for + once in the history of Heir-Apparents,—happy—happy in knowing + that he was loved as princes seldom or never are loved,—not for his + power, not for his rank, but simply for himself alone, by one of the most + beautiful women in the world, who,—if she knew neither the ways of a + Court, nor the wiles of fashion,—had something better than either of + these,—the sanctity of truth and the strength of innocence. + </p> + <p> + Réné Ronsard, coming back from his pleasurable duties as host and chairman + to his fishermen-friends, found the cottage deserted, and smiled, as he + sat himself down in the porch to smoke, and to wait for the lover’s + return. + </p> + <p> + “What a thing it is to be young!” he sighed, as he gazed meditatively at + the still beauty of the night around him;—“To be young,—and in + love with the right person! Hours go like moments—the grass is never + damp—the air is never cold—there is never time enough to give + all the kisses that are waiting to be given; and life is so beautiful, + that we are almost able to understand why God created the universe! The + rapture passes very quickly, unfortunately—with some people;—but + if I ever prayed for anything—which I do not—I should pray + that it might remain with Gloria! It surely cannot offend the Supreme + Being who is responsible for our existence, to see one woman happy out of + all the tortured millions of them! One exception to the universal rule + would not make much difference! The law that the strong should prey on the + weak, nearly always prevails,—but it is possible to hope and believe + that on rare occasions the strong may be magnanimous!” + </p> + <p> + He smoked on placidly, considering various points of philosophic + meditation, and by and by fell into a gentle doze. The doze deepened into + a dream which grew sombre and terrible,—and in it he thought he saw + himself standing bareheaded on a raised platform above surging millions of + people who all shouted with one terrific uproar of unison—“Regicide! + Regicide!” He looked down upon his hands, and saw them red with blood!—he + looked up to the heavens, and they were flushed with the same ominous hue. + Blood!—blood!—the blood of kings,—the dust of thrones!—and + he, the cause! Choked and tormented with a parching thirst, it seemed in + the dream that he tried to speak,—and with all his force he cried + out—“For her sake I did it! For her sake!” But the clamour of the + crowd drowned his voice,—and then it was as if the coldness of death + crept slowly over him,—slowly and cruelly, as though his whole body + were being enclosed within an iceberg,—and he saw Gloria, the child + of his love and care, laid out before him dead,—but robed and + crowned like a queen, and placed on a great golden bier of state, with + purple velvet falling about her, and tall candles blazing at her head and + feet. And voices sang in his ears—“Gloria! Gloria in excelsis Deo!”—mingling + with the muffled chanting of priests at some distant altar; and he thought + he made an attempt to touch the royal velvet pall that draped her + beautiful lifeless body, when he was roughly thrust back by armed men with + swords and bayonets who asked him “What do you here? Are you not her + murderer?”—and he cried out wildly “No, no! Never could I have + harmed the child of my love! Never could I hurt a hair of her head, or + cause her an hour’s sorrow! She is all I had in the world!—I loved + her!—I loved her! Let me see her!—let me touch her!—let + me kiss her once again!” And then the scene suddenly changed,—and it + was found that Gloria was not dead at all, but walking peacefully alone in + a garden of flowers, with lilies crowning her, and all the sunshine about + her; and that the golden bier of state had changed into a ship at sea + which was floating, floating westward bearing some great message to a far + country, and that all was well for him and his darling. The troubled + vision cleared from his brain, and his sleep grew calmer; he breathed more + easily, and flitting glimpses of fair scenes passed before his dreaming + eyes,—scenes in some peaceful and beautiful world, where never a + shadow of sorrow or trouble darkened the quiet contentment of happy and + innocent lives. He smiled in his sleep, and heaved a deep sigh of + pleasure,—and so, gently awoke, to feel a light touch on his + shoulder, and to see Gloria standing before him. A smile was on her face,—the + fragrance of the woodlands and the sea clung about her garments,—she + held a few roses in her hand, and there was something in her whole + appearance that struck him as new, commanding, and more than ever + beautiful. + </p> + <p> + “You have returned alone?” he said wonderingly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. I have returned alone! I have much to tell you, dear! Let us go in!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. — OF THE CORRUPTION OF THE STATE + </h2> + <p> + The large gaunt building, which was dignified by the name of the ‘People’s + Assembly Rooms,’ stood in a dim unfashionable square of the city which had + once been entirely devoted to warehouses and storage cellars. It had + originally served a useful purpose in providing temporary shelter for + foreign-made furniture, which was badly constructed and intrinsically + worthless,—but which, being cheaply imported and showy in + appearance, was patronized by some of the upper middle-classes in + preference to goods of their own home workmanship. Lately, however, the + foreign import had fallen to almost less than nothing; and whether or no + this was due to the secret machinations of Sergius Thord and his + Revolutionary Committee, no one would have had the hardihood to assert. + Foreign tradesmen, however, and foreign workmen generally had certainly + experienced a check in their inroads upon home manufactures, and some of + the larger business firms had been so successfully intimidated as to set + up prominent announcements outside their warehouses to the effect that + “Only native workmen need apply.” Partly in consequence of the “slump” in + foreign goods, the “Assembly Rooms,” as a mere building had for some time + been shut up, and given over to dust and decay, till the owners of the + property decided to let it out for popular concerts, meetings and dances, + and so make some little money out of its bare whitewashed walls and + comfortless ugliness. The plan had succeeded fairly well, and the place + was beginning to be known as a convenient centre where thousands were wont + to congregate, to enjoy cheap music and cheap entertainment generally. It + was a favourite vantage ground for the disaffected and radical classes of + the metropolis to hold forth on their wrongs, real or imaginary,—and + the capacities of the largest room or hall in the building were put to + their utmost extent to hold the enormous audiences that always assembled + to hear the picturesque, passionate and striking oratory of Sergius Thord. + </p> + <p> + But there were one or two rare occasions when even Sergius Thord’s + attractions as a speaker were thrown into the background, by the + appearance of that mysterious personality known as Lotys,—concerning + whom a thousand extravagant stories were rife, none of which were true. It + was rumoured among other things as wild and strange, that she was the + illegitimate child of a certain great prince, whose amours were legion—that + she had been thrown out into the street to perish, deserted as an infant, + and that Sergius Thord had rescued her from that impending fate of + starvation and death,—and that it was by way of vengeance for the + treatment of her mother by the Exalted Personage involved, that she had + thrown in her lot with the Revolutionary party, to aid their propaganda by + her intellectual gifts, which were many. She was known to be very poor,—she + lived in cheap rooms in a low quarter of the city; she was seldom or never + seen in the public thoroughfares,—she appeared to have no women + friends, and she certainly mixed in no form of social intercourse or + entertainment. Yet her name was on the lips of the million, and her + influence was felt far beyond the city’s radius. Even among some of the + highest and wealthiest classes of society this peculiar appellation of + “Lotys,” carrying no surname with it, and spoken at haphazard had the + effect of causing a sudden silence, and the interchange of questioning + looks among those who heard it, and who, without knowing who she was, or + what her aims in life really were, voted her “dangerous.” Those among the + superior classes who had by rare chance seen her, were unanimous in their + verdict that she was not beautiful,—“but!”—and the “but” spoke + volumes. She was known to possess something much less common, and far more + potent than beauty,—and that was a fascinating, compelling spiritual + force, which magnetised into strange submission all who came within its + influence,—and many there were who admitted, though with bated + breath that ‘An’ if she chose’ she could easily become a very great + personage indeed. + </p> + <p> + She herself was, or seemed to be, perfectly unconscious of the many + discussions concerning her and her origin. She had her own secret sorrows,—her + sad private history, which she shut close within her own breast,—but + out of many griefs and poverty-stricken days of struggle and cruel + environment, she had educated herself to a wonderful height of moral + self-control and almost stoical rectitude. Her nature was a broad and + grand one, absolutely devoid of pettiness, and full of a strong, almost + passionate sympathy with the wrongs of others,—and she had formed + herself on such firm, heroic lines of courage and truth and self-respect, + that the meaner vices of her sex were absolutely unknown to her. Neither + vanity, nor envy, nor malice, nor spleen disturbed the calmly-flowing + current of her blood,—her soul was absorbed in pity for human kind, + and contemplation of its many woes,—and so living alone, and + studiously apart from the more frivolous world, she had attained a finely + tempered and deeply thoughtful disposition which gave her equally the + courage of the hero and the resignation of the martyr. She had long put + away out of her life all possibility of happiness for herself. She had, by + her unwearying study of the masses of working, suffering men and women, + come to the sorrowful conclusion that real happiness could only be enjoyed + by the extremely young, and the extremely thoughtless,—and that love + was only another name for the selfish and often cruel and destructive + instincts of animal desire. She did not resent these ugly facts, or + passionately proclaim against the gloomy results of life such as were + daily displayed to her,—she was only filled with a profound and + ceaseless compassion for the evils which were impossible to cure. Her + tireless love for the sick, the feeble, the despairing, the broken-hearted + and the dying, had raised her to the height of an angel’s quality among + the very desperately poor and criminal classes;—the fiercest + ruffians of the slums were docile in her presence and obedient to her + command;—and many a bold plan of robbery,—many a wicked scheme + of murder had been altogether foregone and abandoned through the + intervention of Lotys, whose intellectual acumen, swift to perceive the + savage instinct, or motive for crime, was equally swift to point out its + uselessness as a means of satisfying vengeance. No preacher could persuade + a thief of the practical ingloriousness of thieving, as Lotys could,—and + a prison chaplain, remonstrating with an assassin after his crime, was not + half as much use to the State as Lotys, who could induce such an one to + resign his murderous intent altogether, before he had so much as possessed + himself of the necessary weapon. Thousands of people were absolutely under + her moral dominion,—and the power she exercised over them was so + great, and yet so unobtrusive, that had she bidden the whole city rise in + revolt, she would most surely have been obeyed by the larger and fiercer + half of its population. + </p> + <p> + With the moneyed classes she had nothing in common, though she viewed them + with perhaps more pity than she did the very poor. An overplus of cash in + any one person’s possession that had not been rightfully earned by the + work of brain or body, was to her an incongruity, and a defection from the + laws of the universe;—show and ostentation she despised,—and + though she loved beautiful things, she found them,—as she herself + said,—much more in the everyday provisions of nature, than in the + elaborate designs of art. When she passed the gay shops in the principal + thoroughfares she never paused to look in at the jewellers’ windows,—but + she would linger for many minutes studying the beauty of the sprays of + orchids and other delicate blossoms, arranged in baskets and vases by the + leading florists; while,—best delight of all to her, was a solitary + walk inland among the woods, where she could gather violets and narcissi, + and, as she expressed it ‘feel them growing about her feet.’ She would + have been an extraordinary personality as a man,—as a woman she was + doubly remarkable, for to a woman’s gentleness she added a force of will + and brain which are not often found even in the stronger sex. + </p> + <p> + Mysterious as she was in her life and surroundings, enough was known of + her by the people at large, to bring a goodly concourse of them to the + Assembly Rooms on the night when she was announced to speak on a subject + of which the very title seemed questionable, namely, “On the Corruption of + the State.” The police had been notified of the impending meeting, and a + few stalwart emissaries of the law in plain clothes mixed with the + in-pouring throng. The crowd, however, was very orderly;—there was + no pushing, no roughness, and no coarse language. All the members of + Sergius Thord’s Revolutionary Committee were present, but they came as + stragglers, several and apart,—and among them Paul Zouche the poet, + was perhaps the most noticeable. He had affected the picturesque in his + appearance;—his hat was of the Rembrandt character, and he had + donned a very much worn, short velveteen jacket, whose dusty brown was + relieved by the vivid touch of a bright red tie. His hair was wild and + bushy, and his eyes sparkled with unwonted brilliancy, as he nodded to one + or two of his associates, and gave a careless wave of the hand to Sergius + Thord, who, entering slowly, and as if with reluctance, took a seat at the + very furthest end of the hall, where his massive figure showed least + conspicuous among the surging throng. Keeping his head down in a pensive + attitude of thought, his eyes were, nevertheless, sharp to see every + person entering who belonged to his own particular following,—and a + ray of satisfaction lighted up his face, as he perceived his latest new + associate, Pasquin Leroy, quietly edge his way through the crowd, and + secure a seat in one of the obscurest and darkest corners of the badly + lighted hall. He was followed by his comrades, Max Graub and Axel Regor,—and + Thord felt a warm glow of contentment in the consciousness that these + lately enrolled members of the Revolutionary Committee were so far + faithful to their bond. Signed and sealed in the blood of Lotys, they had + responded to the magnetism of her name with the prompt obedience of waves + rising to the influence of the moon,—and Sergius, full of a thousand + wild schemes for the regeneration of the People, was more happy to know + them as subjects to her power, than as adherents to his own cause. He was + calmly cognisant of the presence of General Bernhoff, the well-known Chief + of Police;—though he was rendered a trifle uneasy by observing that + personage had seated himself as closely as possible to the bench occupied + by Leroy and his companions. A faint wonder crossed his mind as to whether + the three, in their zeal for the new Cause they had taken up, had by any + means laid themselves open to suspicion; but he was not a man given to + fears; and he felt convinced in his own mind, from the close personal + observation he had taken of Leroy, and from the boldness of his speech on + his enrolment as a member of the Revolutionary Committee, that, whatever + else he might prove to be, he was certainly no coward. + </p> + <p> + The hall filled quickly, till by and by it would have been impossible to + find standing room for a child. A student of human nature is never long in + finding out the dominant characteristic of an audience,—whether its + attitude be profane or reverent, rowdy or attentive, and the bearing of + the four or five thousand here assembled was remarkable chiefly for its + seriousness and evident intensity of purpose. The extreme orderliness of + the manner in which the people found and took their seats,—the + entire absence of all fussy movement, fidgeting, staring, querulous + changing of places, whispering or laughter, showed that the crowd were + there for a deeper purpose than mere curiosity. The bulk of the assemblage + was composed of men; very few women were present, and these few were all + of the poor and hard-working classes. No female of even the lower middle + ranks of life, with any faint pretence to ‘fashion,’ would have been seen + listening to “that dreadful woman,”—as Lotys was very often called + by her own sex,—simply because of the extraordinary fascination she + secretly exercised over men. Pasquin Leroy and his companions spoke now + and then, guardedly, and in low whispers, concerning the appearance and + demeanour of the crowd, Max Graub being particularly struck by the general + physiognomy and type of the people present. + </p> + <p> + “Plenty of good heads!” he said cautiously. “There are thinkers here—and + thinkers are a very dangerous class!” + </p> + <p> + “There are many people who ‘think’ all their lives and ‘do’ nothing!” said + Axel Regor languidly. + </p> + <p> + “True, my friend! But their thought may lead, while, they themselves + remain passive,” joined in Pasquin Leroy sotto-voce;—“It is not at + all impossible that if Lotys bade these five thousand here assembled burn + down the citadel, it would be done before daybreak!” + </p> + <p> + “I have no doubt at all of that,” said Graub. “One cannot forget that the + Bastille was taken while the poor King Louis XVI. was enjoying a + supper-party and ‘a little orange-flower-water refreshment’ at + Versailles!” + </p> + <p> + Leroy made an imperative sign of silence, for there was a faint stir and + subdued hum of expectation in the crowd. Another moment,—and Lotys + stepped quietly and alone on the bare platform. As she confronted her + audience, a low passionate sound, like the murmur of a rising storm, + greeted her,—a sound that was not anything like the customary + applause or encouragement offered to a public speaker, but that suggested + extraordinary satisfaction and expectancy, which almost bordered on + exultation. Pasquin Leroy, raising his eyes as she entered, was startled + by an altogether new impression of her to that which he had received on + the night he first saw her. Her personality was somehow different—her + appearance more striking, brilliant and commanding. Attired in the same + plain garment of dead white serge in which he had previously seen her, + with the same deep blood-red scarf crossing her left shoulder and breast,—there + was something to-night in this mere costume that seemed emblematic of a + far deeper power than he had been at first inclined to give her. A curious + sensation began to affect his nerves,—a sudden and overwhelming + attraction, as though his very soul were being drawn out of him by the + calm irresistible dominance of those slumbrous dark-blue iris-coloured + eyes, which had the merit of appearing neither brilliant nor remarkable as + eyes merely, but which held in their luminous depths that intellectual + command which represents the active and passionate life of the brain, + beside which all other life is poor and colourless. These eyes appeared to + rest upon him now from under their drooping sleepy white eyelids with an + inexpressible tenderness and fascination, and he was suddenly reminded of + Heinrich Heine’s quaint love-fancy; “Behind her dreaming eyelids the sun + has gone to rest; when she opens her eyes it will be day, and the birds + will be heard singing!” He began to realise depths in his own nature which + he had till now been almost unconscious of; he knew himself to a certain + extent, but by no means thoroughly; and awakening as he was to the fact + that other lives around him presented strange riddles for consideration, + he wondered whether after all, his own life might not perhaps prove one of + the most complex among human conundrums? He had often meditated on the + inaccessibility of ideal virtues, the uselessness of persuasion, the + commonplace absurdity, as he had thought, of trying to embody any lofty + spiritual dream,—yet he was himself a man in whom spiritual forces + were so strong that he was personally unaware of their overflow, because + they were as much a part of him as his breathing capacity. True, he had + never consciously tested them, but they were existent in him nevertheless. + </p> + <p> + He watched Lotys now, with an irritable, restless attention,—there + was a thrill of vague expectation in his soul as of new things to be done,—changes + to be made in the complex machinery of human nature,—and a great + wonder, as well as a great calm, fell upon him as the first clear steady + tones of her voice chimed through the deep hush which had prepared the way + for her first words. Her voice was a remarkable one, vibrant, yet gentle,—ringing + out forcefully, yet perfectly sweet. She began very simply,—without + any attempt at a majestic choice of words, or an impressive flow of + oratory. She faced her audience quietly,—one bare rounded arm + resting easily on a small uncovered deal table in front of her;—she + had no ‘notes’ but her words were plainly the result of deliberate and + careful thinking-out of certain problems needful to be brought before the + notice of the people. Her face was colourless,—the dead gold hair + rippling thickly away in loose clusters from the white brows, fell into + their accustomed serpentine twisted knot at the nape of her neck; and the + scarlet sash she wore, alone relieved the statuesque white folds of her + draperies; but as she spoke, something altogether superphysical seemed to + exhale from her as heat exhales from fire—a strange essence of + overpowering and compelling sweetness stole into the heavy heated air, and + gave to the commonplace surroundings and the poorly clothed crowd of + people an atmosphere of sacredness and beauty. This influence deepened + steadily under the rhythmic cadence of her voice, till every agitated + soul, every resentful and troubled heart in the throng was conscious of a + sudden ingathering of force and calm, of self-respect and self-reliance. + The gist of her intention was plainly to set people thinking for + themselves, and in this there could be no manner of doubt but that she + succeeded. Of the ‘Corruption of the State’ she spoke as a thing + thoroughly recognised by the masses. + </p> + <p> + “We know,—all of us,”—she said, in the concluding portion of + her address, “that we have Ministers who personally care nothing for the + prosperity or welfare of the country. We know—all of us,—that + we have a bribed Press; whose business it is to say nothing that shall run + counter to Ministerial views. We know,—all of us,—that it is + this bribed Ministerial press which leads the ignorant, (who are not + behind the scenes,) to wrong and false conclusions;—and that it is + solely upon these wrong and false conclusions of the wilfully misled + million, that the Ministry itself rests for support. On one side the Press + is manipulated by the Jews; on the other by the Jesuits. There is no + journal in this country that will, or dare, publish the true reflex of + popular opinion. Therefore the word ‘free’ cannot be applied to that + recording-force of nations which we call Journalism; inasmuch as it is now + a merely purchased Chattle. We should remember, when we read ‘opinions of + the Press,’—on any great movement or important change in policy, + that we are merely accepting the opinions of the bound and paid Slave of + Capitalists;—and we should take care to form our judgment for + ourselves, rather than from the Capitalist point of view. Were there a + strong man to lead,—the shiftiness, treachery, and deliberate + neglect practised on the million by those who are now in office, could not + possibly last;—but where there is no strength, there must be + weakness,—and where a long career of deceit has been followed, + instead of a course of plain dealing, failure in the end is inevitable. + With failure comes disaster; and often something which augments disaster—Revolt. + The people, weary of constant imposition,—of incessant delays of the + justice due to them,—as well as the unscrupulous breaking of + promises solemnly pledged,—will—in the long run, take their + own way, as they have done before in history, of securing instant + amelioration of those wrongs which their paid rulers fail to redress. Who + will dare to say that, under such circumstances, it is ill for the people + to act? Sometimes it is a greater Consciousness than their own that moves + them; and the wronged and half-forgotten Cause of all worlds makes His + command known through His creatures, who obey His impulse,—even as + the atoms gathering in space cluster at His will into solar systems, and + bring forth their burden of life!” + </p> + <p> + She paused, and leaning forward a little, her eyes poured out their + flashing searchlight as it seemed into the very souls of her hearers. + </p> + <p> + “Dear friends!—dear children!” she said, and in her tone there was + the tenderness of a great compassion, almost bordering on tears,—“What + is it, think you all, that makes the age in which we live so sad, so + colourless, so restless and devoid of hope and peace? It is not that we + are the inhabitants of a less wonderful or less beautiful world,—it + is not as if the sun had ceased to shine, or the birds had forgotten how + to sing! Triumphs of science,—triumphs of learning and discovery, + these are all on the increase for our help and furtherance. With so much + gain in evident advancement, what is it we have lost?—what is it we + miss?—whence come the dreariness and emptiness and satiety,—the + intolerable sense of the futility of life, even when life has most to + offer? Dear children, you are all so sad!—many of you so + broken-hearted!—why is it?—how is it? Poverty alone is not the + cause,—for it is quite possible to be poor, yet happy! True enough + it is that in these days you are ground down by the imposition of taxes, + which try all the strength of your earnings to pay; but even this is an + evil you could mitigate for yourselves, by strong and united public + protest. How is it that you do not realise your own strength? You are not + like the poor brutes of the field and forest, who lack the reason which + would show them how superior in physical force alone they are to the + insignificant biped who commands them. Could the ox understand his own + strength, he would never be led to the slaughter-house;—he and his + kind would become a terror instead of a provision. You are not oxen,—yet + often you are as patient, as dull, as blind and reasonless as they! You + form clubs, societies, and trades-unions;—but in how many cases do + you not enter upon small and querulous differences which so weaken your + unity that presently it falls to pieces and has no more power in it? This + is what your tyrants in trade rely on and hope for; the constant + recurrence of quarrels and dissensions among yourselves. No Society lasts + which tolerates conflicting argument or differing sentiments in itself. + Why is it that the Jesuits,—whom you are all unanimous in hating,—are + still the strongest political Brotherhood on the face of the earth? + Because they are bound to maintain in every particular the tenets of their + Order. No matter how vile, or how reprehensibly false their theories, they + are compelled to carry on the work and propaganda of their Union, despite + all loss and sacrifice to themselves. This is the secret of their force. + Expelled from one land, they take root in another. Suppressed entirely by + Pope Clement XIV., in 1773, they virtually ignored suppression, and took + up their headquarters in Russia. The influence they exerted there still + lies on the serf population, like one of the many chains fastened to a + Siberian exile’s body. Yet they were driven from Russia in 1820,—from + Holland in 1816,—from Switzerland in 1847, and from Germany in 1872. + Latterly they have been expelled from France. Nevertheless, in spite of + these numerous expulsions, and the universal odium in which they are held,—they + still flourish; still are they able to maintain their twenty-two generals + and their four Vicars;—and still all countries have, in their turn, + to deal with their impending or fulfilled invasion. Why is it that a + Society so criminal in historic annals, should yet remain as a force in + our advanced era of civilization? Simply, because it is of One Mind! Bent + on evil, or good,—self-renunciation or self-aggrandisement,—it + is still of One Mind! Friends,—were you like them, also of One Mind, + your injuries, your oppressions, your taxations would not last long! The + remedy for all is easy, and rests with yourselves,—only yourselves! + But some of you have lost heart—and other some have lost patience. + You look round upon the squalid corners of this great city—you + shudder at the cruelty of the daily life with which you have to contend,—you + enter poor rooms, which you are compelled to call ‘home,’ where the sick + and dying, the newly-born and the dead are huddled all together,—ten, + and sometimes fifteen in one small den of four whitewashed walls;—and + sickened and tired, you cry out ‘Is life worth no more than this? Is God’s + scheme for the human race no more than this? Then why were we born at all? + Or, being born, why may we not die at once, self-slain?’ Ah, yes, dear + friends!—you often feel like this; we all of us often feel like + this! But—it is not God who has made life thus hard for you,—it + is yourselves! It is you who consent to be down-trodden,—it is you + who resign your freewill, your thought, your originality of character, + into the dominating power of others. True,—wealth controls affairs + to a vast extent nowadays,—but there is a stronger power than + wealth, and that is Soul! It is not the possession of gold that has given + the greatest men their position. This is a commercial age, we own,—and + certainly,—because of the base and degrading love of accumulation,—Intellectuality + is for the moment often set aside as something valueless—but + whenever Intellectuality truly asserts itself, there is at once made + visible an acting force of the Divine, which is practically limitless and + irresistible. Think for yourselves, friends!—do not let a hired + Press think for you! Think for yourselves—judge for yourselves, and + act for yourselves! By your observation of a statesman’s life, you shall + know his capabilities. If he has once been a turncoat, he will be a + turncoat again. If he has been known to speculate privately in a + forthcoming political crisis, which he alone knows of in advance——” + </p> + <p> + Here the speaker was interrupted by what sounded more like a snarl than a + shout. “Pérousse! Pérousse!” + </p> + <p> + The name was hissed out, and tossed from one rank to another of the + audience, and one or two of the police present glanced enquiringly towards + Bernhoff their chief,—but he sat with folded arms and inscrutable + demeanour, making no sign. Lotys raised her small, beautifully-shaped + white hand to enjoin silence. She was obeyed instantly. + </p> + <p> + “I speak of no one man,” she said with deliberate emphasis; “I accuse no + one man,—or any man! I say ‘if’ any man gambles with State policy, + he is a traitor to the country! But such gambling is not a novelty in the + history of nations. It has been practised over and over again. Only mark + you all this one God’s truth!—that whenever it <i>has</i> occurred—whenever + the rulers of a State <i>are</i> corrupt,—whenever society sinks + into such moral defilement that it sees nothing better, nothing higher + than the love of money,—then comes the downfall!—then Ruin and + Anarchy set up their dominion,—and Heaven’s rage rolls out upon the + offenders, till their offence be cleansed away in rivers of blood and + tears!” + </p> + <p> + She waited a moment,—and changing her attitude, seemed as it were, + to project her thought into her audience, by the sudden passion of her + commanding gesture, and the flash of her deep luminous eyes. + </p> + <p> + “We have heard of the Great Renunciation!” she said; “How God Himself took + human form, and came to this low little earth to prove how nobly we should + live and die! But in our day,—we with our preachers and teachers, + our press and our parliamentary orators,—our atheistical statesmen + on all hands, have come upon the Great Obliteration!—the + Obliteration of God altogether in our ways of life! We push Him out, as if + He were not. He is not in our Churches—He is not in our Laws—He + is not in our Commerce. Only when we are brought low by pain and sickness—when + we are confronted by death itself—then we call out ‘God! God!’ like + cowards, praying for help from the Power we have negatived all our lives! + Here is the evil, O children all!—we have forgotten Our Father! We + arrange all our affairs in life without giving Him a thought! Our + pleasures, our gains, our advantages,—are calculated without + consulting His good pleasure. He is last, or not at all,—when He + should be first, and in everything! The end of this is misery;—it + must be so; it cannot by law be anything else. For what is God? Who is + God? God is a name merely,—but we give it to that Unseen, but ever + working Force which rules the Universe! The coldest atheist that ever + breathed must own that somehow,—by some means or other,—the + Universe <i>is</i> ruled,—for if it were not, we should know nothing + of it. Therefore, when we set aside, or leave out the consciousness and + acknowledgment of the Ruler, the ruling of our affairs must, of necessity, + go wrong! + </p> + <p> + “I cannot preach to you—I cannot out of my own conscience recommend + to you one or the other form of faith as the way to peace and wisdom;—but + I can and do Beseech you to remember the Note Dominant of this great + Universe—the Note that sounds through high and low,—through + small and great alike!—and that must and will in due course absorb + all our discords into Everlasting Harmony! Try not to put this fact out of + your lives,—that Justice and Order are the rule of the spheres; and + that whenever we depart from these, even in the smallest contingency, + confusion reigns. How hard it is to believe in Justice and Order, you will + tell me,—when the poor are not treated with the same consideration + as the rich,—and when money will buy place and position! True! It is + hard to believe,—but it is believable nevertheless. As the lungs and + the heart are the life of the human body, so are Justice and Order the + life of the Universe,—and when these are pushed out of place, or + become diseased in the composition of a human state or community, then the + life of that state or community is threatened;—and unless remedies + are quickly to hand, it must end. You all know the position of things + among yourselves to-day;—you all know that there is no trust to be + placed in Churches, Kings or Parliaments;—that the world is in a + state of ferment and unrest,—moving towards Change;—change + imminent—change, possibly, disastrous! And if it is You who know, it + is likewise You who must seize the hour as it approaches!—seize it + as you would seize a robber by the throat, and demand its business;—search + its heart;—deprive it of its weapons;—and learn from it its + message! A message it may be of wild alarm—of tearing up old + conventions;—of thrusting forth old abuses; a message full of + clamour and outcry—but whatever the uproar, doubt not that we shall + hear the voice of the Forgotten God thundering in our ears at the close! + We shall have found our way closer to Him—and with penitence and + prayer, we shall ask to be forgiven for having wandered away from Him so + long! + </p> + <p> + “And will He not pardon? Yes,—He will, because He must! To Him we + owe our existence;—He alone is responsible for our life, our + probation, our progress, our striving through many errors towards + Perfection! He, who sees all, must needs have pity for His creature Man! + Out of the evolutions of a blind Time, He has made the poor weak human + being, who in the first days of his sojourn on earth had neither covering + nor home. Less protected than the beasts of the forest, he found himself + compelled to Think!—to think out his own means of shelter,—to + contrive his own weapons of defence. Slowly, and by painful degrees, from + Savagery he has emerged to Civilization;—wherefore it is evident + that his Maker meant Thought to be his first principle, and Action his + second. He who does not work, shall not eat;—he who does not use all + his faculties for improvement, shall by and by have none to use. Injustice + and corruption are amongst us, merely because we ourselves have failed to + resist their first inroads. Who is it that complains of wrong? Let him + hasten to his own amending,—and he will find a thousand hands, a + thousand hearts ready to work with him! All Nature is on the side of + health in the body, as of health in the State. All Nature fights against + disease,—physical and moral. Therefore do not,—dear friends + and children!—sit idle and passive, submitting yourselves to be + deceived, as if you had no force to withstand deception! Show that you + hate lies, and will have none of them,—show that you will not be + imposed upon—and decline to be led or governed by party agents, who + persuade you to your own and your country’s destruction! The voice of the + People can no longer be heard in a purchased Press;—let it echo + forth then, in stronger form than ephemeral print, which to-day is glanced + at, and to-morrow is forgotten;—wherever and whenever you are given + the chance to meet, and to speak, let your authority as the workers, the + ratepayers, and supporters of the State be heard; and do not You, without + whom even the King could not keep his throne, consent to be set aside as + the Unvalued Majority! Prove, by your own firm attitude that without You, + nothing can be done! It is time, oh people of my heart!—it is time + you spoke clearly! God is moving His thought through your souls—God + stirs in you the fear, the discontent, the suspicion that all is not well + with your country;—and it is the Spirit of God which breathes in the + warning note of the time— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “‘Hark to the voice of the time! + The multitude think forthemselves, + And weigh their condition each one; + The drudge has a spirit sublime, + And whether he hammers or delves, + He reads when his labour is done; + And learns, though he groan under poverty’s ban, + That freedom to Think, is the birthright of man!’ +</pre> + <p> + “Learn,” she continued,—as a low deep murmur of agreement ran + through the room; “Learn to what strange uses God puts even such men of + this world, whose sole existence has been for the cause of amassing money! + They have acted as the merest machines, gathering in the millions;—gathering, + gathering them in! For what purpose? Lo, they are smitten down in the + prime of their lives, and the gold they have piled up is at once + scattered! Much of it becomes used for educational purposes;—and + some of these dead millionaires have, as it were thrown Education at the + heads of the people, and almost pauperised it. Far away in Great Britain, + a millionaire has recently made the Scottish University education ‘free’ + to all students,—instead of, as it used to be, hard to get, and well + worth working to win. Now,—through the wealth of one man, it is + turned into a pauper’s allowance;—like offering the smallest silver + coin to a reduced gentleman. The pride,—the skill,—the + self-renunciation,—the strong determination to succeed, which form + fine character, and which taught the struggling student to win his own + University education, are all wiped out;—there is no longer any + necessity for the practice of these manly and self-sustaining virtues. The + harm that will be done is probably not yet perceivable; but it will be + incalculable. Education, turned into a kind of pauper’s monopoly, will + have widely different results to those just now imagined! But with all the + contemptuous throwing out of the unneeded kitchen-waste of millionaires,—still + Education is the thing to take at any price, and under any circumstances;—because + it alone is capable of giving power! It alone will ‘put down the mighty + from their seats, and exalt the humble and the meek.’ It alone will give + us the force to fight our taskmasters with their own weapons, and to place + them where they should be, coequal with us, but not superior,—considerate + of us, but not commanding us,—and above all things, bound to make + their records of such work as they do for the State—clean!” + </p> + <p> + A hurricane of applause interrupted her,—she waited till it + subsided, then went on quietly. + </p> + <p> + “There should be no scheming in the dark; no secret contracts for which we + have to pay blindly;—no refusal to explain the way in which the + people’s hard-earned money is spent; and before foreign urbanities and + diplomacies and concessions are allowed to take up time in the Senate, it + is necessary that the frightful and abounding evils of our own land,—our + own homes,—be considered. For this we purpose to demand redress,—and + not only to demand it, but to obtain it! Ministers may refuse to hear us; + but the Country’s claims are greater than any Ministry! A King’s + displeasure may cause court-parasites to tremble—but a People’s + Honour is more to be guarded than a thousand thrones!” + </p> + <p> + As she concluded with these words, she seemed to grow taller, nobler, more + inspired and commanding,—and while the applause was yet shaking the + rafters of the hall, she left the platform. Shouts of “Lotys! Lotys!” rang + out again and again with passionate bursts of cheering,—and in + response to it she came back, and by a slight gesture commanded silence. + </p> + <p> + “Dear friends, I thank you all for listening to me!” she said simply, her + rich voice trembling a little; “I speak only with a woman’s impulse and + unwisdom—just as I think and feel—and always out of my great + love for you! As you all know, I have no interests to serve;—I am + only Lotys, your own poor friend,—one who works with you, and dwells + among you, seeing and sharing your hard lives, and wishing with all my + heart that I could help you to be happier and freer! My life is at your + service,—my love for you is all too great for any words to express,—and + my gratitude for your faith and trust in me forms my daily thanksgiving! + Now, dear children all,—for you are truly as children in your + patience, submission and obedience to bitter destiny!—I will ask you + to disperse quietly without noise or confusion, or any trouble that may + give to the paid men of law ungrateful work to do;—and in your + homes, think of me!—remember my words!—and while you maintain + order by the steadiness and reasonableness of your difficult lives, still + avoid and resent that slavish obedience to the yoke fastened upon you by + capitalists,—who have no other comfort to offer you in poverty than + the workhouse; and no other remedy for the sins into which you are thrust + by their neglect, than the prison! Take, and keep the rights of your + humanity!—the right to think,—the right to speak,—the + right to know what is being done with the money you patiently earn for + others;—and work, all together in unity. Put aside all petty + differences,—all small rancours and jealousies; and even as a + Ministry may unite to defraud and deceive you, so do you, the People, + unite to expose the fraud, and reject the deception! There is no voice so + resonant and convincing as the voice of the public; there is no power on + earth more strong or more irresistible than the power of the People!” + </p> + <p> + She stood for one moment more,—silent; her eyes brilliant, her face + beautiful with inspired thought,—then with a quiet, half-deprecatory + gesture, in response to the fresh outbreak of passionate cheering, she + retired from the platform. Pasquin Leroy, whose eyes had been riveted on + her from the first to the last word of her oration, now started as from a + dream, and rose up half-unconsciously, passing his hand across his brow, + as though to exorcise some magnetic spell that had crept over his brain. + His face was flushed, his pulses were throbbing quickly. His companions, + Max Graub and Axel Regor, looked at him inquisitively. The audience was + beginning to file out of the hall in orderly groups. + </p> + <p> + “What next?” said Graub; “Shall ye go?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose so,” said Leroy, with a quick sigh, and forcing a smile; “But—I + should have liked to speak with her——” + </p> + <p> + At that moment his shoulder was touched by a man he recognised as Johan + Zegota. He gave the sign of the Revolutionary Committee bond, to which + Leroy and his comrades responded. + </p> + <p> + “Will you all three come over the way?” whispered Zegota cautiously; “We + are entertaining Lotys to supper at the inn opposite,—the landlord + is one of us. Thord saw you sitting here, and sent me to ask you to join + us.” + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure,” assented Leroy; “We will come at once!” + </p> + <p> + Zegota nodded and disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “So you will see the end of this escapade!” said Max Graub, a trifle + crossly. “It would have been much better to go home!” + </p> + <p> + “You have enjoyed escapades in your time, have you not, my friend? Some + even quite recently?” returned Leroy gaily. “One or two more will not hurt + you!” + </p> + <p> + They edged their way out among the quietly moving crowd, and happening to + push past General Bernhoff, that personage gave an almost imperceptible + salute, which Leroy as imperceptibly returned. It was clear that the Chief + of Police was acquainted with Pasquin Leroy, the ‘spy’ on whose track he + had been sent by Carl Pérousse, and moreover, that he was evidently in no + hurry to arrest him. At any rate he allowed him to pass with his friends + unmolested, out of the People’s Assembly Rooms, and though he followed him + across the road, ‘shadowing him,’ as it were, into a large tavern, whose + lighted windows betokened some entertainment within, he did not enter the + hostelry himself, but contented his immediate humour by walking past it to + a considerable distance off, and then slowly back again. By and by Max + Graub came out and beckoned to him, and after a little earnest + conversation Bernhoff walked off altogether, the ring of his martial heels + echoing for some time along the pavement, even after he had disappeared. + And from within the lighted tavern came the sound of a deep, harmonious, + swinging chorus— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Way, make way!—for our banner is unfurled, + Let each man +stand by his neighbour! The thunder of our footsteps shall roll +through the world, In the March of the Men of Labour!” + </pre> + <p> + “Yes!” said Max Graub, pausing to listen ere re-entering the tavern—“If—and + it is a great ‘if’—if every man will stand by his neighbour, the + thunder will be very loud,—and by all the deities that ever lived in + the Heaven blue, it is a thunder that is likely to last some time! The + possibility of standing by one’s neighbour is the only doubtful point!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. — THE SCORN OF KINGS + </h2> + <p> + Inside the tavern, from whence the singing proceeded, there was a strange + scene,—somewhat disorderly yet picturesque. Lotys, seated at the + head of a long supper-table, had been crowned by her admirers with a + wreath of laurels,—and as she sat more or less silent, with a rather + weary expression on her face, she looked like the impersonation of a + Daphne, exhausted by the speed of her flight from pursuing Apollo. Beside + her, nestling close against her caressingly, was a little girl with great + black Spanish eyes,—eyes full of an appealing, half-frightened + wistfulness, like those of a hunted animal. Lotys kept one arm round the + child, and every now and again spoke to her some little caressing word. + All the rest of the guests at the supper-board were men,—and all of + them members of the Revolutionary Committee. When Pasquin Leroy and his + friends entered, there was a general clapping of hands, and the pale + countenance of Lotys flushed a delicate rose-red, as she extended her hand + to each. + </p> + <p> + “You begin your career with us very well!” she said gently, her eyes + resting musingly on Leroy; “I had not expected to see you to-night!” + </p> + <p> + “Madame, I had never heard you speak,” he answered; and as he addressed + her, he pressed her hand with unconscious fervour, while his eloquent eyes + dilated and darkened, as, moved by some complex emotion, she quickly + withdrew her slender fingers from his clasp. “And I felt I should never + know you truly as you are, till I saw you face the people. Now——” + </p> + <p> + He paused. She looked at him wonderingly, and her heart began to beat with + a strange quick thrill. It is not always easy to see the outlines of a + soul’s development, or the inchoate formation of a great love,—and + though everything in a certain sense moved her and appealed to her that + was outside herself, it was difficult to her to believe or to admit that + she, in her own person, might be the cause of an entirely new set of + thoughts and emotions in the mind of one man. Seeing he was silent, she + repeated softly and with a half smile. + </p> + <p> + “‘Now’?” + </p> + <p> + “Now,” continued Leroy quickly, and in a half-whisper; “I do know you + partly,—but I must know you more! You will give me the chance to do + that?” + </p> + <p> + His look said more than his words, and her face grew paler than before. + She turned from him to the child at her side— + </p> + <p> + “Pequita, are you very tired?” + </p> + <p> + “No!” was the reply, given brightly, and with an upward glance of the dark + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “That is right! Pasquin Leroy my friend! this is Pequita,—the child + we told you of the other night, the only daughter of Sholto. She will + dance for us presently, will you not, my little one?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed!” and the young face lighted up swiftly at the suggestion; + while Leroy, taking the seat indicated to him at the supper-table, + experienced a tumult of extraordinary sensations,—the chief one of + which was, that he felt himself to have been ‘snubbed,’ very quietly but + effectually, by a woman who had succeeded, though he knew not how, in + suddenly awakening in him a violent fever of excitement, to which he was + at present unable to give a name. Rallying himself, however, he glanced up + and down the board smilingly, lifting his glass to salute Sergius Thord, + who responded from his place at the bottom of the table,—and very + soon he regained his usual placidity, for he had enormous strength of + will, and kept an almost despotic tyranny over his feelings. His + companions, Max Graub and Axel Regor, were separated from him, and from + each other, at different sides of the table, and Paul Zouche the poet, was + almost immediately opposite to him. He was glad to see that he was next + but one to Lotys—the man between them being a desperado-looking + fellow with a fierce moustache, and exceedingly gentle eyes,—who, as + he afterwards discovered, was one of the greatest violinists in the world,—the + favourite of kings and Courts,—and yet for all that, a prominent + member of the Revolutionary Committee. The supper, which was of a simple, + almost frugal character, was soon served, and the landlord, in setting the + first plate before Lotys, laid beside it a knot of deep crimson roses, as + an offering of homage and obedience from himself. She thanked him with a + smile and glance, and taking up the flowers, fastened them at her breast. + Conversation now became animated and general; and one of the men present, + a delicate-looking young fellow, with a head resembling somewhat that of + Keats, started a discussion by saying suddenly— + </p> + <p> + “Jost has sold out all his shares in that new mine that was started the + other day. It looks as if he did not think, after all his newspaper puffs, + that the thing was going to work.” + </p> + <p> + “If Jost has sold, Pérousse will,” said his neighbour; “The two are + concerned together in the floating of the whole business.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet another piece of news!” put in Paul Zouche suddenly; “For if we + talk of stocks and shares, we talk of money! What think you, my friends! + I, Paul Zouche, have been offered payment for my poems! This very + afternoon! Imagine! Will not the spheres fall? A poet to be paid for his + poems is as though one should offer the Creator a pecuniary consideration + for creating the flowers!” + </p> + <p> + His face was flushed, and his eyes deliriously bright. + </p> + <p> + “Listen, my Sergius!” he said; “Wonders never cease in this world; but + this is the most wonderful of all wonders! Out of the merest mischief and + monkeyish malice, the other day I sent my latest book of poems to the King—” + </p> + <p> + “Shame! shame!” interrupted a dozen voices. “Against the rules, Paul! You + have broken the bond!” + </p> + <p> + Paul Zouche laughed loudly. + </p> + <p> + “How you yell, my baboons!” he cried; “How you screech about the rules of + your lair! Wait till you hear! You surely do not suppose I sent the book + out of any humility or loyalty, or desire for notice, do you? I sent it + out of pure hate and scorn, to show him as a fool-Majesty, that there was + something he could not do—something that should last when <i>he</i> + was forgotten!—a few burning lines that should, like vitriol, eat + into his Throne and outlast it! I sent it some days ago, and got an + acknowledgment from the flunkey who writes Majesty’s letters. But this + afternoon I received a much more important document,—a letter from + Eugène Silvano, secretary to our very honourable and trustworthy Premier! + He informs me in set terms, that his Majesty the King has been pleased to + appreciate my work as a poet, to the extent of offering me a hundred + golden pieces a year for the term of my natural life! Ha-ha! A hundred + golden pieces a year! And thus they would fasten this wild bird of + Revolutionary song to a Royal cage, for a bit of sugar! A hundred golden + pieces a year! It means food and lodging—warm blankets to sleep in—but + it means something else,—loss of independence!” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will not accept it?” said Pasquin Leroy, looking at him with + interest over the rim of the glass from which he was just sipping his + wine. + </p> + <p> + “Accept it! I have already refused it! By swift return of post!” + </p> + <p> + Shouts of “Bravo! bravo!” echoed around him on all sides; men sprang up + and shook hands with him and patted him on the back, and even over the + dark face of Sergius Thord there passed a bright illumining smile. + </p> + <p> + “Zouche, with all thy faults, thou art a brave man!” said the young man + with the Keats-like head, who was in reality confidential clerk to one of + the largest stockbrokers in the metropolis; “A thousand times better to + starve, than to accept Royal alms!” + </p> + <p> + “To your health, Zouche!” said Lotys, leaning forward, glass in hand. + “Your refusal of the King’s offered bounty is a greater tragedy than any + you have ever tried to write!” + </p> + <p> + “Hear her!” cried Zouche, exultant; “She knows exactly how to put it! For + look you, there are the true elements of tragedy in a worn coat and scant + food, while the thoughts that help nations to live or die are burning in + one’s brain! Then comes a King with a handful of gold—and gold would + be useful—it always is! But—by Heaven! to pay a poet for his + poems is, as I said before, as if one were to meet the Deity on His way + through space, scattering planets and solar systems at a touch, and then + to say—‘Well done, God! We shall remunerate You for your creative + power as long as You shall last—so much per aeon!’” + </p> + <p> + Leroy laughed. + </p> + <p> + “You wild soul!” he said; “Would you starve then, rather than accept a + king’s bounty?” + </p> + <p> + “I would!” answered Paul. “Look you, my brave Pasquin! Read back over all + the centuries, and see the way in which these puppets we call kings have + rewarded the greatest thinkers of their times! Is it anywhere recorded + that the antique virgin, Elizabeth of England, ever did anything for + Shakespeare? True—he might have been ‘graciously permitted’ to act + one of his sublime tragedies before her—by Heaven!—she was + only fit to be his scrubbing woman, by intellectual comparison! Kings and + Queens have always trembled in their shoes, and on their thrones, before + the might of the pen!—and it is natural therefore that they should + ignore it as much as conveniently possible. A general, whose military + tactics succeed in killing a hundred thousand innocent men receives a + peerage and a hundred thousand a year,—a speculator who snatches + territory and turns it into stock-jobbing material, is called an ‘Empire + Builder’; but the man whose Thought destroys or moulds a new World, and + raises up a new Civilization, is considered beneath a crowned Majesty’s + consideration! ‘Beneath,’ by Heaven!—I, Paul Zouche, may yet mount + behind Majesty’s chair, and with a single rhyme send his crown spinning + into space! Meanwhile, I have flung back his hundred golden pieces, with + as much force in the edge of my pen as there would be in my hand if <i>you</i> + were his Majesty sitting there, and I flung them across the table now!” + </p> + <p> + Again Leroy laughed. His eyes flashed, but there was a certain regret and + wistfulness in them. + </p> + <p> + “You approve, of course?” he said, turning to Sergius Thord. + </p> + <p> + Sergius looked for a moment at Zouche with an infinitely grave and kindly + compassion. + </p> + <p> + “I think Paul has acted bravely;” he then said slowly; “He has been true + to the principles of our Order. And under the circumstances, it must have + been difficult for him to refuse what would have been a certain + competence,—” + </p> + <p> + “Not difficult, Sergius!” exclaimed Zouche, “But purely triumphant!” + </p> + <p> + Thord smiled,—then went on—“You see, my friend,” and he + addressed himself now to Leroy; “Kings have scorned the power of the pen + too long! Those who possess that power are now taking vengeance for + neglect. Thousands of pens all over the world to-day are digging the grave + of Royalty, and building up the throne of Democracy. Who is to blame? + Royalty itself is to blame, for deliberately passing over the claims of + art and intellect, and giving preference to the claims of money. The + moneyed man is ever the friend of Majesty,—but the brilliant man of + letters is left out in the cold. Yet it is the man of letters who + chronicles the age, and who will do so, we may be sure, according to his + own experience. As the King treats the essayist, the romancist or the + historian, so will these recording scribes treat the King!” + </p> + <p> + “It is possible, though,” suggested Leroy, “that the King meant well in + his offer to our friend Zouche?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite possible!” agreed Thord; “Only his offer of one hundred gold pieces + a year to a man of intellect, is out of all proportion to the salary he + pays his cook!” + </p> + <p> + A slight flush reddened Leroy’s bronzed cheek. Thord observed him + attentively, and saw that his soul was absorbed by some deep-seated + intellectual irritation. He began to feel strangely drawn towards him; his + eyes questioned the secret which he appeared to hold in his mind, but the + quiet composure of the man’s handsome face baffled enquiry. Meanwhile + around the table the conversation grew louder and less restrained. The + young stockbroker’s clerk was holding forth eloquently concerning the many + occasions on which he had seen Carl Pérousse at his employer’s office, + carefully going into the closest questions of financial losses or gains + likely to result from certain political moves,—and he remembered one + day in particular, when, after purchasing a hundred thousand shares in a + certain company, Pérousse had turned suddenly round on his broker with the + cool remark—“If ever you breathe a whisper about this transaction, I + will shoot you dead!” + </p> + <p> + Whereat the broker had replied that it was not his custom to give away his + clients’ business, and that threats were unworthy of a statesman. Then + Pérousse had become as friendly as he had been before menacing; and the + two had gone out of the office and lunched together. And the confidential + clerk thus chattering his news, declared that his employer was now + evidently uneasy; and that from that uneasiness he augured a sudden + fluctuation or fall in what had lately seemed the most valuable stock in + the market. + </p> + <p> + “And you? Your news, Valdor,” cried one or two eager voices, while several + heads leaned forward in the direction of the fiercely-moustached man who + sat next to Lotys. “Where have you been with your fiddle? Do you arrive + among us to-night infected by the pay, or the purple of Royalty?” + </p> + <p> + Louis Valdor, by birth a Norseman, and by sympathies a cosmopolitan, + looked up with a satiric smile in his dark eyes. + </p> + <p> + “There is no purple left to infect a man with, in the modern slum of + Royalty!” he said; “Tobacco-smoke, not incense, perfumes the palaces of + the great nowadays—and card-playing is more appreciated than music! + Yet I and my fiddle have made many long journeys lately,—and we have + sent our messages of Heaven thrilling through the callous horrors of Hell! + A few nights since, I played at the Russian Court—before the + beautiful Empress—cold as a stone—with her great diamonds + flashing on her unhappy breast,—before the Emperor, whose furtive + eyes gazed unseeingly before him, as though black Fate hovered in the air—before + women, whose lives are steeped in the lowest intrigue—before men, + whose faces are as bearded masks, covering the wolf’s snarl,—yes!—I + played before these,—played with all the chords of my heart + vibrating to the violin, till at last a human sigh quivered from the lips + of the statuesque Empress,—till a frown crossed the brooding brow of + her spouse—till the intriguing women shook off the spell with a + laugh, and the men did the same with an oath—and I was satisfied! I + received neither ‘pay,’ nor jewel of recognition,—I had played ‘for + the honour’ of appearing before their Majesties!—but my bow was a + wand to wake the little poisoned asp of despair that stings its way into + the heart under every Royal mantle of ermine, and that sufficed me!” + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes,” said Leroy, turning towards him; “I pity kings!” + </p> + <p> + “I’ faith, so do I!” returned Valdor. “But only sometimes! And if you had + seen as much of them as I have, the ‘sometimes’ would be rare!” + </p> + <p> + “Yet you play before them?” put in Max Graub. + </p> + <p> + “Because I must do so to satisfy the impresarios who advertise me to the + public,” said Valdor. “Alas!—why will the public be so foolish as to + wish their favourite artist to play before kings and queens? Seldom, if + ever, do these Royal people understand music,—still less do they + understand the musician! Believe me, I have been treated as the veriest + scullion by these jacks-in-office; and that I still permit myself to play + before them is a duty I owe to this Brotherhood,—because it deepens + and sustains my bond with you all. There is no king on the face of the + earth who has dignity and nobleness of character enough to command my + respect,—much less my reverence! I take nothing from kings, + remember!—they dare not offer me money—they dare not insult me + with a jewelled pin, such as they would give to a station-master who sees + a Royal train off. Only the other day, when I was summoned to play before + a certain Majesty, a lord-in-waiting addressed me when I arrived with the + insolent words—‘You are late, Monsieur Valdor!—You have kept + the King waiting!’ I replied—‘Is that so? I regret it! But having + kept his Majesty waiting, I will no longer detain him; au revoir!’ And I + returned straightway to the carriage in which I had come. Majesty did + without his music that evening, owing to the insolence of his flunkey-man! + Whether I ever play before him again or not, is absolutely immaterial to + me!” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me,” said Pasquin Leroy, pushing the flask of wine over to him as he + spoke; “What is it that makes kings so unloved? I hate them myself!—but + let us analyse the reasons why.” + </p> + <p> + “Discuss—discuss!” cried Paul Zouche; “Why are kings hated? Let + Thord answer first!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—yes! Let Thord answer first!” was echoed a dozen times. + </p> + <p> + Thord, thus appealed to, looked up. His melancholy deep eyes were sombre, + yet full of fire,—lonely eyes they were, yearning for love. + </p> + <p> + “Why are kings hated?” he repeated; “Because today they are the effete + representatives of an effete system. I can quite imagine that if, as in + olden times, kings had maintained a position of personal bravery, and + personal influence on their subjects, they would have been as much beloved + as they are now despised. But what we have to see and to recognise is + this: in one land we hear of a sovereign who speculates hand-and-glove + with low-born Jew contractors and tradesmen,—another monarch makes + no secret of his desire to profit financially out of a gambling hell + started in his dominions,—another makes his domestic affairs the + subject of newspaper comment,—another is always apostrophising the + Almighty in public;—another is insane or stupid,—and so on + through the whole gamut. Is it not natural that an intelligent People + should resent the fact that their visibly governing head is a gambler, or + a voluptuary? Myself, I think the growing unpopularity of kings is the + result of their incapability for kingship.” + </p> + <p> + “Now let me speak!” cried Paul Zouche excitedly; “There is another root to + the matter,—a root like that of a certain tropical orchid, which + according to superstition, is shaped like a man, and utters a shriek when + it is pulled out of the earth! Pull out this screaming mystery,—hatred + of kings! In the first place it is because they are hateful in themselves,—because + they have been brought up and educated to take an immeasurable and + all-absorbing interest in their own identity, rather than in the lives, + hopes and aims of their subjects. In the second—as soon as they + occupy thrones, they become overbearing to their best friends. It is a + well-known fact that the more loyal and faithful you are to a king, the + more completely is he neglectful of you! ‘Put not your trust in princes,’ + sang old David. He knew how untrustworthy they were, being a king himself, + and a pious one to boot! Thirdly and lastly,—they only give their + own personal attention to their concubines, and leave all their honest and + respectable subjects to be dealt with by servants and secretaries. Our + King, for example, never smiles so graciously as on Madame Vantine, the + wife of Vantine the wine-grower;—and he buys Vantine’s wines as well + as his wife, which brings in a double profit to the firm!” + </p> + <p> + Leroy looked up. + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure of that?” + </p> + <p> + Zouche met his eyes with a stare and a laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Sure? Of course I am sure! By my faith, your resemblance to his Majesty + is somewhat striking to-night, my bold Leroy! The same straight brows—the + same inscrutable, woman-conquering smile! I studied his portrait after the + offer of the hundred golden pieces—and I swear you might be his twin + brother!” + </p> + <p> + “I told you so!” replied Leroy imperturbably;—“It is a hateful + resemblance! I wish I could rid myself of it. Still after all, there is + something unique in being countenanced like a King, and minded as a + Socialist!” + </p> + <p> + “True!” put in Thord gently;—“I am satisfied, Pasquin Leroy, that + you are an honest comrade!” + </p> + <p> + Leroy met his eyes with a grave smile, and touched his glass by way of + acknowledgement. + </p> + <p> + “You do not ask me,” he said then, “whether I have been able to serve your + Cause in any way since last we met?” + </p> + <p> + “This is not our regular meeting,” said Johan Zegota; “We ask no questions + till the general monthly assembly.” + </p> + <p> + “I see!” And Leroy looked whimsically meditative—“Still, as we are + all friends and brothers here, there is no harm in conveying to you the + fact that I have so far moved, in the appointed way, that Carl Pérousse + has ordered the discovery and arrest of one Pasquin Leroy, supposed to be + a spy on the military defences of the city!” + </p> + <p> + Lotys gave a little cry. + </p> + <p> + “Not possible! So soon!” + </p> + <p> + “Quite possible, Madame,” said Leroy inclining his head towards her + deferentially. “I have lost no time in doing my duty!” And his eyes + flashed upon her with a passionate, half-eager questioning. “I must carry + out my Chief’s commands!” + </p> + <p> + “But you are in danger, then?” said Sergius Thord, bending an anxious look + of enquiry upon him. + </p> + <p> + “Not more so than you, or any of my comrades are,” replied Leroy; “I have + commenced my campaign—and I have no doubt you will hear some results + of it ere long!” + </p> + <p> + He spoke so quietly and firmly, yet with such an air of assurance and + authority, that something of an electric thrill passed through the entire + company, and all eyes were fixed on him in mingled admiration and + wonderment. + </p> + <p> + “Of the ‘Corruption of the State,’ concerning which our fair teacher has + spoken to-night,” he continued, with another quick glance at Lotys—“there + can be no manner of doubt. But we should, I think, say the ‘Corruption of + the Ministry’ rather than of the State. It is not because a few + stock-jobbers rule the Press and the Cabinet, that the State is + necessarily corrupt. Remove the corruptors,—sweep the dirt from the + house—and the State will be clean.” + </p> + <p> + “It will require a very long broom!” said Paul Zouche. “Take David Jost, + for example,—he is the fat Jew-spider of several newspaper webs,—and + to sweep him out is not so easy. His printed sheets are read by the + million; and the million are deluded into believing him a reliable + authority!” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing so easy as to prove him unreliable,” said Leroy composedly; “And + then——” + </p> + <p> + “Then the million will continue to read his journals out of sheer + curiosity, to see how long a liar can go on lying!” said Zouche;—“Besides + a Jew can turn his coat a dozen times a day; he has inherited Joseph’s + ‘coat of many colours’ to suit many opinions. At present Jost supports + Pérousse, and calls him the greatest statesman living; but if Pérousse + were once proved a fraud, Jost would pen a sublimely-conscientious leading + article, beginning in this strain;—’ We are now at liberty to + confess that we always had our doubts of M. Pérousse!’” + </p> + <p> + A murmur of angry laughter went round the board. + </p> + <p> + “There was an article this evening in one of Jost’s off-shoot journals,” + went on Zouche, “which must have been paid for at a considerable cost. It + chanted the praises of one Monsignor Del Fortis,—who, it appears, + preached a sermon on ‘National Education’ the other day, and told all the + sleepy, yawning people how necessary it was to have Roman Catholic schools + in every town and village, in order that souls might be saved. The article + ended by saying—‘We hear on good authority that his Majesty the King + has been pleased to grant a considerable portion of certain Crown lands to + the Jesuit Order, for the necessary building of a monastery and schools’——” + </p> + <p> + “That is a lie!” broke in Pasquin Leroy, with sudden vehemence. “The King + is in many respects a scoundrel, but he does not go back on his word!” + </p> + <p> + Axel Regor looked fixedly across at him, with a warning flash in the light + of his cold languid eyes. + </p> + <p> + “But how do you know that the King has given his word?” + </p> + <p> + “It was in the paper,” said Leroy, more guardedly; “I was reading about + it, as you know, on the very night I encountered Thord.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! But you must recollect, my friend, that a statement in the papers is + never true nowadays!” said Max Graub, with a laugh; “Whenever I read + anything in the newspaper, unless it is an official telegram, I know it is + a lie; and even official telegrams have been known to emanate from + unofficial sources!” + </p> + <p> + By this time supper was nearly over, and the landlord, clearing the + remains of the heavier fare, set fruit and wine on the board. Sergius + Thord filled his glass, and made a sign to his companions to do the same. + Then he stood up. + </p> + <p> + “To Lotys!” he said, his fine eyes darkening with the passion of his + thought. “To Lotys, who inspires our best work, and helps us to retain our + noblest ideals!” + </p> + <p> + All present sprang to their feet. + </p> + <p> + “To Lotys!” + </p> + <p> + Pasquin Leroy fixed a straight glance on the subject of the toast, sitting + quietly at the head of the table. + </p> + <p> + “To Lotys!” he repeated; “And may she always be as merciful as she is + strong!” + </p> + <p> + She lifted her dark-blue slumbrous eyes, and met his keen scrutinizing + look. A very slight tremulous smile flickered across her lips. She + inclined her head gently, and in the same mute fashion thanked them all. + </p> + <p> + “Play to us, Valdor!” she then said; “And so make answer for me to our + friends’ good wishes!” + </p> + <p> + Valdor dived under the table, and brought up his violin case, which he + unlocked with jealous tenderness, lifting his instrument as carefully as + though it were a sleeping child whom he feared to wake. Drawing the bow + across the strings, he invoked a sweet plaintive sound, like the first + sigh of the wind among the trees; then, without further preliminary + wandered off into a strange labyrinth of melody, wherein it seemed that + the voices of women and angels clamoured one against the other,—the + appeals of earth with the refusals of Heaven,—the loneliness of life + with the fulness of immortality,—so, rising, falling, sobbing, + praying, alternately, the music expostulated with humanity in its + throbbing chords, till it seemed as if some Divine interposition could + alone end the heart-searching argument. Every man sat motionless and mute, + listening; Paul Zouche, with his head thrown back and eyes closed as in a + dream,—Johan Zegota’s hard, plain and careworn face growing softer + and quieter in its expression,—while Sergius Thord, leaning on one + elbow, covered his brow with one hand to shade the lines of sorrow there. + </p> + <p> + When Valdor ceased playing, there was a burst of applause. + </p> + <p> + “You play before kings,—kings should be proud to hear you!” said + Leroy. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! So they should,” responded Valdor promptly; “Only it happens that + they are not! They treat me merely as a <i>laquais de place</i>,—just + as they would treat Zouche, had he accepted his Sovereign’s offer. But + this I will admit,—that mediocre musicians always get on very well + with Royal persons! I have heard a very great Majesty indeed praise a + common little American woman’s abominable singing, as though she were a + prima-donna, and saw him give a jewelled cigar-case to an amateur pianist, + whose fingers rattled on the keyboard like bones on a tom-tom. But then + the common little American woman invited his Majesty’s ‘chères amies’ to + her house; and the amateur pianist was content to lose money to him at + cards! Wheels within wheels, my friend! In a lesser degree the + stock-jobber who sets a little extra cash rolling on the Exchange is + called an ‘Empire Builder.’ It is a curious world! But kings were never + known to be ‘proud’ of any really ‘great’ men in either art or literature; + on the contrary, they were always afraid of them, and always will be! + Among musicians, the only one who ever got decently honoured by a monarch + was Richard Wagner,—and the world swears that <i>his</i> Royal + patron was mad!” + </p> + <p> + Paul Zouche opened his eyes, filled his glass afresh, and tossed down the + liquor it contained at a gulp. + </p> + <p> + “Before we have any more music,” he said, “and before the little Pequita + gives us the dance which she has promised,—not to us, but to Lotys—we + ought to have prayers!” + </p> + <p> + A loud laugh answered this strange proposition. + </p> + <p> + “I say we ought to have prayers!” repeated Zouche with semi-solemn + earnestness,—“You talk of news,—news in telegram,—news + in brief,—official scratchings for the day and hour,—and do + you take no thought for the fact that his Holiness the Pope is ill—perhaps + dying?” + </p> + <p> + He stared wildly round upon them all; and a tolerant smile passed over the + face of the company. + </p> + <p> + “Well, if that be so, Paul,” said a man next to him, “it is not to be + wondered at. The Pope has arrived at a great age!” + </p> + <p> + “No age at all!—no age at all!” declared Zouche. “A saint of God + should live longer than a pauper! What of the good old lady admitted to + hospital the other day whose birth certificate proved her beyond doubt to + be one hundred and twenty-one years old? The dear creature had not + married;—nor has his Holiness the Pope,—the real cause of + death is in neither of them! Why should he not live as long as his aged + sister, possessing, as he does the keys of Heaven? He need not unlock the + little golden door, even for himself, unless he likes. That is true + orthodoxy! Pasquin Leroy, you bold imitation of a king, more wine!” + </p> + <p> + Leroy filled the glass he held out to him. The glances of the company told + him Zouche was ‘on,’ and that it was no good trying to stem the flow of + his ideas, or check the inconsequential nature of his speech. Lotys had + moved her chair a little back from the table, and with both arms + encircling the child, Pequita, was talking to her in low and tender tones. + </p> + <p> + “Brethren, let us pray!” cried Zouche; “For all we know, while we sit here + carousing and drinking to the health of our incomparable Lotys, the soul + of St. Peter’s successor may be careering through Sphere-Forests, and over + Planet-Oceans, up to its own specially built and particularly furnished + Heaven! There is only one Heaven, as we all know,—and the space is + limited, as it only holds the followers of St. Peter, the good disciple + who denied Christ!” + </p> + <p> + “That is an exploded creed, Zouche,” said Thord quietly; “No man of any + sense or reason believes such childish nonsense nowadays! The most casual + student of astronomy knows better.” + </p> + <p> + “Astronomy! Fie, for shame!” And Zouche gave a mock-solemn shake of the + head; “A wicked science! A great heresy! What are God’s Facts to the + Church Fallacies? Science proves that there are millions and millions of + solar systems,—millions and millions of worlds, no doubt inhabited;—yet + the Church teaches that there is only one Heaven, specially reserved for + good Roman Catholics; and that St. Peter and his successors keep the keys + of it. God,—the Deity—the Creator,—the Supreme Being, + has evidently nothing at all to do with it. In fact, He is probably + outside it! And of a surety Christ, with His ideas of honesty and + equality, could never possibly get into it!” + </p> + <p> + “There you are right!” said Valdor; “Your words remind me of a + conversation I overheard once between a great writer of books and a + certain Prince of the blood Royal. ‘Life is a difficult problem!’ said the + Prince, smoking a fat cigar. ‘To the student, it is, Sir,’ replied the + author; ‘But to the sensualist, it is no more than the mud-stye of the + swine,—he noses the refuse and is happy! He has no need of the + Higher life, and plainly the Higher life has no need of him. Of course,’ + he added with covert satire, ‘your Highness believes in a Higher life?’ + ‘Of course, of course!’ responded the Royal creature, unconscious of any + veiled sarcasm; ‘We must be Christians before anything!’ And that same + evening this hypocritical Highness ‘rooked’ a foolish young fellow of over + one thousand English pounds!” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly natural!” said Zouche. “The fashionable estimate of + Christianity is to go to church o’ Sundays, and say ‘I believe in God,’ + and to cheat at cards on all the other days of the week, as active + testimony to a stronger faith in the devil!” + </p> + <p> + “And with it all, Zouche,” said Lotys suddenly; “There is more good in + humanity than is apparent.” + </p> + <p> + “And more bad, beloved Lotys,” returned Paul. “Tout le deux se disent! But + let us think of the Holy Father!—he who, after long years of patient + and sublime credulity, is now, for all we know, bracing himself to take + the inevitable plunge into the dark waters of Eternity! Poor frail old + man! Who would not pity him! His earthly home has been so small and cosy + and restricted,—he has been taken such tender care of—the + faithful have fallen at his feet in such adoring thousands,—and now—away + from all this warmth and light and incense, and colour of pictures and + stained-glass windows, and white statuary and purple velvets, and + golden-fringed palanquins,—now—out into the cold he must go!—out + into the darkness and mystery and silence!—where all the former + generations of the world, immense and endless, and all the old religions, + are huddled away in the mist of the mouldered past!—out into the + thick blackness, where maybe the fiery heads of Bel and the Dragon may + lift themselves upward and leer at him!—or he may meet the frightful + menace of some monstrous Mexican deity, once worshipped with the rites of + blood!—out—out into the unknown, unimaginable Amazement must + the poor naked Soul go shuddering on the blast of death, to face he truly + knows not what!—but possibly he has such a pitiful blind trust in + good, that he may be re-transformed into some pleasant living + consciousness that shall be more agreeable even than that of Pope of Rome! + ‘Mourir c’est rien,—mais souffrir!’ That is the hard part of it! Let + us all pray for the Pope, my friends!—he is an old man!” + </p> + <p> + “When you are silent, Zouche,” said Thord with a half smile; “We may + perhaps meditate upon him in our thoughts,—but not while you talk + thus volubly! You take up time—and Pequita is getting tired.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Lotys; “Pequita and I will go home, and there will be no + dancing to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Lotys! You will not be so cruel!” said Zouche, pushing his grey hair + back from his brows, while his wild eyes glittered under the tangle, like + the eyes of a beast in its lair; “Think for a moment! I do not come here + and bore you with my poems, though I might very well do so! Some of them + are worth hearing, I assure you;—even the King—curse him!—has + condescended to think so, or else why should he offer me pay for them? + Kings are not so ready to part with money, even when it is Government + money! In England once a Premier named Gladstone, gave two hundred and + fifty pounds a year pension to the French Prince, Lucien Buonaparte, ‘for + his researches into Celtic literature’! Bah! There were many worthier + native-born men who had worked harder on the same subject, to choose from,—without + giving good English money to a Frenchman! There is a case of your Order + and Justice, Lotys! You spoke to-night of these two impossible things. Why + will you touch on such subjects? You know there is no Order and no Justice + anywhere! The Universe is a chance whirl of gas and atoms; though where + the two mischiefs come from nobody knows! And why the devil we should be + made the prey of gas and atoms is a mystery which no Church can solve!” + </p> + <p> + As he said this, there was a slight movement of every head towards Lotys, + and enquiring eyes looked suggestively at her. She saw the look, and + responded to it. + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong, Zouche!—I have always told you you are wrong,” she + said emphatically, “It is in your own disordered thoughts that you see no + justice and no order,—but Order there is, and Justice there is,—and + Compensation for all that seems to go wrong. There is an Intelligence at + the core of Creation! It is not for us to measure that Intelligence, or to + set any limits to it. Our duty is to recognize it, and to set ourselves as + much as possible in harmony with it. Do you never, in sane moments, study + the progress of humanity? Do you not see that while the brute creation + remains stationary, (some specimens of it even becoming extinct), man goes + step by step to higher results? This is, or should be, sufficient proof + that death is not the end for us. This world is only one link in our chain + of intended experience. I think it depends on ourselves as to what we make + of it. Thought is a great power by which we mould ourselves and others; + and we have no right to subvert that power to base uses, or to poison it + by distrust of good, or disbelief in the Supreme Guidance. You would be a + thousand times better as a man, Zouche, and far greater as a poet, if you + could believe in God!” + </p> + <p> + She spoke with eloquence and affectionate earnestness, and among all the + men there was a moment’s silence. + </p> + <p> + “Well, <i>you</i> believe in Him;” said Zouche at last, “and I will catch + hold of your angel’s robe as you pass into His Presence and say to Him;—’ + Here comes poor Zouche, who wrote of beautiful things among ugly + surroundings, and who, in order to be true to his friends, chose poverty + rather than the gold of a king!’” + </p> + <p> + Lotys smiled, very sweetly and indulgently. + </p> + <p> + “Such a plea would stand you in good stead, Zouche! To be always true to + one’s friends, and to persistently believe in beauty, is a very long step + towards Heaven!” + </p> + <p> + “I did not say I <i>believed</i> in beauty,” said Zouche suddenly and + obstinately;—“I dream it—I think it—but I do not see it! + To me the world is one Horror—nothing but a Grave into which we all + must fall! The fairest face has a hideous skull behind it,—the + dazzling blue of the sea covers devouring monsters in its depths—the + green fields, the lovely woodlands, are full of vile worms and noxious + beetles,—and space itself swarms with thick-strewn worlds,—flaming + comets,—blazing nebulae,—among which our earth is but a gnat’s + wing in a huge flame! Horrible!—horrible!” And he spoke with a kind + of vehement fury. “Let us not think of it! Why should we insist on Truth? + Let us have lies!—dear, sweet lies and fond delusions! Let us + believe that men are all honest, and women all loving!—that there + are virgins and saints and angels, as well as bishops and curates, looking + after us in this wild world of terror,—oh, yes!—let us + believe!—better the Pope’s little private snuggery of a Heaven, than + the crushing truth which says ‘Our God is a consuming fire’! Knowledge + deepens sorrow,—truth kills!—we must—we must have a + little love, and a few lies to lean upon!” + </p> + <p> + His voice faltered,—and a sudden ashy paleness overspread his + features,—his head fell back helplessly, and he seemed transfixed + and insensible. Leroy and one or two of the others rose in alarm, thinking + he had swooned, but Sergius Thord warned them back by a sign. The little + Pequita, slipping from the arms of Lotys, went softly up to him. + </p> + <p> + “Paul! Dear Paul!” she said in her soft childish tones. + </p> + <p> + Zouche stirred, and stretching out one hand, groped with it blindly in the + air. Pequita took it, warming it between her own little palms. + </p> + <p> + “Paul!” she said; “Do wake up! You have been asleep such a long time!” + </p> + <p> + He opened his eyes. The grey pallor passed from his face; he lifted his + head and smiled. + </p> + <p> + “So! There you are, Pequita!” he said gently; “Dear little one! So brave + and cheerful in your hard life!” + </p> + <p> + He lifted her small brown hand, and kissed it. The feverish tension of his + brain relaxed,—and two large tears welled up in his eyes, and rolled + down his cheeks. “Poor little girl!” he murmured weakly; “Poor little + hard-working girl!” + </p> + <p> + All the men sat silent, watching the gradual softening of Zouche’s drunken + delirium by the mere gentle caress of the child; and Pasquin Leroy was + conscious of a curious tightening of the muscles of his throat, and a + straining compassion at his heart, which was more like acute sympathy with + the griefs and sins of humanity than any emotion he had ever known. He saw + that the thoughtful, pitiful eyes of Lotys were full of tears, and he + longed, in quite a foolish, almost boyish fashion, to take her in his arms + and by a whispered word of tenderness, persuade those tears away. Yet he + was a man of the world, and had seen and known enough. But had he known + them humanly? Or only from the usual standpoint of masculine egotism? As + he thought this, a strain of sweet and solemn music stole through the + room,—Louis Valdor had risen to his feet, and holding the violin + tenderly against his heart, was coaxing out of its wooden cavity a + plaintive request for sympathy and attention. Such delicious music + thrilled upon the dead silence as might have fitted Shelley’s exquisite + lines. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “There the voluptuous nightingales, + Are awake through all the broad noon-day, + When one with bliss or sadness fails, + And through the windless ivy-boughs + Sick with sweet love, droops dying away + On its mate’s music-panting bosom; + Another from the swinging blossom, + Watching to catch the languid close + Of the last strain; then lifts on high + The wings of the weak melody, + Till some new strain of feeling bear + The song, and all the woods are mute; + When there is heard through the dim air + The rush of wings, and rising there + Like many a lake-surrounded flute + Sounds overflow the listener’s brain, + So sweet that joy is almost pain.” + </pre> + <p> + “Thank God for music!” said Sergius Thord, as Valdor laid aside his bow; + “It exorcises the evil spirit from every modern Saul!” + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes!” responded Valdor; “But I have known cases where the evil + spirit has been roused by music instead of suppressed. Art, like virtue, + has two sides!” + </p> + <p> + Zouche was still holding Pequita’s hand. He looked ill and exhausted, like + a man who had passed through a violent paroxysm of fever. + </p> + <p> + “You are a good child, Pequita!” he was saying softly; “Try to be always + so!—it is difficult—but it is easier to a woman than to a man! + Women have more of good in them than men!” + </p> + <p> + “How about the dance?” suggested Thord; “The hour is late,—close on + midnight—and Lotys must be tired.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I dance now?” enquired Pequita. + </p> + <p> + Lotys smiled and nodded. Four or five of the company at once got up, and + helped to push aside the table. + </p> + <p> + “Will you play for me, Monsieur Valdor?” asked the little girl, still + standing by the side of Zouche. + </p> + <p> + “Of course, my child! What shall it be? Something to suggest a fairy + hopping over mushrooms in the moonlight?—or Shakespeare’s Ariel + swinging on a cobweb from a bunch of may?” + </p> + <p> + Pequita considered, and for a moment did not reply, while Zouche, still + holding her little brown hand, kissed it again. + </p> + <p> + “You are very fond of dancing?” asked Pasquin Leroy, looking at her dark + face and big black eyes with increasing interest. + </p> + <p> + She smiled frankly at him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes! I would like to dance before the King!” + </p> + <p> + “Fie, fie, Pequita!” cried Johan Zegota, while murmurs of laughter and + playful cries of ‘Shame, Shame’ echoed through the room. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” said Pequita; “It would do me good, and my father too! Such + poor, sad people come to the theatre where I dance,—they love to see + me, and I love to dance for them—but then—they too would be + pleased if I could dance at the Royal Opera, because they would know I + could then earn enough money to make my father comfortable.” + </p> + <p> + “What a very matter-of-fact statement in favour of kings!” exclaimed Max + Graub;—“Here is a child who does not care a button for a king as + king; but she thinks he would be useful as a figure-head to dance to,—for + idiotic Fashion, grouping itself idiotically around the figure-head, would + want to see her dance also—and then—oh simple conclusion!—she + would be able to support her father! Truly, a king has often been put to + worse uses!” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Pasquin Leroy, “I could manage to get you a trial at the + Royal Opera, Pequita! I know the manager.” + </p> + <p> + She looked up with a sudden blaze of light in her eyes, sprang towards + him, dropped on one knee with an exquisite grace, and kissed his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!—you will be goodness itself!” she cried;—“And I will be + grateful—indeed I will!—so grateful!” + </p> + <p> + He was startled and amazed at her impulsive action, and taking her little + hand, gently pressed it. + </p> + <p> + “Poor child!” he said;—“You must not thank me till I succeed. It is + very little to do—but I will do all I can.” + </p> + <p> + “Someone else will be grateful too!” said Lotys in her rich thrilling + voice; and her eyes rested on him with that wonderful magnetic sweetness + which drew his soul out of him as by a spell; while Zouche, only partially + understanding the conversation said slowly:— + </p> + <p> + “Pequita deserves all the good she can get; more than any of us. We do + nothing but try to support ourselves; and we talk a vast amount about + supporting others,—but Pequita works all the time and says nothing. + And she is a genius—she does not know it, but she is. Give us the + Dagger Dance, Pequita! Then our friend Leroy can judge of you at your + best, and make good report of you.” + </p> + <p> + Pequita looked at Lotys and received a sign of assent. She then nodded to + Valdor. + </p> + <p> + “You know what to play?” + </p> + <p> + Valdor nodded in return, and took up his violin. The company drew back + their seats, and sat, or stood aside, from the centre of the room. Pequita + disappeared for a moment, and returned divested of the plain rusty black + frock she had worn, and merely clad in a short scarlet petticoat, with a + low white calico bodice—her dark curls tumbling in disorder, and + grasping in her right hand a brightly polished, unsheathed dagger. Valdor + began to play, and with the first wild chords the childish figure swayed, + circled, and leaped forward like a young Amazon, the dagger brandished + aloft, and gleaming here and there as though it were a snaky twist of + lightning. Very soon Pasquin Leroy found himself watching the evolutions + of the girl dancer with fascinated interest. Nothing so light, so delicate + or so graceful had he ever seen as this little slight form bending to and + fro, now gliding with the grace of a swan on water—now leaping + swiftly as a fawn,—while the attitudes she threw herself into, + sometimes threatening, sometimes defiant, and often commanding, with the + glittering steel weapon held firmly in her tiny hand, were each and all + pictures of youthful pliancy and animation. As she swung and whirled,—sometimes + pirouetting so swiftly that her scarlet skirt looked like a mere red + flower in the wind,—her bright eyes flashed, her dark hair tangled + itself in still richer masses, and her lips, crimson as the pomegranate, + were half parted with her panting breath. + </p> + <p> + “Brava! Brava!” shouted the men, becoming more and more excited as their + eyes followed the flash of the dagger she held, now directed towards them, + now shaken aloft, and again waved threateningly from side to side, or + pointed at her own bosom, while her little feet twinkled over the floor in + a maze of intricate and perfectly performed steps;—and “Brava!” + cried Pasquin Leroy, as breathless, but still glowing and bright with her + exertions, she suddenly out of her own impulse, dropped on one knee before + him with the glittering dagger pointed straight at his heart! + </p> + <p> + “Would that please the King?” she asked, her pearly teeth gleaming into a + mischievous smile between the red lips. + </p> + <p> + “If it did not, he would be a worse fool than even I take him for!” + replied Leroy, as she sprang up again, and confronted him. “Here is a + little souvenir from me, child!—and if ever you do dance before his + Majesty, wear it for my sake!” + </p> + <p> + He took from his pocket a ring, in which was set a fine brilliant of + unusual size and lustre. + </p> + <p> + She looked at it a moment as he held it out to her. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no,” she faltered, “I cannot take it—I cannot! Lotys dear, you + know I cannot!” + </p> + <p> + Lotys, thus appealed to, left her seat and came forward. Taking the ring + from Leroy’s hand, she examined it a moment, then gently returned it. + </p> + <p> + “This is too great a temptation for Pequita, my friend,” she said quietly, + but firmly. “In duty bound, she would have to sell it in order to help her + poor father. She could not justly keep it. Let me be the arbiter in this + matter. If you can carry out your suggestion, and obtain for her an + engagement at the Royal Opera, then give it to her, but not till then! Do + you not think I am right?” + </p> + <p> + She spoke so sweetly and persuasively, that Leroy was profoundly touched. + What he would have liked would have been to give the child a roll of gold + pieces,—but he was playing a strange part, and the time to act + openly was not yet. + </p> + <p> + “It shall be as you wish, Madame!” he said with courteous deference. + “Pequita, the first time you dance before the King, this shall be yours!” + </p> + <p> + He put aside the jewel, and Pequita kissed his hand impulsively,—as + impulsively she kissed the lips of her friend Lotys—and then came + the general dispersal and break-up of the assembly. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me;” said Sergius Thord, catching Leroy’s hand in a close and + friendly grasp ere bidding him farewell; “Are you in very truth in + personal danger on account of serving our Cause?” + </p> + <p> + “No!” replied Leroy frankly, returning the warm pressure; “And rest + assured that if I were, I would find means to elude it! I have managed to + frighten Carl Pérousse, that is all—and Jost!” + </p> + <p> + “Jost!” echoed Sergius; “The Colossus of the Press? Surely it would take + more than one man to frighten him!” + </p> + <p> + Leroy laughed. + </p> + <p> + “I grant you the Jewish centres of journalism are difficult to shake! But + they all depend on stocks and shares!” + </p> + <p> + A touch on his arm caused him to turn round,—Paul Zouche confronted + both him and Thord, with a solemn worn face, and lack-lustre eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, friends!” he said; “I have not kicked at a king with my boot, + but I have with my brain!—and the effort is exhausting! I am going + home to bed.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is your home?” asked Leroy suddenly. + </p> + <p> + Zouche looked mysterious. + </p> + <p> + “In a palace, dear sir! A palace of golden air, peopled with winged + dreams! No money could purchase it;—no ‘Empire Builder’ could build + it!—it is mine and mine alone! And I pay no taxes!” + </p> + <p> + “Will you put this to some use for me?” said Leroy, holding out a gold + piece; “Simply as comrade and friend?” + </p> + <p> + Zouche stared at him. + </p> + <p> + “You mean it?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I mean it! Zouche, believe me, you are going to be the fashion! + You will be able to do <i>me</i> a good turn before long!” + </p> + <p> + Zouche took the gold piece, and as he took it, pressed the giver’s hand. + </p> + <p> + “You mean well!” he said tremulously; “You know—as Sergius does, + that I am poor,—often starving—often drunk—but you know + also that there is something <i>here</i>!”—and he touched his + forehead meaningly. “But to be the ‘fashion’! Bah! I do not belong to the + Trade-ocracy! Nobody becomes the ‘fashion’ nowadays unless they have + cheated their neighbours by short weight and falsified accounts! + Good-night! You might be the King from your looks;—but you have + something better than kingship—Heart! Good-night, Pequita! You + danced well! Good-night, Lotys! You spoke well! Everyone does everything + well, except poor Zouche!” + </p> + <p> + Pequita ran up to him. + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, dear Paul!” + </p> + <p> + He stooped and kissed her gently. + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, little one! If ever you show your twinkling feet at the + Opera, <i>you</i> will be the ‘fashion’—and will you remember Paul + then?” + </p> + <p> + “Always—always!” said Pequita tenderly; “Father and Lotys and I will + always love you!” + </p> + <p> + Zouche gave a short laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Always love me! Me! Well!—what strange things children will say, + not knowing in the least what they mean!” + </p> + <p> + He gave a vague salute to the entire company, and walked out of the tavern + with drooping head. Others followed him,—every man in going, shook + hands with Lotys and Sergius Thord,—the lamps were extinguished, and + the landlord standing in the porch of his tavern watched them all file + out, and bade them all a cordial farewell. Pequita’s home was with her + father in the house where Sergius Thord dwelt, and Lotys kissing her + tenderly good-night, left her to Thord’s care. + </p> + <p> + “And who will see you home, Lotys?” enquired Thord. + </p> + <p> + “May I for once have that honour?” asked Pasquin Leroy. His two companions + stared in undisguised amazement, and there was a moment’s silence. + </p> + <p> + Then Lotys spoke. + </p> + <p> + “You may!” she said simply. + </p> + <p> + There was another silence while she put on her hat, and wrapped herself in + her long dark cloak. Then Thord took Pequita by the hand. + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, Lotys!” + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, Sergius!” + </p> + <p> + Leroy turned to his two friends and spoke to them in a low tone. + </p> + <p> + “Go your ways!” he said peremptorily; “I will join you later!” + </p> + <p> + Vain were their alarmed looks of remonstrance; and in another moment all + the party had separated, and only Max Graub and Axel Regor remained on the + pavement outside the tavern, disconsolately watching two figures + disappearing in the semi-shadowed moonlight—Pasquin Leroy and Lotys—walking + closely side by side. + </p> + <p> + “Was there ever such a drama as this?” muttered Graub, “He may lose his + life at any moment!” + </p> + <p> + “If he does,” responded Regor, “It will not be our fault. We do our best + to guard him from the consequence of one folly,—and he straightway + runs into another! There is no help for it; we have sworn to obey him, and + we must keep our oath!” + </p> + <p> + They passed slowly along the street, too absorbed in their own + uncomfortable reflections for the interchange of many words. By the rules + of the Revolutionary Committee, they were not allowed ‘to follow or track + any other member’ so they were careful to walk in a reverse direction to + that taken by their late comrades. The great bell of the Cathedral boomed + midnight as they climbed towards the citadel, and the pale moon peeping + whitely through piled-up fleecy clouds, shed a silver glare upon the quiet + sea. And down into the ‘slums,’ down, and ever deeper, into the sad and + cheerless ‘Quarter of the Poor’ Pasquin Leroy walked as though he trod + lightly on a path of flowers,—his heart beating high, and his soul + fully awakened within him, thrilled, he knew not why, to the heart’s core + by the soft low voice of Lotys,—and glad that in the glimpses of the + moonlight her eyes were occasionally lifted to his face, with something of + a child’s trust, if not of a woman’s tenderness. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. — AN INVITATION TO COURT + </h2> + <p> + The spring was now advancing into full summer, and some time had passed + since the Socialist party had gathered under their leaders to the voice of + Lotys. Troublous days appeared to be impending for the Senate, and rumours + of War,—war sometimes apparently imminent, and again suddenly + averted,—had from time to time worried the public through the Press. + But what was even more disturbing to the country, was the proposed + infliction of new, heavy and irritating taxes, which had begun to affect + the popular mind to the verge of revolt. Twice since Lotys had spoken at + the People’s Assembly Rooms had Sergius Thord addressed huge mass + meetings, which apparently the police had no orders to disperse, and his + power over the multitude was increasing by leaps and bounds. Whenever he + spoke, wherever he worked, the indefatigable Pasquin Leroy was constantly + at his side, and he, in his turn began to be recognized by the + Revolutionary Committee as one of their most energetic members,—able, + resolute, and above all, of an invaluably inscrutable and self-contained + demeanour. His two comrades were not so effectual in their assistance, and + appeared to act merely in obedience to his instructions. Their attitude, + however, suited everyone concerned as well as, if not better than, if they + had been overzealous. Owing to what Leroy had stated concerning the + possibility of his arrest as a spy, his name was never mentioned in public + by one single member of the Brotherhood; and to the outside Socialist + following, he therefore appeared simply as one of the many who worked + under Sergius Thord’s command. Meanwhile, there were not lacking many + other subjects for popular concern and comment; all of which in their turn + gave rise to anxious discussion and vague conjecture. A Cabinet Council + had been held by the Premier, at which, without warning, the King had + attended personally, but the results were not made known to the public. + Yet the general impression was that his Majesty seemed to be perfectly + indifferent to the feelings or the well-being of his subjects; in fact, as + some of them said with dismal shakings of the head, “It was all a part of + the system; kings were not allowed to do anything even for the benefit of + their people.” And rising Socialism, ever growing stronger, and amassing + in its ranks all the youthful and ambitious intellects of the time, agreed + and swore that it was time for a Republic. Only by a complete change of + Government could the cruelly-increasing taxation be put down; and if + Government was to be changed, why not the dummy figure-head of Government + as well? + </p> + <p> + Thus Rumour talked, sometimes in whispers—sometimes in shouts;—but + through it all the life of the Court and fashion went on in the same way,—the + King continued to receive with apparent favour the most successful and + most moneyed men from all parts of the world; the Queen drove or walked, + or rode;—and the only prospective change in the social routine was + the report that the Crown Prince was about to leave the country for a tour + round the world, and that he would start on his journey in his own yacht + about the end of the month. The newspapers made a great fuss in print over + this projected tour; but the actual people were wholly indifferent to it. + They had seen very little of the Crown Prince,—certainly not enough + to give him their affection; and whether he left the kingdom or stayed in + it concerned them not at all. He had done nothing marked or decisive in + his life to show either talent, originality of character, or resolution; + and the many ‘puffs’ in the press concerning him, were scarcely read at + all by the public, or if they were, they were not credited. The expression + of an ordinary working-man with regard to his position was entirely + typical of the general popular sentiment;—“If he would only do + something to prove he had a will of his own, and a mind, he would perhaps + be able to set the Throne more firmly on its legs than it is at present.” + </p> + <p> + How thoroughly the young man <i>had</i> proved that he indeed possessed ‘a + will of his own,’ was not yet disclosed to the outside critics of his life + and conduct. Only the King and Queen, and Professor von Glauben knew it;—for + even Sir Roger de Launay had not been entrusted with the story of his + secret marriage. The Queen had received the news with her usual + characteristic immobility. A faint cold smile had parted her lips as she + listened to the story of her son’s romance,—and her reply to the + King’s brief explanation was almost as brief:— + </p> + <p> + “Nearly all the aristocracy marry music-hall women!” she said; “One should + therefore be grateful that a Crown Prince does not go lower in his + matrimonial choice than an innocent little peasant!” + </p> + <p> + “The marriage is useless, of course,” said the King; “It has satisfied + Humphry’s exalted notions of honour; but it can never be acknowledged or + admitted.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course not!” she agreed languidly; “It certainly clears up the mystery + of The Islands, which you were so anxious to visit;—and I suppose + the next thing you will do is to marry him again to some daughter of a + Royal house?” + </p> + <p> + “Most assuredly!” + </p> + <p> + “As <i>you</i> were married to <i>me?</i>” she said, raising her eyes to + his face with that strange deep look which spoke eloquently of some + mystery hidden in her soul. + </p> + <p> + His cheeks burned with an involuntary flush. He bowed. + </p> + <p> + “Precisely! As I married you!” he replied. + </p> + <p> + “The experiment was hardly successful!” she said with her little cold + smile. “I fear you have often regretted it!” + </p> + <p> + He looked at her, studying her beauty intently,—and the remembrance + of another face, far less fair of feature, but warm and impassioned by the + lovely light of sympathy and tenderness, came between his eyes and hers, + like a heavenly vision. + </p> + <p> + “Had you loved me,” he said slowly, “I might never have known what it was + to need love!” + </p> + <p> + A slight tremor ran through her veins. There was a strange tone in his + voice,—a soft cadence to which she was unaccustomed,—something + that suggested a new emotion in his life, and a deeper experience. + </p> + <p> + “I never loved anyone in my life!” she answered calmly—“And now the + days are past for loving. Humphry, however, has made up for my lack of the + tender passion!” + </p> + <p> + She turned away indifferently, and appeared to dismiss the matter + altogether from her mind. The first time she saw her son, however, after + hearing of his marriage, she looked at him curiously. + </p> + <p> + “And so your wife is very lovely, Humphry!” she said with a slightly + derisive smile. + </p> + <p> + He was not startled by the suddenness of her observation nor put out by + it. + </p> + <p> + “She is the loveliest woman I have ever seen,—not excepting + yourself,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + “It is a very foolish affair!” she continued composedly; “But fortunately + in our line of life such things are easily arranged;—and your future + will not be spoiled by it. I am glad you are going abroad, as you will + very soon forget!” + </p> + <p> + The Prince regarded her steadfastly with something of grave wonderment as + well as compassion,—but he made no reply, and with the briefest + excuse left her presence as soon as possible, in order to avoid further + conversation on the subject. She, herself, however, found her mind + curiously perturbed and full of conjectures concerning her son’s idyllic + love-story, in which all considerations for her as Queen and mother seemed + omitted,—and where she, as it were, appeared to be shut outside a + lover’s paradise, the delights of which she had never experienced. The + King held many private conferences with her on the matter, in which + sometimes Professor von Glauben was permitted to share;—and the + upshot of these numerous discussions resulted in a scheme which was as + astonishing in its climax as it was unexpected. Over and over again it has + been proved to nations as well as to individuals, that the whole course of + events may be changed by the fixed determination of one resolute mind; but + it is not often that the moral force of a mere girl succeeds in competing + with the authority of kings and parliaments. But so it chanced on this + occasion, and in the following manner. + </p> + <p> + One glorious early morning, the sun having risen without a cloud in the + deep blue of the sky, and the sea being as calm as an inland lake, the + King’s yacht was seen to weigh anchor and steam away at her fullest speed + towards The Islands. Little or no preparation had been made for her short + voyage; there was no Royal party on board, and the only passenger was + Professor von Glauben. He sat solitary on deck in a luxurious chair, + smoking his meerschaum pipe, and dubiously considering the difficult and + peculiar situation in which he was placed. He made no attempt to calculate + the possible success or failure of his mission—‘for,’ said he very + sagely, ‘it all depends on a woman, and God alone knows what a woman will + do! Her ways are dark and wonderful, and altogether beyond the limit of + the comprehension of man!’ + </p> + <p> + His journey was undertaken at the King’s command; and equally by the + King’s command he had been compelled to keep it a secret from Prince + Humphry. He had never been to The Islands since the King’s ‘surprise + visit’ there, and he was of course not aware that Gloria now knew the real + rank and position of her supposed ‘sailor’ husband. He was at present + charged to break the news to her, and bring her straightway to the palace, + there to confront both the King and Queen, and learn from them the true + state of affairs. + </p> + <p> + “It is a cruel ordeal,” he said, shaking his head sorrowfully; “Yet I + myself am a party to its being tried. For once in my life I have pinned my + faith on the unspoilt soul of an unworldly woman. I wonder what will come + of it? It rests entirely with Gloria herself, and with no one else in the + world!” + </p> + <p> + As the yacht arrived at its destination and dropped anchor at some + distance from the pier, owing to the shallowness of the tide at that hour + of the day, The Islands presented a fair aspect in the dancing beams of + the summer sunlight. Numbers of fruit trees were bursting into blossom,—the + apple, the cherry, the pink almond and the orange blossom all waved + together and whispered sweetness to one another in the pure air, and the + full-flowering mimosa perfumed every breath of wind. Fishermen were + grouped here and there on the shore, mending or drying their nets; and in + the fields beyond could be perceived many workers pruning the hedges or + guiding the plough. The vision of a perfect Arcadia was presented to the + eye; and so the Professor thought, as getting into the boat lowered for + him, he was rowed from the yacht to the landing-place, and there dismissed + the sailors, warning them that at the first sound of his whistle they + should swiftly come for him again. + </p> + <p> + “What a pity to spoil her peace of mind—her simplicity of life!” he + thought, as he walked at a slow and reluctant pace towards Ronsard’s + cottage; “And I fear we shall have trouble with the old man! I wonder if + his philosophy will stand hard wear and tear!” + </p> + <p> + The pretty, low timber-raftered house confronted him at the next bend in + the road, and presented a charming aspect of tranquillity. The grass in + front of it was smooth as velvet and emerald-green, and in one of the + flower borders Ronsard himself was digging and planting. He looked up as + he heard the gate open, but did not attempt to interrupt his work;—and + Von Glauben advanced towards him with a considerable sense of anxiety and + insecurity in his mind. Anon he paused in the very act of greeting, as the + old man turned his strong, deeply-furrowed countenance upon him with a + look of fierce indignation and scorn. + </p> + <p> + “So! You are here!” he said; “Have you come to look upon the evil your + Royal master has worked? Or to make dutiful obeisance to Gloria as + Crown-Princess?” + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben was altogether taken aback. + </p> + <p> + “Then—you know—?” he stammered. + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, I know!” responded Ronsard sternly and bitterly; “I know + everything! There has been full confession! If the husband of my Gloria + were more prince than man, my knife would have slit his throat! But he is + more man than prince!—and I have let him live—for her sake!” + </p> + <p> + “Well—that is so far good!” said Von Glauben, wiping the + perspiration from his brow, and heaving a deep sigh of relief; “And as you + fully comprehend the situation, it saves me the trouble of explaining it! + You are a philosopher, Ronsard! Permit me to remind you of that fact! You + know, like myself, that what is done, even if it is done foolishly, cannot + be undone!” + </p> + <p> + “I know it! Who should know it so well as I!” and Ronsard set a delicate + rose-tree roughly in the hole he had dug for it, and began to fiercely + pile in the earth around it;—“Fate is fate, and there is no + gainsaying it! The law of Compensation will always have its way! Look you, + man!—and listen! I, Réné Ronsard, once killed a king!—and now + in my old age, the only creature I ever loved is tricked by the son of a + king! It is just! So be it!” + </p> + <p> + He bent his white head over his digging again, and Von Glauben was for a + moment silent, vaguely amazed and stupefied by this sudden declaration of + a past crime. + </p> + <p> + “You should not say ‘tricked,’ my friend!” he at last ventured to remark; + “Prince Humphry is an honest lad;—he means to keep his word!” + </p> + <p> + Ronsard looked up, his eyes gleaming with fury. + </p> + <p> + “Keep his word? Bah! How can he? Who in this wide realm will give him the + honourable liberty to keep his word? Will he acknowledge Gloria as his + wife before the nation?—she a foundling and a castaway? Will he make + her his future queen? Not he! He will forsake her, and live with another + woman, in sin which the law will sanctify!” + </p> + <p> + He went on planting the rose-tree, then,—dropping his spade,—tossed + up his head and hands with a wild gesture. + </p> + <p> + “What, and who is this God who so ordains our destiny!” he exclaimed; “For + surely this is His work,—not mine! Hidden away from all the world + with my life’s secret buried in my soul, I, without wife, or children or + friends, or any soul on earth to care whether I lived or died, was sent an + angel comforter;—the child I rescued from the sea! ‘Gloria, Gloria + in excelsis Deo!’ the choristers sang in the church when I found her! I + thought it true! With her,—in every action, in every thought and + word, I strove,—and have faithfully striven,—to atone for my + past crime;—for I was forced through others to kill that king! When + proved guilty of the deed, I was told by my associates to assume madness,—a + mere matter of acting,—and, being adjudged as insane, I was sent + with other criminals on a convict ship, bound for a certain coast-prison, + where we were all to be kept for life. The ship was wrecked off the rocks + yonder, and it was reported that every soul on board went down, but I + escaped—only I,—for what inscrutable reason God alone knows! + Finding myself saved and free, I devoted my life to hard work, and to + doing all the good I could think of to atone—to atone—always + to atone! Then the child was sent to me; and I thought it was a sign that + my penance was accepted; but no!—no!—the compensating curse + falls,—not on me,—not on me, for if only so, I would welcome + it—but on Her!—the child of my love—the heart of my + heart!—on Her!” + </p> + <p> + He turned away his face, and a hard sob broke from his labouring chest. + Von Glauben laid a gentle, protective hand on his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Ronsard, be a man!” he said in a kind, firm voice; “This is the first + time you have told me your true history—and—I shall respect + your confidence! You have suffered much—equally you have loved much! + Doubt not that you are forgiven much. But why should you assume, or + foresee unhappiness for Gloria? Why talk of a curse where perhaps there is + only an intended blessing? Is she unhappy, that you are thus moved?” + </p> + <p> + Ronsard furtively dashed away the tears from his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “She? Gloria unhappy? No,—not yet! The delights of spring and summer + have met in her smile,—her eyes, her movements! It was she herself + who told me all! If he had told me, I would have killed him!” + </p> + <p> + “Eminently sensible!” said Von Glauben, recovering his usual phlegmatic + calm; “You would have killed the man she loves best in the world. And so + with perfect certainty you would have killed her as well,—and + probably yourself afterwards. A perfect slaughterhouse, like the last + scene in Hamlet, by the so admirable Shakespeare! It is better as it is. + Life is really very pleasant!” + </p> + <p> + He sniffed the perfumed air,—listened with appreciation to the + trilling of a bird swinging on a bough of apple-blossom above him, and + began to feel quite easy in his mind. Half his mission was done for him, + Prince Humphry having declared himself in his true colours. “I always + said,” mused the Professor, “that he was a very honest young man! And I + think he will be honest to the end.” Aloud he asked: + </p> + <p> + “When did you know the truth?” + </p> + <p> + “Some days since,” replied Ronsard. “He—Gloria’s husband—I can + as yet call him by no other name—came suddenly one evening;—the + two went out together as usual, and then—then my child returned + alone. She told me all,—of the disguise he had assumed—and of + his real identity—and I—well! I think I was mad! I know I + spoke and acted like a madman!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, rather say like a philosopher!” murmured Von Glauben with a humorous + smile; “Remember, my good fellow, that there is no human being who loses + self-control more easily and rapidly than he who proclaims the advantage + of keeping it! And what did Gloria say to you?” + </p> + <p> + Ronsard looked up at the tranquil skies, and was for a moment silent. Then + he answered. + </p> + <p> + “Gloria is—just Gloria! There is no woman like her,—there + never will be any woman like her! She said nothing at all while I raged + and swore;—she stood before me white and silent,—grand and + calm, like some great angel. Then when I cursed <i>him,</i>—she + raised her hand, and like a queen she said: ‘I forbid you to utter one + word against him!’ I stood before her mute and foolish. ‘I forbid you!’ + She,—the child I reared and nurtured—menaced me with her + ‘command’ as though I were her slave and servant! You see I have lost her!—she + is not mine any more—she is <i>his</i>—to be treated as he + wills, and made the toy of his pleasure! She does not know the world, but + I know it! I know the misery that is in store for her! But there is yet + time—and I will live to avenge her wrong!” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly there will be no wrong to avenge,” said Von Glauben composedly; + “But if there is, I have no doubt you would kill another king!” Ronsard + turned pale and shuddered. “It is stupid work, killing kings,” went on the + Professor; “It never does any good; and often increases the evil it was + intended to cure. Your studies in philosophy must have taught you that + much at least! As for your losing Gloria,—you lost her in a sense + when you gave her to her husband. It is no use complaining now, because + you find he is not the man you took him for. The mischief is done. At any + rate you are bound to admit that Gloria has, so far, been perfectly happy; + she will be happy still, I truly believe, for she has the secret of + happiness in her own beautiful nature. And you, Ronsard, must make the + best of things, and meet fate with calmness. To-day, for instance, I am + here by the King’s command,—I bear his orders,—and I have come + for Gloria. They want her at the Palace.” + </p> + <p> + Ronsard stepped out of his flower-border, and stood on the greensward + amazed, and indignantly suspicious. + </p> + <p> + “They want her at the Palace!” he repeated; “Why? What for? To do her + harm? To make her miserable? To insult and threaten her? No, she shall not + go!” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, my friend,” said the Professor with mild patience; “You have—for + a philosopher—a most unpleasant habit of jumping to wrong + conclusions! Please endeavour to compose the tumult in your soul, and + listen to me! The King has sent for Gloria, and I am instructed to take + charge of her, and escort her to the presence of their Majesties. No + insult, no threat, no wrong is intended. I will bring her back again safe + to you immediately the audience is concluded. Be satisfied, Ronsard! For + once ‘put your trust in princes,’ for her husband will be there,—and + do you think he would suffer her to be insulted or wronged?” + </p> + <p> + Ronsard’s sunken eyes looked wild,—his aged frame trembled + violently, and he gave a hopeless gesture. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know—I do not know!” he said incoherently; “I am an old + man, and I have always found it a wicked world! But—if you give me + your word that she shall come to no harm, I will trust <i>you</i>!” + </p> + <p> + Silently Von Glauben took his hand and pressed it. Two or three minutes + passed, weighted with unuttered and unutterable thoughts in the minds of + both men; and then, in a somewhat hushed voice, the Professor said: + </p> + <p> + “Ronsard, I am just now reminded of the tragic story of Rudolf of Austria, + who killed himself through the maddening sorrow of an ill-fated love! We, + in our different lines of life should remember that,—and let no + young innocent heart suffer through our follies—our rages against + fate—our conventions—our more or less idiotic laws of + restraint and hypocrisy. The tragedy of Prince Rudolf and the unhappy + Marie Vetsera whom he worshipped, was caused by the sin and the falsehood + of others,—not by the victims of the cruel catastrophe. Therefore, I + say to you, my friend, be wise in time!—and control the natural + stormy tendency of your passions in this present affair. I assure you, on + my faith and honour as a man, that the King has a kindly heart and a brave + one,—together with a strong sense of justice. He is not truly known + to his people;—they only see him through the pens of press + reporters, or the slavish descriptions of toadies and parasites. Then + again, the Crown Prince is an honourable lad; and from what I know of him, + he is not likely to submit to conventional usages in matters which are + close to his life and heart. Gloria herself is of such an exceptional + character and disposition, that I think she may be safely left to + arbitrate her own destiny——” + </p> + <p> + “And the Queen?” interrupted Ronsard suddenly;—“She, at any rate, as + a woman, wife and mother, will be gentle?” + </p> + <p> + “Gentle, she certainly is,” said Von Glauben, with a slight sigh; “But + only because she does not consider it worth while to be otherwise! God has + put a stone in the place where her heart should be! However,—she + will have little to say, and still less to do with to-day’s business. You + tell me you will trust me; I promise you, you shall not repent your trust! + But I must see Gloria herself. Where is she?” + </p> + <p> + Ronsard pointed towards the cottage. + </p> + <p> + “She is in there, studying,” he said; “Books of the old time;—books + that few read. She gets them all from Sergius Thord. How would it be, + think you, if he knew?” + </p> + <p> + The pleasantly rubicund countenance of the Professor grew a shade paler. + </p> + <p> + “Sergius Thord—Sergius Thord?—H’m—h’m—let me see!—who + is he? Ah! I remember,—he is the Socialist lion, for ever roaring + through the streets and seeking whom he may devour! I daresay he is not + without cleverness!” + </p> + <p> + “Cleverness!” echoed Ronsard; “That is a tame word! He has genius, and the + people swear by him. Since the proposed new taxation, and other injustices + of the Government, he has gained adherents by many thousands. You,—whom + I once took to be a mere German schoolmaster, a friend of the young + ‘sailor’ whom my child so innocently wedded,—you whom I now know to + be the King’s physician—surely you cannot live on the mainland, and + in the metropolis, without knowing of the power of Sergius Thord?” + </p> + <p> + “I know something—not much;” replied the Professor guardedly; “But + come, my friend, <i>I</i> have not deceived you! I was in very truth a + poor ‘German schoolmaster,’ once,—before I became a student of + medicine and surgery. And that I am the King’s physician, is merely one of + those accidental circumstances which occur in a world of chance. But + schoolmaster as I have been, I doubt if I would set our ‘Glory-of-the-Sea’ + to study books recommended to her by Sergius Thord. The poetry of Heine is + more suitable to her age and sex. Let us break in upon her meditations.” + And he walked across the grass with one arm thrust through that of + Ronsard; “For she must prepare herself. We ought to be gone within an + hour.” + </p> + <p> + They passed under the low, rose-covered porch into a wide square room, + with raftered ceiling and deep carved oak ingle nook,—and here at + the table, with a quarto volume opened out before her, sat Gloria, resting + her head on one fair hand, her rich hair falling about her in loose + shining tresses, and her whole attitude expressive of the deepest + absorption in study. As they entered, she looked up and smiled,—then + rose, her hand still resting on the open book. + </p> + <p> + “At last you have come again, dear Professor!” she said; “I began to think + you had grown weary in well-doing!” + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben stared at her, stricken speechless for a moment. What + mysterious change had passed over the girl, investing her with such an air + of regal authority? It was impossible to say. To all appearance she was + the same beautiful creature, clad in the same simple white homespun gown,—yet + were she Empress of half the habitable globe, she could not have looked + more environed with dignity, sweetness and delicately gracious manner. He + understood the desolating expression of Ronsard,—‘You see I have + lost her!—she is not mine any more—she is his!’ He recognised + and was suddenly impressed by that fact;—she was ‘his’—the + wife of the Crown Prince and Heir-Apparent to the Throne;—and + evidently with the knowledge of her position had arisen the pride of love + and the spirit of grace to support her honours worthily. And so, as Von + Glauben met her eyes, which expressed their gentle wonder at his silence, + and as she extended her hand to him, he came slowly forward and bowing + low, respectfully kissed that hand. + </p> + <p> + “Princess,” he said, in a voice that trembled ever so slightly; “I shall + never be weary in well-doing,—if you are good enough to call my + service and friendship for you by that name! I hesitated to come before,—because + I thought—I feared—I did not know!—” + </p> + <p> + “I understand!” said Gloria tranquilly; “You did not think the Prince, my + husband, would tell me the truth so soon! But I know all, and now—I + am glad to know it! Dearest,” and she moved swiftly to Ronsard who was + standing silent in the doorway—“come in and sit down! You make + yourself so tired sometimes in the garden;” and she threw a loving arm + about him. “You must rest; you look so pale!” + </p> + <p> + For all answer, he lifted the hand that hung about his neck, to his lips + and kissed it tenderly. + </p> + <p> + “They want you, Gloria!” he said tremulously; “They want you at the + Palace. You must go to-day!” + </p> + <p> + She lifted her brilliant eyes enquiringly to Von Glauben, who responded to + the look by at once explaining his mission. He was there, he said, by the + King’s special command;—their Majesties had been informed of their + son’s marriage by their son himself; and they desired at once to see and + speak with their unknown daughter-in-law. The interview would be private; + his Royal Highness the Crown Prince would be present;—it might last + an hour, perhaps longer,—and he, Von Glauben, was entrusted to bring + Gloria to the Palace, and escort her back to The Islands again when all + was over. Thus, with elaborate and detailed courtesy, the Professor + unfolded the nature of his enterprise, while Gloria, still keeping one arm + round Ronsard, heard and smiled. + </p> + <p> + “I shall obey the King’s command!” she said composedly; “Though,—having + no word from the Prince, my husband, concerning this mandate,—I + might very well refuse to do so! But it may be as well that their + Majesties and their son’s wife should plainly, and once for all, + understand each other. Dear Professor, you look sadly troubled. Is there + some little convention, some special ceremonial of so-called ‘good + manners,’ which you are commissioned to teach me, before I make my + appearance at Court under your escort?” + </p> + <p> + Her lovely lips smiled,—her eyes laughed,—she looked the very + incarnation of Beauty triumphant. Von Glauben’s brain whirled,—he + felt bewitched and dazzled. + </p> + <p> + “I?—to teach you anything? No, my princess!—and please think + how loyally I have called you ‘Princess’ from the beginning!—I have + always told you that you have a spiritual knowledge far surpassing all + material wisdom. Conventions and ceremonials are not for you,—you + will make fashion, not follow it! I am not troubled, save for your sake, + dear child!—for you know nothing of the world, and the ways of the + Court may at first offend you—” + </p> + <p> + “The ways of Hell must have seemed dark to Proserpine,” said Ronsard in + his harsh, strong voice; “But Love gave her light!” + </p> + <p> + “A very just reminder!” said Von Glauben, well pleased;—“Consider + Gloria to be the new Proserpine to-day! And now she must forgive me for + playing the part of a tyrannical friend, and urging her to hasten her + preparations.” + </p> + <p> + Gloria bent down and kissed Ronsard gently. + </p> + <p> + “Trust me, little father!” she whispered; “You have not taught me great + lessons of truth in vain!” + </p> + <p> + Aloud she said. + </p> + <p> + “The King and Queen wish to see me and speak with me,—and I know the + reason why! They desire to fully explain to me all that my husband has + already told me,—which is that according to the rules made for + monarchs, our marriage is inadmissible. Well!—I have my answer + ready; and you, Professor, shall hear me give it! Wait but a few moments + and I will come with you.” + </p> + <p> + She left the room. The two men looked at each other in silence. At last + Von Glauben said:— + </p> + <p> + “Ronsard, I think you will soon reap the reward of your ‘life-philosophy’ + system! You have fed that girl from her childhood on strong intellectual + food, and trained the mental muscles rather than the physical ones. Upon + my word, I believe you will see a good result!” + </p> + <p> + Ronsard, who had grown much calmer and quieter during the last few + minutes, raised himself a little from the chair into which he had sunk + with an air of fatigue, and looked dreamily towards the open lattice + window, where the roses hung in a curtain of crimson blossom. + </p> + <p> + “If it be so, I shall praise God!” he said; “But the years have come and + gone with me so peacefully since I made my home on these quiet shores, + that the exercise of what I have presumed to call ‘philosophy’ has had no + chance. Philosophy! It is well to preach it,—but when the blow of + misfortune falls, who can practise it?” + </p> + <p> + “You can,” replied the Professor;—“I can! Gloria can! I think we all + three have clear brains. There is a tendency in the present age to + overlook and neglect the greatest power in the whole human composition,—the + mental and psychical part of it. Now, in the present curious drama of + events, we have a chance given to exercise it; and it will be our own + faults if we do not make our wills rule our destinies!” + </p> + <p> + “But the position is intolerable—impossible!” said Ronsard, rising + and pacing the room with a fresh touch of agitation. “Nothing can do away + with the fact that we—my child and I—have been cruelly + deceived! And now there can be only one of two contingencies; Gloria must + be acknowledged as the Prince’s wife,—in which case he will be + forced to resign all claim to the Throne;—or he must marry again, + which makes her no wife at all. That is a disgrace which her pride would + never submit to, nor mine;—for did I not kill a king?” + </p> + <p> + “Let me advise you for the future not to allude to that disagreeable + incident!” said Von Glauben persuasively: “Exercise discretion,—as I + do! Observe that I do not ask you what king you killed;—I am as + careful on that matter as I am concerning the reasons for which I myself + left my native Fatherland! I make it a rule never to converse on painful + subjects. You tell me you have tried to atone; then believe that the + atonement is made, and that Gloria is the sign of its acceptance, and—happy + augury!—here she comes.” + </p> + <p> + They both instinctively turned to confront the girl as she entered. She + had changed her ordinary white homespun gown for another of the same kind, + equally simple, but fresh and unworn; her glorious bronze-chestnut hair + was unbound to its full rippling length, and was held back by a band or + fillet of curiously carved white coral, which surmounted the rich tresses + somewhat in the fashion of a small crown, and she carried, thrown over one + arm, the only kind of cloak she ever wore,—a burnous-like wrap of + the same white homespun as her dress, with a hood, which, as the Professor + slowly took out his glasses and fixed them on his nose out of mere + mechanical habit, to look at her more closely, she drew over her head and + shoulders, the soft folds about her exquisite face completing a classic + picture of such radiant beauty as is seldom seen nowadays among the + increasingly imperfect and repulsive specimens of female humanity which + ‘progress’ combined with sensuality, produce for the ‘advancement’ of the + race. + </p> + <p> + “I have no Court dress,” she said smiling; “And if I had I should not wear + it! The King and Queen shall see me as my husband sees me,—what + pleases him, must suffice to please them! I am quite ready!” + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben removed the spectacles he had needlessly put on. They were dim + with a moisture which he furtively polished off, blinking his eyes + meanwhile as if the light hurt him. He was profoundly moved—thrilled + to the very core of his soul by the simplicity, frankness and courage of + this girl whose education was chiefly out of wild Nature’s lesson-book, + and who knew nothing of the artificial world of fashion. + </p> + <p> + “And I, my princess, am at your service!” he said; “Ronsard, it is but a + few hours that we shall be absent. To-night with the rising of the moon we + shall return, and I doubt not with the Prince himself as chief escort! + Keep a good heart and have faith! All will be well!” + </p> + <p> + “All <i>shall</i> be well if Love can make it so!” said Ronsard;—“Gloria—my + child—!” He held out his wrinkled hands pathetically, unable to say + more. She sank on her knees before him, and tenderly drawing down those + hands upon her head, pressed them closely there. + </p> + <p> + “Your blessing, dearest!” she said; “Not in speech—but in thought!” + </p> + <p> + There was a moment’s sacred silence;—then Gloria rose, and throwing + her arms round the old man, the faithful protector of her infancy and + girlhood, kissed him tenderly. After that, she seemed to throw all + seriousness to the winds, and running out under the roses of the porch + made two or three light dancing steps across the lawn. + </p> + <p> + “Come!” she cried, her eyes sparkling, her face radiant with the gaiety of + her inward spirit; “Come, Professor! This is not what we call a poet’s day + of dreams,—it is a Royal day of nonsense! Come!” and here she drew + herself up with a stately air—“WE are prepared to confront the + King!” + </p> + <p> + The Professor caught the infection of her mirth, and quickly followed her; + and within the next half-hour Réné Ronsard, climbing slowly to the summit + of one of the nearest rocks on the shore adjacent to his dwelling, shaded + his eyes from the dazzling sunlight on the sea, and strained them to watch + the magnificent Royal yacht steaming swiftly over the tranquil blue water, + with one slight figure clad in white leaning against the mast, a figure + that waved its hand fondly towards The Islands, and of whom it might have + been said: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Her gaze was glad past love’s own singing of, + And her face lovely past desire of love!” + </pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. — A FAIR DÉBUTANTE + </h2> + <p> + That same afternoon there was a mysterious commotion at the Palace,—whispers + ran from lip to lip among the few who had seen her, that a beautiful + woman,—lovelier than the Queen herself,—had, under the escort + of the uncommunicative Professor von Glauben, passed into the presence of + the King and Queen, to receive the honour of a private audience. Who was + she? What was she? Where did she come from? How was she dressed? This last + question was answered first, being easiest to deal with. She was attired + all in white,—‘like a picture’ said some—‘like a statue’ said + others. No one, however, dared ask any direct question concerning her,—her + reception, whoever she was, being of a strictly guarded nature, and + peremptory orders having been given to admit no one to the Queen’s + presence-chamber, to which apartment she had been taken by the King’s + physician. But such dazzling beauty as hers could not go altogether + unnoticed by the most casual attendant, sentinel, or lord-in-waiting, and + the very fact that special commands had been issued to guard all the doors + of entrance to the Royal apartments on either hand, during her visit, only + served to pique and inflame the general curiosity. + </p> + <p> + Meantime,—while lesser and inferior personages were commenting on + the possibility of the unknown fair one being concerned with some dramatic + incident that might have to be included among the King’s numerous + gallantries,—the unconscious subject of their discussion was quietly + seated alone in an ante-room adjoining the Queen’s apartments, waiting + till Professor von Glauben should announce that their Majesties were ready + to receive her. She was not troubled or anxious, or in any way ill at + ease. She looked curiously upon the splendid evidences of Royal state, + wealth and luxury which surrounded her, with artistic appreciation but no + envy. She caught sight of her own face and figure in a tall mirror + opposite to her, set in a silver frame; and she studied herself quietly + and critically with the calm knowledge that there was nothing to deplore + or to regret in the way God and Nature had been pleased to make her. She + was not in the slightest degree vain,—but she knew that a healthy + and quiet mind in a healthy and unspoilt body, together form what is + understood as the highest beauty,—and that these two elements were + not lacking in her. Moreover, she was conscious of a great love warming + her heart and strengthening her soul,—and with this great + motive-force to brace her nerves and add extra charm to her natural + loveliness, she had no fear. She had enjoyed the swift voyage across the + sparkling sea, and the fresh air had made her eyes doubly lustrous, her + complexion even more than usually fair and brilliant. She did not permit + herself to be rendered unhappy or anxious as to the possible attitude of + the King and Queen towards her,—she was prepared for all + contingencies, and had fully made up her mind what to say. Therefore, + there was no need to fret over the position, or to be timorously concerned + because she was called upon to confront those who by human law alone were + made superior in rank to the rest of mankind. + </p> + <p> + “In God’s sight all men are equal!” she said to herself: “The King is a + mere helpless babe at birth, dependant on others,—as he is a mere + helpless corpse at death. It is only men’s own foolish ideas and + conventions of usage in life that make any difference!” + </p> + <p> + At that moment the Professor entered hurriedly, and impulsively seizing + her hands in his own, kissed them and pressed them tenderly. His face was + flushed—he was evidently strongly excited. + </p> + <p> + “Go in there now, Princess!” he whispered, pointing to the adjacent room, + of which the door stood ajar; “And may God be on your side!” + </p> + <p> + She rose up, and releasing her hands gently from his nervous grasp, + smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Do not be afraid!” she said; “You, too, are coming?” + </p> + <p> + “I follow you!” he replied. + </p> + <p> + And to himself he said: “Ach, Gott in Himmel! Will she keep her so + beautiful calm? If she will—if she can—a throne would be well + lost for such a woman!” + </p> + <p> + And he watched her with an admiration amounting almost to fear, as she + passed before him and entered the Royal presence-chamber with a proud + light step, a grace of bearing and a supreme distinction, which, had she + been there on a day of diplomatic receptions, would have made half the + women accustomed to attend Court, look like the merest vulgar plebeians. + </p> + <p> + The room she entered was very large and lofty. A dazzle of gold ceiling, + painted walls and mirrors flashed upon her eyes, with the hue of silken + curtains and embroidered hangings,—the heavy perfume of hundreds of + flowers in tall crystal vases and wide gilded stands made the air drowsy + and odorous, and for a moment, Gloria, just fresh from the sweet breath of + the sea, felt sickened and giddy,—but she recovered quickly, and + raised her eyes fearlessly to the two motionless figures, which, like + idols set in a temple for worship, waited her approach. The King, stiffly + upright, and arrayed in military uniform, stood near the Queen, who was + seated in a throne-like chair over-canopied with gold,—her trailing + robes were of a pale azure hue bordered with ermine, and touched here and + there with silver, giving out reflexes of light, stolen as it seemed from + the sea and sky,—and her beautiful face, with its clear-cut features + and cold pallor, might have been carved out of ivory, for all the interest + or emotion expressed upon it. Gloria came straight towards her, then + stopped. With her erect supple form, proud head and fair features, she + looked the living embodiment of sovereign womanhood,—and the Queen, + meeting the full starry glance of her eyes, stirred among her Royal + draperies, and raised herself with a slow graceful air of critical + observation, in which there was a touch of languid wonder mingled with + contempt. Still Gloria stood motionless,—neither abashed nor + intimidated,—she made no curtsey or reverential salutation of any + kind, and presently removing her gaze from the Queen, she turned to the + King. + </p> + <p> + “You sent for me,” she said; “And I have come. What do you want with me?” + </p> + <p> + The King smiled. What a dazzling Perfection was here, he thought! A second + Una unarmed, and strong in the courage of innocence! But he was acting a + special part, and he determined to play it well and thoroughly. So he gave + her no reply, but turned with a stiff air to Von Glauben. + </p> + <p> + “Tell the girl to make her obeisance to the Queen!” he said. + </p> + <p> + The Professor very reluctantly approached the ‘Glory-of-the-Sea’ with this + suggestion, cautiously whispered. Gloria obeyed at once. Moving swiftly to + the Queen’s chair, she bent low before her. + </p> + <p> + “Madam!” she said, “I am told to kneel to you, because you are the Queen,—but + it is not for that I do so. I kneel, because you are my husband’s mother!” + </p> + <p> + And raising the cold impassive hand covered with great gems, that rested + idly on the rich velvets so near to her touch, she gently kissed it,—then + rose up to her full height again. + </p> + <p> + “Is it always like this here?” she asked, gazing around her. “Do you + always sit thus in a chair, dressed grandly and quite silent?” + </p> + <p> + The smile deepened on the King’s face; the Queen, perforce moved at last + from her inertia, half rose with an air of amazement and indignation, and + Von Glauben barely saved himself from laughing outright. + </p> + <p> + “You,” continued Gloria, fixing her bright glance on the King; “You have + seen me before! You have spoken to me. Then why do you pretend not to know + me now? Is that Court manners? If so, they are not good or kind!” + </p> + <p> + The King relaxed his formal attitude, and addressed his Consort in a low + tone. + </p> + <p> + “It is no use dealing with this girl in the conventional way,” he said; + “She is a mere child at heart, simple and uneducated;—we must treat + her as such. Perhaps you will speak to her first?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Sir, I much prefer that you should do so,” she replied. “When I have + heard her answers to you, it will be perhaps my turn!” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon the King advanced a step or two, and Gloria regarded him + steadfastly. Meeting the pure light of those lovely eyes, he lost + something of his ordinary self-possession,—he was conscious of a + certain sense of embarrassment and foolishness;—his very uniform, + ablaze with gold and jewelled orders, seemed a clown’s costume compared + with the classic simplicity of Gloria’s homespun garb, which might have + fitly clothed a Greek goddess. Sensible of his nervous irritation, he + however overcame it by an effort, and summoning all his dignity, he + ‘graciously,’ as the newspaper parasites put it, extended his hand. Gloria + smiled archly. + </p> + <p> + “I kissed your hand the other day when you were cross!” she said; “You + would like it kissed again? There!” + </p> + <p> + And with easy grace of gesture she pressed her lips lightly upon it. It + would have needed something stronger than mere flesh and blood to resist + the natural playfulness and charm of her action, combined with her + unparalleled beauty, and the King, who was daily and hourly proving for + himself the power and intensity of that Spirit of Man which makes clamour + for higher things than Man’s conventionalities, became for the moment as + helplessly overwhelmed and defeated by a woman’s smile, a woman’s eyes, as + any hero of old times, whose conquests have been reported to us in history + as achieved for the sake of love and beauty. But he was compelled to + disguise his thoughts, and to maintain an outward expression of formality, + particularly in the presence of his Queen-Consort,—and he withdrew + the hand that bore her soft kiss upon it with a well-simulated air of + chill tolerance. Then he spoke gravely, in measured precise accents. + </p> + <p> + “Gloria Ronsard, we have sent for you in all kindness,” he said; “out of a + sincere wish to remedy any wrong which our son, the Crown Prince has, in + the light folly and hot impulse of his youth, done to you in your life. We + are given to understand that there is a boy-and-girl attachment between + you; that he won your attachment under a disguised identity, and that you + were thus innocently deceived,—and that, in order to satisfy his own + honourable scruples, as well as your sense of maidenly virtue, he has, + still under a disguise, gone through the ceremony of marriage with you. + Therefore, it seems that you now imagine yourself to be his lawful wife. + This is a very natural mistake for a girl to make who is as young and + inexperienced as you are, and I am sorry,—very sorry for the false + position in which my son the Crown Prince has so thoughtlessly placed you. + But, after very earnest consideration, I,—and the Queen also,—think + it much better for you to know the truth at once, so that you may fully + realize the situation, and then, by the exercise of a little common sense, + spare yourself any further delusion and pain. All we can do to repair the + evil, you may rest assured shall be done. But you must thoroughly + understand that the Crown Prince, as heir to the Throne, cannot marry out + of his own station. If he should presume to do so, through some mad and + hot-headed impulse, such a marriage is not admitted or agreed to by the + nation. Thus you will see plainly that, though you have gone through the + marriage ceremony with him, that counts as nothing in your case,—for, + according to the law of the realm, and in the sight of the world, you are + not, and cannot be his wife!” + </p> + <p> + Gloria raised her deep bright eyes and smiled. + </p> + <p> + “No?” she said, and then was silent. + </p> + <p> + The King regarded her with surprise, and a touch of anger. He had expected + tears, passionate declamations, and reiterated assurances of the + unalterable and indissoluble tie between herself and her lover, but this + little indifferently-queried “No?” upset all his calculations. + </p> + <p> + “Have you nothing to say?” he asked, somewhat sternly. + </p> + <p> + “What should I say?” she responded, still smiling; “You are the King; it + is for you to speak!” + </p> + <p> + “She does not understand you, Sir,” interrupted the Queen coldly; “Your + words are possibly too elaborate for her simple comprehension!” + </p> + <p> + Gloria turned a fearless beautiful glance upon her. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, Madam, but I do understand!” she said; “I understand that by + the law of God I am your son’s wife, and that by the law of the world I am + no wife! I abide by the law of God!” + </p> + <p> + There was a moment’s dead silence. Professor von Glauben gave a discreet + cough to break it, and the King, reminded of his presence turned towards + him. + </p> + <p> + “Has she no sense of the position?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I have every reason to believe that she grasps it thoroughly!” + replied Von Glauben with a deferential bow. + </p> + <p> + “Then why——” + </p> + <p> + But here he was again interrupted by the Queen. She, raising herself in + her chair, her beautiful head and shoulders lifted statue-like from her + enshrining draperies of azure and white, stretched forth a hand and + beckoned Gloria towards her. + </p> + <p> + “Come here, child!” she said; then as Gloria advanced with evident + reluctance, she added; “Come closer—you must not be afraid of me!” + </p> + <p> + Gloria smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Madam, trouble not yourself at all in that regard! I never was + afraid of anyone!” + </p> + <p> + A shadow of annoyance darkened the Queen’s fair brows. + </p> + <p> + “Since you have no fear, you may equally have no shame!” she said in + icy-cold accents; “Therefore it is easy to understand why you deliberately + refuse to see the harm and cruelty done to our son, the Crown Prince, by + his marriage with you, if such marriage were in the least admissible, + which fortunately for all concerned, it is not. He is destined to occupy + the Throne, and he must wed someone who is fit to share it. Kings and + princes may love where they choose,—but they can only marry where + they must! You are my son’s first love;—the thought and memory of + that may perhaps be a consolation to you,—but do not assume that you + will be his last!” + </p> + <p> + Gloria drew back from her; her face had paled a little. + </p> + <p> + “You can speak so!” she said sorrowfully; “You,—his mother! Poor + Queen—poor woman! I am sorry for you!” + </p> + <p> + Without pausing to notice the crimson flush of vexation that flew over the + Queen’s delicate face at her words, she turned, now with some haughtiness, + to the King. + </p> + <p> + “Speak plainly!” she said; “What is it you want of me?” + </p> + <p> + Her flashing eyes, her proud look startled him—he moved back a step + or two. Then he replied with as much firmness and dignity as he could + assume. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing is wanted of you, my child, but obedience and loyalty! Resign all + claim upon the Crown Prince as his wife; promise never to see him again, + or correspond with him,—and—you shall lose nothing by the + sacrifice you make of your little love affair to the good of the country.” + </p> + <p> + “The good of the country!” echoed Gloria in thrilling tones. “Do <i>you</i> + know anything about it? You—who never go among your people except to + hunt and shoot and amuse yourself generally? You, who permit wicked liars + and spendthrifts to gamble with the people’s money! The good of the + country! If my life could only lift the burden of taxation from the + country, I would lay it down gladly and freely! If I were Queen, do you + think I could be like her?” and she stretched forth her white arm to where + the Queen, amazed, had risen from her seat, and now stood erect, her rich + robes trailing yards on the ground, and flashing at every point with + jewels. “Do you think I could sit unmoved, clad in rich velvet and gems, + while one single starving creature sought bread within my kingdom? Nay, I + would sell everything I possessed and go barefoot rather! I would be a + sister, not a mere ‘patroness’ to the poor;—I would never wear a + single garment that had not been made for me by the workers of my own + land;—and the ‘good of the country’ should be ‘good’ indeed, not + ‘bad,’ as it is now!” + </p> + <p> + Breathless with the sudden rush of her thoughts into words, she stood with + heaving bosom and sparkling eyes, the incarnation of eloquence and + inspiration, and before the astonished monarch could speak, she went on. + </p> + <p> + “I am your son’s wife! He loves me—he has wedded me honourably and + lawfully. You wish me to disclaim that. I will not! From him and him + alone, must come my dismissal from his heart, his life and his soul. If he + desires his marriage with me dissolved, let him tell me so himself face to + face, and before you and his mother! Then I shall be content to be no more + his wife. But not till then! I will promise nothing without his consent. + He is my husband,—and to him I owe my first obedience. I seek no + honour, no rank, no wealth,—but I have won the greatest treasure in + this world, his love!—and that I will keep!” + </p> + <p> + A door opened at the further end of the room—a curtain was quietly + pushed aside, and the Crown Prince entered. With a composed, almost formal + demeanour, he saluted the King and Queen, and then going up to Gloria, + passed his arm around her waist, and held her fast. + </p> + <p> + “When you have concluded your interview with my wife, Sir,—an + interview of which I had no previous knowledge,” he said quietly, + addressing the King; “I shall be glad to have one of my own with her!” + </p> + <p> + The King answered him calmly enough. + </p> + <p> + “Your wife,—as you call her,—is a very incorrigible young + person,” he said. “The sooner she returns to her companions, the + fisher-folk on The Islands, the better! From her looks I imagined she + might have sense; but I fear that is lacking to her composition! However, + she is perfectly willing to consider her marriage with you dissolved, if + you desire it. I trust you <i>will</i> desire it;—here, now, and at + once, in my presence and that of the Queen, your mother;—and thus a + very unpleasant and unfortunate incident in your career will be + satisfactorily closed!” + </p> + <p> + Prince Humphry smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Dissolve the heavens and its stars into a cup of wine, and drink them all + down at one gulp!” he said; “And then, perhaps, you may dissolve my + marriage with this lady! If you consider it illegal, put the question to + the Courts of Law;—to the Pope, who most strenuously supports the + sanctity of the marriage-tie;—ask all who know anything of the + sacrament, whether, when two people love each other, and are bound by holy + matrimony to be as one, and are mutually resolved to so remain, any + earthly power can part them! ‘Those whom God hath joined together, let no + man put asunder.’ Is that mere lip mockery, or is it a holy bond?” + </p> + <p> + The King gave an impatient gesture. + </p> + <p> + “There is no use in argument,” he said, “when argument has to be carried + on with such children as yourselves. What cannot be done by persuasion, + must be done by force. I wished to act kindly and reasonably by both of + you—and I had hoped better things from this interview,—but as + matters have turned out, it may as well be concluded.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait!” said Gloria, disengaging herself gently from her husband’s + embrace; “I have something to say which ought to meet your wishes, even + though it may not be all you desire. I will not promise to give up my + husband;—I will not promise never to see him, and never to write to + him—but I will swear to you one thing that should completely put + your fears and doubts of me at rest!” + </p> + <p> + Both the King and Queen looked at her wonderingly;—a brighter, more + delicate beauty seemed to invest her,—she stood very proudly + upright, her small head lifted,—her rich hair glistening in the soft + sunshine that streamed in subdued tints through the high stained-glass + windows of the room,—her figure, slight and tall, was like that of + the goddess dreamt of by Endymion. + </p> + <p> + “You are so unhappy already,” she continued, turning to the Queen; “You + have lost so much, and you need so much, that I should be sorry to add to + your burden of grief! If I thought I could make you glad,—if I + thought I could make you see the world through my eyes, with all the + patient, loving human hearts about you, waiting for the sympathy you never + give; I would come to you often, and try to find the warm pulse of you + somewhere under all that splendour which you clothe yourself in, and which + is as valueless to me as the dust on the common road! And if I could show + <i>you</i>” and here she fixed her steadfast glance upon the King,—“where + you might win friends instead of losing them,—if I could persuade + you to look and see where the fires of Revolution are beginning to + smoulder and kindle under your very Throne,—if I could bear messages + from you of compassion and tenderness to all the disaffected and disloyal, + I would ask you on my knees to let me be your daughter in affection, as I + am by marriage; and I would unveil to you the secrets of your own kingdom, + which is slowly but steadily rising against you! But you judge me wrongly—you + estimate me falsely,—and where I might have given aid, your own + misconception of me makes me useless! You consider me low-born and a mere + peasant! How can you be sure of that?—for truly I do not know who I + am, or where I came from. For aught I can tell, the storm was my father, + and the sea my mother,—but my parents may as easily have been Royal! + You judge me half-educated,—and wholly unworthy to be your son’s + wife. Will the ladies of your Court compete with me in learning? I am + ready! What I hear of their attainments has not as yet commanded my + respect or admiration,—and you yourself as King, do nothing to show + that you care for either art or learning! I wonder, indeed, that you + should even pause to consider whether your son’s wife is educated or not!” + </p> + <p> + Absolutely silent, the King kept his eyes upon her. He was experiencing a + novel sensation which was altogether delightful to him, and more + instructive than any essay or sermon. He, the ostensible ruler of the + country, was face to face with a woman who had no fear of him,—no + awe for his position,—no respect for his rank, but who simply spoke + to him as though he had been any ordinary person. He saw a scarcely + perceptible smile on his son’s handsome features,—he saw that Von + Glauben’s eyes twinkled, despite his carefully preserved seriousness of + demeanour, and he realized the almost absurd powerlessness of his + authority in such an embarrassing position. The assumption of a mute + contempt, such as was vaguely expressed by the Queen, appeared to him to + be the best policy;—he therefore adopted that attitude, without + however producing the least visible effect. Gloria’s face, softly flushed + with suppressed emotion, looked earnest and impassioned, but neither + abashed nor afraid. + </p> + <p> + “I have read many histories of kings,” she continued slowly; “Of their + treacheries and cruelties; of their neglect of their people! Seldom have + they been truly great! The few who are reported as wise, lived and reigned + so many ages ago, that we cannot tell whether their virtues were indeed as + admirable as described,—or whether their vices were not condoned by + a too-partial historian. A Throne has no attraction for me! The only + sorrow I have ever known in my life, is the discovery that the man I love + best in the world is a king’s son! Would to God he were poor and + unrenowned as I thought him to be, when I married him!—for so we + should always have been happy. But now I have to think for him as well as + for myself;—his position is as hard as mine,—and we accept our + fate as a trial of our love. Love cannot be forced,—it must root + itself, and grow where it will. It has made us two as one;—one in + thought,—one in hope,—one in faith! No earthly power can part + us. You would marry him to another woman, and force him to commit a great + sin ‘for the good of the country’? I tell you, if you do that,—if + any king or prince does that,—God’s curse will surely fall upon the + Throne, and all that do inherit it!” + </p> + <p> + She did not raise her voice,—she spoke in low thrilling accents, + without excitement, but with measured force and calm. Then she beckoned + the Crown Prince to her side. He instantly obeyed her gesture. Taking him + by the hand, she advanced a little, and with him confronted both the King + and Queen. + </p> + <p> + “Hear me, your Majesties both!” she said in clear, firm accents; “And when + you have heard, be satisfied as to ‘the good of the country,’ and let me + depart to my own home in peace, away from all your crushing and miserable + conventions. I take your son by the hand, and even as I swore my faith to + him at the marriage altar, so I swear to you that he is free to follow his + own inclination;—his law is mine,—his will my pleasure,—and + in everything I shall obey him, save in this one decree, which I make for + myself in your Majesties’ sovereign presence—that never, so help me + God, will I claim or share my husband’s rank as Crown Prince, or set foot + within this palace, which is his home, again, till a greater voice than + that of any king,—the voice of the Nation itself, calls upon me to + do so!” + </p> + <p> + This proud declaration was entirely unexpected; and both the King and + Queen regarded the beautiful speaker in undisguised amazement. She, gently + dropping the Prince’s hand, met their eyes with a wistful pathos in her + own. + </p> + <p> + “Will that satisfy you?” she asked, a slight tremor shaking her voice as + she put the question. + </p> + <p> + The King at once advanced, and now spoke frankly, and without any + ceremony. + </p> + <p> + “Assuredly! You are a brave girl! True to your love, and true to the + country at one and the same time! But while I accept your vow, let me warn + you not to indulge in any lurking hope or feeling that the Nation will + ever recognize your marriage. Your own willingly-taken oath at this moment + practically makes it null and void, so far as the State is concerned;—but + perhaps it strengthens it as a bond of—youthful passion!” + </p> + <p> + An open admiration flashed in his bold fine eyes as he spoke,—and + Gloria grew pale. With an involuntary movement she turned towards the + Queen. + </p> + <p> + “You—Madam—you—Ah! No,—not you!—you are + cruel!—you have not a woman’s heart! My love—my husband!” + </p> + <p> + The Prince was at once beside her, and she clung to him trembling. + </p> + <p> + “Take me away!” she whispered; “Take me away altogether—this place + stifles me!” + </p> + <p> + He caught her in his strong young arms, and was about to lead her to the + door, when she suddenly appeared to remember something, and releasing + herself from his clasp, put him away from her with a faint smile. + </p> + <p> + “No, dearest! You must stay here;—stay here and make your father and + mother understand all that I have said. Tell them I mean to keep my vow. + You know how thoroughly I mean it! The Professor will take me home!” + </p> + <p> + Then the Queen moved, and came towards her with her usual slow noiseless + grace. + </p> + <p> + “Let me thank you!” she said, with an air of gracious condescension; “You + are a very good girl, and I am sure you will keep your word! You are so + beautiful that you are bound to do well; and I hope your future life will + be a happy one!” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so, Madam!” replied Gloria slowly; “I think it will! If it is not + happier than yours, I shall indeed be unfortunate!” + </p> + <p> + The Queen drew back, offended; but the King, who had been whispering aside + to Von Glauben, now approached and said kindly. + </p> + <p> + “You must not go away, my child, without some token of our regard. Wear + this for Our sake!” + </p> + <p> + He offered her a chain of gold bearing a simple yet exquisitely designed + pendant of choice pearls. Her face crimsoned, and she pushed it + disdainfully aside. + </p> + <p> + “Keep it, Sir, for those whose love and faith can be purchased with + jewelled toys! Mine cannot! You mean kindly no doubt,—but a gift + from you is an offence, not an honour! Fare-you-well!” + </p> + <p> + Another moment and she was gone. Von Glauben, at a sign from the King, + hastily followed her. Prince Humphry, who had remained almost entirely + mute during the scene, now stood with folded arms opposite his Royal + parents, still silent and rigid. The King watched him for a minute or two—then + laid a hand gently on his arm. + </p> + <p> + “We do not blame you over-much, Humphry!” he said; “She is a beautiful + creature, and more intelligent than I had imagined. Moreover she has great + calmness, as well as courage.” + </p> + <p> + Still the Prince said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “You are satisfied, Madam, I presume?” went on the King addressing his + Consort;—“The girl could hardly make a more earnest vow of + abnegation than she has done. And when Humphry has travelled for a year + and seen other lands, other manners, and other faces, we may look upon + this boyish incident in his career as finally closed. I think both you and + I can rest assured that there will be no further cause for anxiety?” + </p> + <p> + He put the question carelessly. The Queen bent her head in acquiescence, + but her eyes were fixed upon her son, who still said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “We have not received any promise from Humphry himself,” she said; + “Apparently he is not disposed to take a similar oath of loyalty!” + </p> + <p> + “Truly, Madam, you judge me rightly for once!” said the Prince, quietly; + “I am certainly not disposed to do anything but to be master of my own + thoughts and actions.” + </p> + <p> + “Remain so, Humphry, by all means!” said the King indulgently. “The + present circumstances being so far favourable, we exact nothing more from + you. Love will be love, and passion must have its way with boys of your + age. I impose no further restriction upon you. The girl’s own word is to + me sufficient bond for the preservation of your high position. All young + men have their little secret love-affairs; we shall not blame you for + yours now, seeing, as we do, the satisfactory end of it in sight! But I + fear we are detaining you!” This with elaborate politeness. “If you wish + to follow your fair <i>inamorata</i>, the way is clear! You may retire!” + </p> + <p> + Without any haste, but with formal military stiffness the Prince saluted,—and + turning slowly on his heel, left the presence-chamber. Alone, the King and + his beautiful Queen-Consort looked questioningly at one another. + </p> + <p> + “What think you, Madam, of the heroine of this strange love-story?” he + asked with a touch of bitterness in his voice. “Does it not strike you + that even in this arid world of much deception, there may be after all + such a thing as innocence?—such a treasure as true and trusting + love? Were not the eyes of this girl Gloria, when lifted to your face, + something like the eyes of a child who has just said its prayers to God,—who + fears nothing and loves all? Yet I doubt whether you were moved!” + </p> + <p> + “Were you?” she asked indifferently, yet with a strange fluttering at her + heart, which she could not herself comprehend. + </p> + <p> + “I was!” he answered. “I confess it! I was profoundly touched to see a + girl of such beauty and innocence confront us here, with no other shield + against our formal and ridiculous conventionalities, save the pure + strength of her own love for Humphry, and her complete trust in him. It is + easy to see that her life hangs on his will; it is not so much her with + whom we have to deal, as with him. What he says, she will evidently obey. + If he tells her he has ceased to love her, she will die quite + uncomplainingly; but so long as he does love her, she will live, and + expand in beauty and intelligence on that love alone; and you may be + assured, Madam, that in that case, he will never wed another woman! Nor + could I possibly blame him, for he is bound to find all—or most + women inferior to her!” + </p> + <p> + She regarded him wonderingly. + </p> + <p> + “Your admiration of her is keen, Sir!” she said, amazed to find herself + somewhat irritated. “Perhaps if she were not morganatically your + daughter-in-law, you might be your son’s rival?” + </p> + <p> + He turned upon her indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “Madam, the days were, when you, as my wife, had it in your power to admit + no rivals to the kingdom of your own beauty! Since then, I confess, you + have had many! But they have been worthless rivals all,—crazed with + their own vanity and greed, and empty of truth and honour. A month or two + before I came to the Throne, I was beginning to think that women were + viler than vermin,—I had grown utterly weary of their beauty,—weary—ay, + sick to death of their alluring eyes, sensual lips, and too freely-offered + caresses; the uncomely, hard-worked woman, earning bread for her + half-starved children, seemed the only kind of feminine creature for which + I could have any respect—but now—I am learning that there <i>are</i> + good women who are fair to see,—women who have hearts to love and + suffer, and who are true—ay—true as the sun in heaven to the + one man they worship!” + </p> + <p> + “A man who is generally quite unworthy of them!” said the Queen with a + chill laugh; “Your eloquence, Sir, is very touching, and no doubt leads + further than I care to penetrate! The girl Gloria is certainly beautiful, + and no doubt very innocent and true at present,—but when Humphry + tires of her, as he surely will, for all men quickly tire of those that + love them best,—she will no doubt sink into the ordinary ways of + obtaining consolation. I know little concerning these amazingly good women + you speak of; and nothing concerning good men! But I quite agree with you + that many women are to be admired for their hard work. You see when once + they do begin to work, men generally keep them at it!” She gathered up her + rich train on one arm, and prepared to leave the apartment. “If you + think,” she continued, “as you now say, that Humphry will never change his + present sentiments, and never marry any other woman, the girl’s oath is a + mere farce and of no avail!” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, it is of much avail,” said the King, “for she has sworn + before us both never to claim any right to share in Humphry’s position, + till the nation itself asks her to do so. Now as the nation will never + know of the marriage at all, the ‘call’ will not be forthcoming.” + </p> + <p> + The Queen paused in the act of turning away. + </p> + <p> + “If you were to die,” she said; “Humphry would be King. And as King, he is + quite capable of making Gloria Queen!” + </p> + <p> + He looked at her very strangely. + </p> + <p> + “Madam, in the event of my death, all things are possible!” he said; “A + dying Sovereignty may give birth to a Republic!” + </p> + <p> + The Queen smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it is the most popular form of government nowadays,” she responded, + carelessly moving slowly towards the door; “And perhaps the most + satisfactory. I think if I were not a Queen, I should be a republican!” + </p> + <p> + “And I, if I were not a King,” he responded, “should be a Socialist! Such + are the strange contradictions of human nature! Permit me!” He opened the + door of the room for her to pass out,—and as she did so, she looked + up full in his face. + </p> + <p> + “Are you still interested in your new form of amusement?” she said; “And + do you still expose yourself to danger and death?” + </p> + <p> + He bowed assent. + </p> + <p> + “Still am I a fool in a new course of folly, Madam!” he answered with a + smile, and a half sigh. “So many of my brother monarchs are wadded round + like peaches in wool, with precautions for their safety, lest they bruise + at a touch, that I assure you I take the chances of danger and death as + exhilarating sport, compared to their guarded condition. But it is very + good of you to assume such a gracious solicitude for my safety!” + </p> + <p> + “Assume?” she said. Her voice had a slight tremor in it,—her eyes + looked soft and suffused with something like tears. Then, with her usual + stately grace, she saluted him, and passed out. + </p> + <p> + Struck at the unwonted expression in her face, he stood for a moment + amazed. Then he gave vent to a low bitter laugh. + </p> + <p> + “How strange it would be if she should love me now!” he murmured. “But—after + all these years—too late! Too late!” + </p> + <p> + That night before the King retired to rest, Professor von Glauben reported + himself and his duty to his Majesty in the privacy of his own apartments. + He had, he stated, accompanied Gloria back to her home in The Islands; + and, he added somewhat hesitatingly, the Crown Prince had returned with + her, and had there remained. He, the Professor, had left them together, + being commanded by the Prince so to do. + </p> + <p> + The King received this information with perfect equanimity. + </p> + <p> + “The boy must have his way for the present,” he said. “His passion will + soon exhaust itself. All passion exhausts itself sooner or—later!” + </p> + <p> + “That depends very much on the depth or shallowness of its source, Sir,” + replied the Professor. + </p> + <p> + “True! But a boy!—a mere infant in experience! What can he know of + the depths in the heart and soul! Now a man of my age——” + </p> + <p> + He broke off abruptly, seeing Von Glauben’s eyes fixed steadfastly upon + him, and the colour deepened in his cheek. Then he gave a slight laugh. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, Von Glauben, this little love-affair—this absurd + toy-marriage is not worth thinking about. Humphry leaves the country at + the end of this month,—he will remain absent a year,—and at + the expiration of that time we shall marry him in good earnest to a + royally-born bride. Meanwhile, let us not trouble ourselves about this + sentimental episode, which is so rapidly drawing to its close.” + </p> + <p> + The Professor bowed respectfully and retired. But not to sleep. He had a + glowing picture before his eyes,—a picture he could not forget, of + the Crown Prince and Gloria standing with arms entwined about each other + under the rose-covered porch of Ronsard’s cottage saying “Good-night” to + him, while Ronsard himself, his tranquillity completely restored, and his + former fears at rest, warmly shook his hand, and with a curious mingling + of pride and deference thanked him for all his friendship—‘all his + goodness!’ + </p> + <p> + “And no goodness at all is mine,” said the meditative Professor, “save + that of being as honest as I can to both sides! But there is some change + in the situation which I do not quite understand. There is some new plan + on foot I would swear! The Prince was too triumphant—Gloria too + happy—Ronsard too satisfied! There is something in the wind!—but + I cannot make out what it is!” + </p> + <p> + He pondered uneasily for a part of the night, reflecting that when he had + returned from The Islands in the King’s yacht, he had met the Prince’s own + private vessel on her way thither, gliding over the waves, a mere ghostly + bunch of white sails in the glimmering moon. He had concluded that it was + under orders to embark the Prince for home again in the morning; and yet, + though this was a perfectly natural and probable surmise, he had been + unable to rid himself altogether of a doubtful presentiment, to which he + could give no name. By degrees, he fell into an uneasy slumber, in which + he had many incompleted dreams,—one of which was that he found + himself all alone on the wide ocean which stretched for thousands of miles + beyond The Islands,—alone in a small boat, endeavouring to row it + towards the great Southern Continent that lay afar off in the invisible + distance,—where few but the most adventurous travellers ever cared + to wander. And as he pulled with weak, ineffectual oars against the mighty + weight of the rolling billows, he thought he heard the words of an old + Irish song which he remembered having listened to, when as quite a young + man he had paid his first and last visit to the misty and romantic shores + of Britain. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Come o’er the sea + <i>Cushla ma chree</i>!— + Mine through sunshine, storm and snows!— + Seasons may roll, + But the true soul, + Burns the same wherever it goes; + Let fate frown on, so we love and part not, + ‘T is life where thou art, ‘t is death where thou art not! + Then come o’er the sea, + <i>Cushla ma chree</i>! + Mine wherever the wild wind blows!” + </pre> + <p> + Then waking with a violent start, he wondered what set of brain-cells had + been stirred to reproduce rhymes that he had, or so he deemed, long ago + forgotten. And still musing, he almost mechanically went on with the wild + ditty. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Was not the sea + Made for the free, + Land for Courts and chains alone!— + Here we are slaves, + But on the waves, + Love and liberty are our own!” + </pre> + <p> + “This will never do!” he exclaimed, leaping from his bed; “I am becoming a + mere driveller with advancing age!” + </p> + <p> + He went to the window and looked out. It was about six o’clock in the + morning,—the sun was shining brightly into his room. Before him lay + the sea, calm as a lake, and clear-sparkling as a diamond;—not a + boat was in sight;—not a single white sail on the distant horizon. + And in the freshness and stillness of the breaking day, the world looked + but just newly created. + </p> + <p> + “How we fret and fume in our little span of life!” he murmured. “A few + years hence, and for us all the troubles which we make for ourselves will + be ended! But the sun and the sea will shine on just the same—and + Love, the supremest power on earth, will still govern mankind, when + thrones and kings and empires are no more!” + </p> + <p> + His thoughts were destined to bear quick fruition. The morning deepened + into noon—and at that hour a sealed dispatch brought by a sailor, + who gave no name and who departed as soon as he had delivered his packet, + was handed to the King. It was from the Crown Prince, and ran briefly + thus:— + </p> + <p> + “At your command, Sir, and by my own desire, I have left the country over + which you hold your sovereign dominion. Whither I travel, and how, is my + own affair. I shall return no more <i>till the Nation demands my service</i>,—whereof + I shall doubtless hear should such a contingency ever arise. I leave you + to deal with the situation as seems best to your good pleasure and that of + the Government,—but the life God has given me can only be lived + once, and to Him alone am I responsible for it. I am resolved therefore to + live it to my own liking,—in honesty, faith and freedom. In + accordance with this determination, Gloria, my wife, as in her sworn + marriage-duty bound, goes with me.” + </p> + <p> + For one moment the King stood transfixed and astounded; a cloud of anger + darkened his brows. Crumpling up the document in his hand, he was about to + fling it from him in a fury. What! This mere boy and girl had baffled the + authority of a king! Anon, his anger cooled—his countenance cleared. + Smoothing the paper out he read its contents again,—then smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Well! Humphry has something of me in him after all!” he said. “He is not + entirely his mother! He has a heart,—a will, and a conscience,—all + three generally lacking to sons of kings! Let me be honest with myself! If + he had given way to me, I should have despised him!—‘but for Love’s + sake he has opposed me; and by my soul!—I respect him!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. — THE KING’S DEFENDER + </h2> + <p> + Rumour, we are told, has a million tongues, and they were soon all at + work, wagging out the news of the Crown Prince’s mysterious departure. + Each tongue told a different story, and none of the stories tallied. No + information was to be obtained at Court. There nothing was said, but that + the Prince, disliking the formal ceremony of a public departure, had + privately set sail in his own yacht for his projected tour round the + world. Nobody believed this; and the general impression soon gained ground + that the young man had fallen into disgrace with his Royal parents, and + had been sent away for a time till he should recognize the enormity of his + youthful indiscretions. + </p> + <p> + “Sent away—you understand!” said the society gossips; “To avoid + further scandal!” + </p> + <p> + The Prince’s younger brothers, Rupert and Cyprian, were often plied with + questions by their intimates, but knowing nothing, and truly caring less, + they could give no explanation. Neither King nor Queen spoke a word on the + subject; and Sir Roger de Launay, astonished and perplexed beyond measure + as he was at this turn in affairs, dared not put any questions even to his + friend Professor von Glauben who, as soon as the news of the Prince’s + departure was known, resolutely declined to speak, so he said, “on what + did not concern him.” Gradually, however, this excitement partially + subsided to give place to other forms of social commotion, which beginning + in trifles, swiftly expanded to larger and more serious development. The + first of these was the sudden rise of a newspaper which had for many years + subsisted with the greatest difficulty in opposition to the many journals + governed by David Jost. It happened in this manner. + </p> + <p> + Several leading articles written in favour of a Jesuit settlement in the + country, had appeared constantly in Jost’s largest and most widely + circulated newspaper, and the last of these ‘leaders,’ had concluded with + the assertion that though his Majesty, the King, had at first refused the + portion of Crown-lands needed by the Society for building, he had now + ‘graciously’ re-considered the situation, and had been pleased to revoke + his previous decision. Whereat, the very next morning the rival ‘daily’ + had leaped into prominence by merely two headlines: + </p> + <h3> + THE JESUIT SETTLEMENT STATEMENT BY HIS MAJESTY THE KING. + </h3> + <p> + And there, plainly set forth, was the Royal and authoritative refusal to + grant the lands required, ‘Because of the earnest petition of our loving + subjects against the said grant,’—and till ‘our loving subjects’’ + objections were removed, the lands would be withheld. This public + announcement signed by the King in person, created the most extraordinary + sensation throughout the whole country. It was the one topic at every + social meeting; it was the one subject of every sermon. Preachers stormed + and harangued in every pulpit, and Monsignor Del Fortis, lifting up his + harsh raucous voice in the Cathedral itself, addressed an enormous + congregation one Sunday morning on the matter, and denounced the King, the + Queen, and the mysteriously-departed Crown Prince in the most orthodox + Christian manner, commending them to the flames of hell, and the mercy of + a loving God at one and the same moment. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the newspaper that had been permitted to publish the King’s + statement got its circulation up by tens of thousands, the more so as + certain brilliant and fiery articles on the political situation began to + appear therein signed by one Pasquin Leroy, a stranger to the reading + public, but in whom the spirit of a modern ‘Junius’ appeared to have + entered for the purpose of warning, threatening and commanding. A scathing + and audacious attack upon Carl Pérousse, Secretary of State, in which the + small darts of satire flew further than the sharpest arrows of assertion, + was among the first of these, and Pérousse himself, maddened like a bull + at the first prick of the toreador, by the stinging truths the writer + uttered, or rather suggested, lost no time in summoning General Bernhoff + to a second interview. + </p> + <p> + “Did I not tell you,” he said, pointing to the signature at the end of the + offending article, “to ‘shadow’ that man, and arrest him as a common spy?” + </p> + <p> + Bernhoff bowed stiffly. + </p> + <p> + “You did! But it is difficult to arrest one who is not capable of being + arrested. I must be provided first with proofs of his guilt; and I must + also obtain the King’s order.” + </p> + <p> + “Proofs should be easy enough for you to obtain,” said Pérousse fiercely; + “And the King will sign any warrant he is told. At least, you can surely + find this rascal out?—where he lives, and what are his means of + subsistence?” + </p> + <p> + “If he were here, I could,” responded Bernhoff calmly; “I have made all + the necessary preliminary enquiries. The man is a gentleman of + considerable wealth. He writes for his own amusement, and—from a + distance. I advise you—” and here the General held up an + obstinate-looking finger of warning; “I advise you, I say, to let him + alone! I can find no proof whatever that he is a spy.” + </p> + <p> + “Proof! I can give you enough—” began Pérousse hotly, then paused in + confusion. For what could he truly say? If he told the Chief of Police + that this Pasquin Leroy was believed to have counterfeited the Prime + Minister’s signet, in order to obtain an interview with David Jost, why + then the Chief of Police would be informed once and for all that the Prime + Minister was in confidential communication with the Jew-proprietor of a + stock-jobbing newspaper! And that would never do! It would, at the least, + be impolitic. Inwardly chafing with annoyance, he assumed an outward air + of conscientious gravity. + </p> + <p> + “You will regret it, General, I think, if you do not follow out my + suggestions respecting this man,” he said coldly; “He is writing for the + press in a strain which is plainly directed against the Government. Of + course we statesmen pay little or no heed to modern journalism, but the + King, having taken the unusual, and as I consider it, unwise step of + proclaiming certain of his intentions in a newspaper which was, until his + patronage, obscure and unsuccessful, the public attention has been + suddenly turned towards this particular journal; and what is written + therein may possibly influence the masses as it would not have done a few + weeks ago.” + </p> + <p> + “I quite believe that!” said Bernhoff tersely; “But I cannot arrest a man + for writing clever things. Literary talent is no proof of dishonesty.” + </p> + <p> + Pérousse looked at him sharply. But there was no satire in Bernhoff’s + fixed and glassy eye, and no expression whatever in his woodenly-composed + countenance. + </p> + <p> + “We entertain different opinions on the matter, it is evident!” he said; + “You will at least grant that if he cannot be arrested, he can be + carefully watched?” + </p> + <p> + “He <i>is</i> carefully watched!” replied Bernhoff; “That is to say, as + far as <i>I</i> can watch him!” + </p> + <p> + “Good!” and Pérousse smiled, somewhat relieved. “Then on the first + suspicion of a treasonable act——” + </p> + <p> + “I shall arrest him—in the King’s name, when the King signs the + warrant,” said Bernhoff; “But he is one of Sergius Thord’s followers, and + at the present juncture it might be unwise to touch any member of that + particularly inflammable body.” + </p> + <p> + Pérousse frowned. + </p> + <p> + “Sergius Thord ought to have been hanged or shot years ago——” + </p> + <p> + “Then why did not you hang or shoot him?” enquired Bernhoff. + </p> + <p> + “I was not in office.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you not hang or shoot him now?” + </p> + <p> + “Why? Because——” + </p> + <p> + “Because,” interrupted Bernhoff, again lifting his grim warning finger; + “If you did, the city would be in a tumult and more than half the soldiery + would be on the side of the mob! By way of warning, M. Pérousse, I may as + well tell you frankly, on the authority of my position as Head of the + Police, that the Government are on the edge of a dangerous situation!” + </p> + <p> + Pérousse looked contemptuous. + </p> + <p> + “Every Government in the world is on the edge of a dangerous situation + nowadays!” he retorted;—“But any Government that yields to the mob + proves itself a mere ministry of cowardice.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet the mob often wins,—not only by excess of numbers, but by sheer + force of—honesty!”—said Bernhoff sententiously; “It has been + known to sweep away, and re-make political constitutions before now.” + </p> + <p> + “It has,”—agreed Pérousse, drawing pens and paper towards him, and + feigning to be busily occupied in the commencement of a letter—“But + it will not indulge itself in such amusements during <i>my</i> time!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I wonder how long your time will last!” muttered Bernhoff to himself + as he withdrew—“Six months or six days? I would not bet on the + longer period!” + </p> + <p> + In good truth there was considerable reason for the General’s dubious + outlook on affairs. A political storm was brewing. A heavy tidal wave of + discontent was sweeping the masses of the people stormily against the + rocks of existing authority, and loud and bitter and incessant were the + complaints on all sides against the increased taxation levied upon every + rate-payer. Fiercest of all was the clamour made by the poor at the + increasing price of bread, the chief necessity of life; for the imposition + of a heavy duty upon wheat and other cereals had made the common loaf of + the peasant’s daily fare almost an article of luxury. Stormy meetings were + held in every quarter of the city,—protests were drawn up and signed + by thousands,—endless petitions were handed to the King,—but + no practical result came from these. His Majesty was ‘graciously pleased’ + to seem blind, deaf and wholly indifferent to the agitated condition of + his subjects. Now and then a Government orator would mount the political + rostrum and talk ‘patriotism’ for an hour or so, to a more or less sullen + audience, informing them with much high-flown eloquence that, by + responding to the Governmental demands and supporting the Governmental + measures, they were strengthening the resources of the country and + completing the efficiency of both Army and Navy; but somehow, his + hydraulic efforts at rousing the popular enthusiasm failed of effect. + Whereas, whenever Sergius Thord spoke, thousands of throats roared + acclamation,—and the very sight of Lotys passing quietly down the + poorer thoroughfares of the city was sufficient to bring out groups of men + and women to their doors, waving their hands to her, sending her wild + kisses,—and almost kneeling before her in an ecstasy of trust and + adoration. Thord himself perceived that the situation was rapidly reaching + a climax, and quietly prepared himself to meet and cope with it. Two of + the monthly business meetings of the Revolutionary Committee had been held + since that on which Pasquin Leroy and his two friends had been enrolled as + members of the Brotherhood, and at the last of these, Thord took Leroy + into his full confidence, and gave him all the secret clues of the + Revolutionary organization which honeycombed the metropolis from end to + end. He had trusted the man in many ways and found him honest. One + trifling proof of this was perhaps the main reason of Thord’s further + reliance upon him; he had fulfilled his half-suggested promise to bring + the sunshine of prosperity into the hard-working, and more or less sordid + life of the little dancing-girl, Pequita. She had been sent for one + morning by the manager of the Royal Opera, who having seen the ease, + grace, and dexterity of her performance, forthwith engaged her for the + entire season at a salary which when named to the amazed child, seemed + like a veritable shower of gold tumbling by rare chance out of the lap of + Dame Fortune. The manager was a curt, cold business man, and she was + afraid to ask him any questions, for when the words—“I am sure a + kind friend has spoken to you of me—” came timidly from her lips, he + had shut up her confidence at once by the brief answer— + </p> + <p> + “No. You are mistaken. We accept no personal recommendations. We only + employ proved talent!” + </p> + <p> + All the same Pequita felt sure that she owed the sudden lifting of her own + and her father’s daily burden of life, to the unforgetting care and + intercession of Leroy. Lotys was equally convinced of the same, and both + she and Sergius Thord highly appreciated their new associate’s unobtrusive + way of doing good, as it were, by stealth. Pequita’s exquisite grace and + agility had made her at once the fashion; the Opera was crowded nightly to + see the ‘wonderful child-dancer’; and valuable gifts and costly jewels + were showered upon her, all of which she brought to Lotys, who advised her + how to dispose of them best, and put by the money for the comfort and care + of her father in the event of sickness, or the advance of age. Flattered + and petted by the great world as she now was, Pequita never lost her head + in the whirl of gay splendour, but remained the same child-like, loving + little creature,—her one idol her father,—her only confidante, + Lotys, whose gentle admonitions and constant watchfulness saved her from + many a dangerous pitfall. As yet, she had not attained the wish she had + expressed, to dance before the King,—but she was told that at any + time his Majesty might visit the Opera, and that steps would be taken to + induce him to do so for the special purpose of witnessing her performance. + So with this half promise she was fain to be content, and to bear with the + laughing taunts of her ‘Revolutionary’ friends, who constantly teased her + and called her ‘little traitor’ because she sought the Royal favour. + </p> + <p> + Another event, which was correctly or incorrectly traced to Leroy’s + silently working influence, was the sudden meteoric blaze of Paul Zouche + into fame. How it happened, no one knew;—and <i>why</i> it happened + was still more of a mystery, because by all its own tenets and traditions + the social world ought to have set itself dead against the ‘Psalm of + Revolution,’—the title of the book of poems which created such an + amazing stir. But somehow, it got whispered about that the King had + attempted to ‘patronise’ the poet, and that the poet had very indignantly + resented the offered Royal condescension. Whereat, by degrees, there arose + in society circles a murmur of wonder at the poet’s ‘pluck,’ wonder that + deepened into admiration, with incessant demand for his book,—and + admiration soon expanded, with the aid of the book, into a complete + “craze.” Zouche’s name was on every lip; invitations to great houses + reached him every week;—his poems began to sell by thousands; yet + with all this, the obstinacy of his erratic nature asserted itself as + usual, undiminished, and Zouche withdrew from the shower of praise like a + snail into its shell,—answered none of the flattering requests for + ‘the pleasure of his company,’ and handed whatever money he made by his + poems over to the funds of the Revolutionary Committee, only accepting as + much out of it as would pay for his clothes, food, lodging, and—drink! + But the more he turned his back on Fame, the more hotly it pursued him;—his + very churlishness was talked about as something remarkable and admirable,—and + when it was suggested that he was fonder of strong liquor than was + altogether seemly, people smiled and nodded at each other pleasantly, + tapped their foreheads meaningly and murmured: ‘Genius! Genius!’ as though + that were a quality allied of divine necessity to alcoholism. + </p> + <p> + These two things,—the advent of a new dancer at the Opera, and the + fame of Paul Zouche, were the chief topics of ‘Society’ outside its own + tawdry personal concern; but under all the light froth and spume of the + pleasure-seeking, pleasure-loving whirl of fashion, a fierce tempest was + rising, and the first whistlings of the wind of revolt were already + beginning to pierce through the keyholes and crannies of the stately + building allotted to the business of Government;—so much so indeed + that one terrible night, all unexpectedly, a huge mob, some twenty + thousand strong, surrounded it, armed with every conceivable weapon from + muskets to pickaxes, and shouted with horrid din for ‘Bread and Justice!’—these + being considered co-equal in the bewildered mind of the excited multitude. + Likewise did they scream with protrusive energy: ‘Give us back our lost + Trades!’ being fully aware, despite their delirium, that these said ‘lost + Trades’ were being sold off into ‘Trusts,’ wherein Ministers themselves + held considerable shares, A two-sided clamour was also made for ‘The King! + The King!’ one side appealing, the other menacing,—the latter under + the belief that his Majesty equally had ‘shares’ in the bartered Trades,—the + former in the hope that the country’s Honour might still be saved with the + help of their visible Head. + </p> + <p> + Much difficulty was experienced in clearing this surging throng of + indignant humanity, for though the soldiery were called out to effect the + work, they were more than half-hearted in their business, having + considerable grievances of their own to avenge,—and when ordered to + fire on the people, flatly refused to do so. Two persons however succeeded + at last in calming and quelling the tumult. One was Sergius Thord,—the + other Lotys. Carl Pérousse, seized with an access of ‘nerves’ within the + cushioned luxury of his own private room in the recesses of the Government + buildings, from whence he had watched the demonstration, peered from one + of the windows, and saw one half of the huge mob melt swiftly away under + the command of a tall, majestic-looking creature, whose massive form and + leonine head appeared Ajax-like above the throng; and he watched the other + half turn round in brisk order, like a well-drilled army, and march off, + singing loudly and lustily, headed by a woman carried shoulder-high before + them, whose white robes gleamed like a flag of truce in the glare of the + torches blazing around her;—and to his utter amazement, fear and + disgust, he heard the very soldiers shouting her name: “Lotys! Lotys!” + with ever-increasing and thunderous plaudits of admiration and homage. + Often and often had he heard that name,—often and often had he + dismissed it from his thoughts with light masculine contempt. Often, too, + had it come to the ears of his colleague the Premier, who as has been + shown, even in intimate converse with his own private secretary, feigned + complete ignorance of it. But it is well understood that politicians + generally, and diplomatists always, assume to have no knowledge whatever + concerning those persons of whom they are most afraid. Yet just now it was + unpleasantly possible that “the stone which the builders rejected” might + indirectly be the means of crushing the Ministry, and reorganizing the + affairs of the country. His meditations on this occasion were interrupted + by a touch on the shoulder from behind, and, looking up, he saw the + Marquis de Lutera. + </p> + <p> + “Almost a riot!” he said, forcing a pale smile,—“But not quite!” + </p> + <p> + “Say, rather, almost a revolution!” retorted the Marquis brusquely;—“Jesting + is out of place. We are on the brink of a very serious disaster! The + people are roused. To-night they threatened to burn down these buildings + over our heads,—to sack and destroy the King’s Palace. The Socialist + leader, Thord, alone saved the situation.” + </p> + <p> + “With the aid of his mistress?” suggested Pérousse with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + “You mean the woman they call Lotys? I am not aware that she is his + mistress. I should rather doubt it. The people would not make such a saint + of her if she were. At any rate, whatever else she may be, she is + certainly dangerous;—and in a country less free than ours would be + placed under arrest. I must confess I never believed in her ‘vogue’ with + the masses, until to-night.” + </p> + <p> + Pérousse was silent. The great square in front of the Government buildings + was now deserted,—save for the police and soldiery on guard; but + away in the distance could still be heard faint echoes of singing and + cheering from the broken-up sections of the crowd that had lately + disturbed the peace. + </p> + <p> + “Have you seen the King lately?” enquired Lutera presently. + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “By his absolute ‘veto’ against our propositions at the last Cabinet + Council, the impending war which would have been so useful to us, has been + quashed in embryo,” went on the Premier with a frown;—“This of + course you know! And he has the right to exercise his veto if he likes. + But I scarcely expected you after all you said, to take the matter so + easily!” + </p> + <p> + Pérousse smiled, and shrugged his shoulders deprecatingly. + </p> + <p> + “However,” continued the Marquis with latent contempt in his tone;—“I + now quite understand your complacent attitude! You have simply turned your + ‘Army Supplies Contract’ into a ‘Trust’ Combine with other nations,—so + you will not lose, but rather gain by the transaction!” + </p> + <p> + “I never intended to lose!” said Pérousse calmly; “I am not troubled with + scruples. One form of trade is as good as another. The prime object of + life nowadays is to make money!” + </p> + <p> + Lutera looked at him, but said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “To amalgamate all the steel industries into one international Union, and + get as many shares myself in the combine is not at all an unwise project,” + went on Pérousse,—“For if our country is not to fight, other + countries will;—and they will require guns and swords and all such + accoutrements of war. Why should we not satisfy the demand and pocket the + cash?” + </p> + <p> + Still the Marquis looked at him steadily. + </p> + <p> + “Are you aware,”—he asked at last, “that Jost, to save his ‘press’ + prestige, has turned informer against you?” + </p> + <p> + Pérousse sprang up, white with fury. + </p> + <p> + “By Heaven, if he has dared!—” + </p> + <p> + “There is no ‘if’ in the case”—said Lutera very coldly—“He + has, as he himself says, ‘done his duty.’ You must be pretty well + cognisant of what a Jew’s notions of ‘duty’ are! They can be summed up in + one sentence;—‘to save his own pocket.’ Jost is driven to fury and + desperation by the sudden success of the rival newspaper, which has been + so prominently favoured by the King. The shares in his own journalistic + concerns are going down rapidly, and he is determined—naturally + enough—to take care of himself before anyone else. He has sold out + of every company with which you have been, or are associated—and has—so + I understand,—sent a complete list of your proposed financial + ‘deals,’ investments and other ‘stock’ to—” + </p> + <p> + He paused. + </p> + <p> + “Well!” exclaimed Pérousse irascibly—“To whom?” + </p> + <p> + “To those whom it may concern,”—replied Lutera evasively—“I + really can give you no exact information. I have said enough by way of + warning!” + </p> + <p> + Pérousse looked at him heedfully, and what he saw in that dark brooding + face was not of a quieting or satisfactory nature. + </p> + <p> + “You are as deeply involved as I am—” he began. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon!” and the Marquis drew himself up with some dignity—“I <i>was</i> + involved;—I am not now. I have also taken care of myself! I may have + been misled, but I shall let no one suffer for my errors. I have sent in + my resignation.” + </p> + <p> + “Fool!” ejaculated Pérousse, forgetting all courtesy in the sudden access + of rage that took possession of him at these words;—“Fool, I say! At + the very moment when you ought to stick to the ship, you desert it!” + </p> + <p> + “Are <i>you</i> not ready to run to the helm?” enquired Lutera with a + satiric smile; “Surely you can have no doubt but that his Majesty will + command you to take office!” + </p> + <p> + With this, he turned on his heel, and left his colleague to a space of + very disagreeable meditation. For the first time in his bold and + unscrupulous career, Pérousse found himself in an awkward position. If it + were indeed true that Jost and Lutera had thrown up the game, especially + Jost, then he, Pérousse, was lost. He had made of Jost, not only a tool, + but a confidant. He had used him, and his great leading newspaper for his + own political and financial purposes. He had entrusted him with State + secrets, in order to speculate thereon in all the money-markets of the + world. He had induced him to approach the Premier with crafty promises of + support, and to inveigle him by insidious degrees into the same + dishonourable financial ‘deal.’ So that if this one man,—this fat, + unscrupulous turncoat of a Jew,—chose to speak out, he, Carl + Pérousse, Secretary of State, would be the most disgraced and ruined + Minister that ever attempted to defraud a nation! His brows grew moist + with fever-heat, and his tongue parched, with the dry thirst of fear, as + the gravity of the situation was gradually borne in upon him. He began to + calculate contingencies and possibilities of escape from the toils that + seemed closing around him,—and much to his irritation and + embarrassment, he found that most of the ways leading out of difficulty + pointed first of all to,—the King. + </p> + <p> + The King! The very personage whom he had called a Dummy, only bound to do + as he was told! And now, if he could only persuade the King that he,—the + poor Secretary of State,—was a deeply-injured man, whose life’s + effort had been solely directed towards ‘the good of the country,’ yet who + nevertheless was cruelly wronged and calumniated by his enemies, all might + yet be well. + </p> + <p> + “Were he only like other monarchs whom I know,” he reflected. “I could + have easily involved him in the Trades deal! Then the press could have + been silenced, and the public fooled. With five or six hundred thousand + shares in the biggest concerns, he would have been compelled to work under + me for the amalgamation of our Trades with the financial forces of other + countries, regardless of the rubbish talked by ‘patriots’ on the loss of + our position and prestige. But he is not fond of money,—he is not + fond of money! Would that he were!—for so <i>I</i> should be + virtually king of the King!” + </p> + <p> + Cogitating various problems on his return to his own house that evening, + he remembered that despite numerous protests and petitions, the King had, + up to the present, paid no attention to the appeals of his people against + the increasing inroads of taxation. The only two measures he had carried + with a high and imperative hand, were first,—the ‘vetoing’ of an + intended declaration of war,—and the refusal of extensive lands to + the Jesuits. The first was the more important action, as, while it had won + the gratitude and friendship of a previously hostile State, it had lost + several ‘noble’ gamblers in the griefs of nations, some millions of money. + The check to the Jesuits was comparatively trivial, yet it had already + produced far-reaching effects, and had offended the powers at the Vatican. + But, beyond this, things remained apparently as they were; true, the + Socialists were growing stronger;—but there was no evidence that the + Government was growing weaker. + </p> + <p> + “After all,” thought Pérousse, as a result of his meditations; “there is + no immediate cause for anxiety. If Lutera has sent in his resignation, it + may not be accepted. That rests—like other things—with the + King.” And a vague surprise affected him at this fact. “Curious!” he + muttered,—“Very curious that he, who was a Nothing, should now be a + Something! The change has taken place very rapidly,—and very + strangely! I wonder what—or who—is moving him?” + </p> + <p> + But to this inward query he received no satisfactory reply. The mysterious + upshot of the whole position was the same,—namely, that somehow, in + the most unaccountable, inexplicable manner, the wind and weather of + affairs had so veered round, that the security of Ministers and the + stability of Government rested, not with themselves or the nature of their + quarrels and discussions, but solely on one whom they were accustomed to + consider as a mere ornamental figure-head,—the King. + </p> + <p> + Some few days after the unexpected turbulent rising of the mob, it was + judged advisable to give the people something in the way of a ‘gala,’ or + spectacle, in order to distract their attention from their own grievances, + and to draw them away from their Socialistic clubs and conventions, to the + contemplation of a parade of Royal state and splendour. The careful + student of History cannot fail to note that whenever the rottenness and + inadequacy of a Government are most apparent, great ‘shows’ and Royal + ceremonials are always resorted to, in order to divert the minds of the + people from the bitter consideration of a deficient Exchequer and a + diminishing National Honour. The authorities who organize these State + masquerades are wise in their generation. They know that the + working-classes very seldom have the leisure to think for themselves, and + that they often lack the intelligent ability to foresee the difficulties + and dangers menacing their country’s welfare;—but that they are + always ready, with the strangest fatuity, patience, and good-nature, to + take their wives and families to see any new variation of a world’s ‘Punch + and Judy’ play, particularly if there is a savour of Royalty about it, + accompanied by a brass band, well-equipped soldiers, and gilded coaches. + Though they take no part in the pageant, beyond consenting to be hustled + and rudely driven back by the police like intrusive sheep, out of the + sacred way of a Royal progress, they nevertheless have an instinctive (and + very correct) idea that somehow or other it is all part of the ‘fun’ for + which they have paid their money. There is no more actual reverence or + respect for the positive Person of Royalty in such a parade, than there is + for the Wonderful Performing Pig who takes part in a circus-procession + through a country town. The public impression is simple,—That having + to pay for the up-keep of a Throne, its splendours should be occasionally + ‘trotted out’ to see whether they are worth the nation’s annual + expenditure. + </p> + <p> + Moved entirely by this plain and practical sentiment, the popular breast + was thrilled with some amount of interest and animation when it was + announced that his Majesty the King would, on a certain afternoon, go in + state to lay the foundation-stone of the Grand National Theatre, which was + the very latest pet project of various cogitating Jews and cautious + millionaires. The Grand National Theatre was intended to ‘supply,’ + according to a stock newspaper phrase, ‘a long-felt want.’ It was to be a + ‘philanthropic’ scheme, by which the ‘Philanthropists’ would receive + excellent interest for their money. Ostensibly, it was to provide the + ‘masses’ with the highest form of dramatic entertainment at the lowest + cost;—but there were many intricate wheels within wheels in the + elaborate piece of stock-jobbing mechanism, by which the public would be + caught and fooled—as usual—and the speculators therein + rendered triumphant. Sufficient funds were at hand to start the building + of the necessary edifice, and the King’s ‘gracious’ consent to lay the + first stone, with full state and ceremony, was hailed by the promoters of + the plan as of the happiest augury. For with such approval and support + openly given, all the Snob-world would follow the Royal ‘lead’—quite + as infallibly as it did in the case of another monarch who, persuaded to + drink of a certain mineral spring, and likewise to ‘take shares’ in its + bottled waters, turned the said spring into a ‘paying concern’ at once, + thereby causing much rejoicing among the Semites. The ‘mob’ might + certainly decline to imitate the Snob-world,—but, considering the + recent riotous outbreak, it might be as well that the overbold and + unwashen populace should be awed by the panoply and glory of earthly + Majesty passing by in earthly splendour. + </p> + <p> + Alas, poor Snob-world! How often has it thought the same thing! How often + has it fancied that with show and glitter and brazen ostentation of mere + purse-power, it can quell the rage for Justice, which, like a spark of + God’s own eternal Being, burns for ever in the soul of a People! Ah, that + rage for Justice!—that divine fury and fever which with strong + sweating and delirium shakes the body politic and cleanses it from + accumulated sickly humours and pestilence! What would the nations be + without its periodical and merciful visitations! Tearing down old + hypocrisies,—rooting up weedy abuses,—rending asunder rotten + conventions,—what wonder if thrones and sceptres, and even the heads + of kings get sometimes mixed into the general swift clearance of + long-accumulated dirt and disorder! And vainly at such times does the + Snob-world anxiously proffer golden pieces for the price of its life! + There shall not then be millions enough in all the earth, to purchase the + safety of one proved Liar who has wilfully robbed his neighbour! + </p> + <p> + No hint of the underworkings of the people’s thought, or the movement of + the times was, however, apparent in the aspect of the gay multitudes that + poured along the principal thoroughfares of the metropolis on the day + appointed for the ceremony in which the King had consented to take the + leading part. Poor and rich together, vied with one another to secure the + various best points of view from whence the Royal pageant could be seen, + winding down in glittering length from the Palace and Citadel, past the + Cathedral, and so on to the great open square, where, surrounded by + fluttering flags and streamers, a huge block of stone hung suspended by + ropes from a crane, ready to be lowered at the Royal touch, and fixed in + its place by the Royal trowel, as the visible and solid beginning of the + stately fabric, which, according to pictorial models was to rise from + this, its first foundation, into a temple of art and architecture, devoted + to Melpomene and Thalia. + </p> + <p> + It was a glorious day,—the sun shone with vigorous heat and lustre + from a cloudless sky,—the sea was calm as an inland pool—and + people wore their lightest, brightest and most festive attire. Fair + “society” dames, clad in the last capricious mode of ever-changing + Fashion, and shading their delicate, and not always natural, complexions + with airy parasols, filmy and finely-coloured as the petals of flowers, + queened it over the flocking crowds of pedestrians, as they were driven + past in their softly-cushioned carriages drawn by high-stepping horses;—all + the boudoirs and drawing-rooms of the most exclusive houses seemed to have + emptied their luxury-loving occupants into the streets,—and the + whole town was, for a few hours at any rate, apparently given over to + holiday. As the long line of soldiery preceding the King’s carriage, wound + down from the Citadel, groups of people cheered, and waved hats and + handkerchiefs,—then, when his Majesty’s own escort came into view, + the cheering was redoubled,—and at last when the cumbrous, + over-gilded, over-painted “Cinderella” State-coach appeared, and the + familiar, but somewhat sternly-composed features of the King himself were + perceived through the glass windows, a roar of acclamation, like the + thundering of a long wave on an extensive stretch of rock-bound coast, + echoed far and near, and again and again was repeated with increased and + ever-increasing clamour. Who,—hearing such an enthusiastic greeting—would + or could have imagined for one moment that the King, who was the object + and centre of these tremendous plaudits, was at the same time judged as an + enemy and an obstruction to justice by more than one half of the + population! Yet it was so,—and so has often been. The populace will + shout itself hoarse for any cause; whether it be a king going to be + crowned, or a king going to be executed, the stimulus is the same, and the + enthusiasm as passionate. It is merely the contagious hysteria of a moment + that tickles their lungs to expansion in noise;—but the real + sentiment of admiration for a fine character which might perhaps have + moved the subjects of Richard Coeur de Lion to cries of exultation, is + generally non-existent. And why? For no cause truly!—save that + Lion-Hearts in kings no more pulsate through nations. + </p> + <p> + By the time the Royal procession reached its destination the crowd had + largely increased, and the press of people round the scene of the + forthcoming function was great enough to be seriously embarrassing to both + the soldiery and the police. Slowly the gorgeous State-coach lumbered up + to the entrance of the ground railed off for the ceremony,—and + between a line of armed guards, the King alighted. Vociferous cheering + again broke out on all sides, which his Majesty acknowledged in the usual + formal manner by a monotonous military salute performed at regular + intervals. Received with obsequious deference by all the persons concerned + in the Grand National Theatre project, he conversed with one or two, shook + hands with others, and was just on the point of addressing a few of his + usual suave compliments to some pretty women who had been invited to adorn + the scene, when David Jost advanced smilingly, evidently sure of a + friendly recognition. For had not the King, when Crown Prince and + Heir-Apparent, hunted game in his preserves?—yea, had he not even + dined with him?—and had not he, Jost, written whole columns of vapid + twaddle about the ‘Royal smile’ and the ‘Royal favour’ till the outside + public had sickened at every stroke of his flunkey pen? How came it, then, + that his Majesty seemed on this occasion to have no recollection of him, + and looked over and beyond him in the airiest way, as though he were a + far-off Jew in Jerusalem, instead of being the assumptive-Orthodox + proprietor of several European newspapers published for the general + misinformation and plunder of gullible Christians? Dismayed at the Royal + coldness of eye, Jost stepped back with an uncomfortably crimson face; and + one of the ladies present, personally knowing him, and seeing his + discomfiture, ventured to call the King’s attention to his presence and to + make way for his approach, by murmuring gently, “Mr. Jost, Sir!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, indeed!” said the monarch, with calm grey eyes still fixed on + vacancy,—“I do not know anyone of that name! Permit me to admire + that exquisite arrangement of flowers!” and, smiling affably on the + astonished and embarrassed lady, he led her aside, altogether away from + Jost’s vicinity. + </p> + <p> + Stricken to the very dust of abasement by this direct “cut” so publicly + administered, the crestfallen editor and proprietor of many journals stood + aghast for a moment,—then as various unbidden thoughts began to + chase one another through his bewildered head, he was seized with a + violent trembling. He remembered every foolish, imprudent and disloyal + remark he had made to the stranger named Pasquin Leroy who had called upon + him bearing the Premier’s signet,—and reflecting that this very + Pasquin Leroy was now, by some odd chance, a contributor of political + leaders and other articles to the rival daily newspaper which had + published the King’s official refusal of a grant of land to the Jesuits, + he writhed inwardly with impotent fury. For might not this unknown man, + Leroy,—if he were,—as he possibly was,—a friend of the + King’s—go to the full length of declaring all he knew and all he had + learned from Jost’s own lips, concerning certain ‘financial secrets,’ + which if fully disclosed, would utterly dismember the Government and put + the nation itself in peril? Might he not already even have informed the + King? With his little, swine-like eyes retreating under the crinkling fat + of his lowering brows, Jost, hot and cold by turns, wandered confusedly + out of the ‘exclusive’ set of persons connected with the ‘Grand National + Theatre’ scheme, who were now gathered round the suspended + foundation-stone to which the King was approaching. He pretended not to + see the curious eyes that stared at him, or the sneering mouths that + smiled at the open slight he had received. Pushing his way through the + crowd, he jostled against the thin black-garmented figure of a priest,—no + other than Monsignor Del Fortis, who, with an affable word of recognition, + drew aside to allow him passage. Affecting his usual ‘company-manner’ of + tolerant good-nature, he forced himself to speak to this ‘holy’ man, who, + at any rate, had paid him good money in round sums for so-called + ‘articles’ or rather puff-advertisements in his paper concerning Church + matters. + </p> + <p> + “Good-day, Monsignor!” he said—“You are not often seen at a Royal + pageant! How comes it that you, of all persons in the world have brought + yourself to witness the laying of the foundation-stone of a Theatre? Does + not your calling forbid any patronage of the mimic Art?” + </p> + <p> + The priest’s thin lips parted, showing a glimmer of wolfish teeth behind + the pale stretched line of flesh. + </p> + <p> + “Not by any means!” he replied suavely—“In the present levelling and + amalgamation of social interests, the Church and Stage are drawing very + closely together.” + </p> + <p> + “True!” said Jost, with a grin—“One might very well be taken for the + other!” + </p> + <p> + Del Fortis looked at him meditatively. + </p> + <p> + “This,” he said, waving his lean hand towards the centre of the brilliant + crowd where now the King stood, “is a kind of drama in its way. And you, + Mr. Jost, have just played one little scene in it!” + </p> + <p> + Jost reddened, and bit his lip. + </p> + <p> + “I am also another actor on the boards,” continued Del Fortis smiling + darkly;—“if only as a spectator in the ‘super’ crowd. And other + comedians and tragedians are doubtless present, of whom we may hear anon!” + </p> + <p> + “The King has nasty humours sometimes,” said Jost shortly, looking down at + the flower in his buttonhole, and absently flicking off one of its petals + with his fat forefinger—“He ought to be made to pay for them!” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha! Very good! Certainly!” and Del Fortis gave a piously-deprecating + nod—“He ought to be made to pay! Especially when he hurts the + feelings of his old friends! Are you going, Mr. Jost? Yes? What a pity! + But you no doubt have your reporters present?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there are plenty of them about,”—said Jost carelessly, “But I + shall condense all the account of these proceedings into a few lines.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha,—ha!” laughed Del Fortis,—“I understand! Revenge—revenge! + But—in certain cases—the briefest description is sometimes the + most graphic—and startling! Good-day!” + </p> + <p> + Jost returned the salute curtly, and went,—not to leave the scene + altogether, but merely to take up a position of vantage immediately above + and behind the surging crowd, where from a distance he could watch all + that was going on. He saw the King lift his hand towards the ropes and + pulleys of the crane above him,—and as it was touched by the Royal + finger, the foundation stone was slowly lowered into the deep socket + prepared for it, where gold and silver coins of the year’s currency had + already been strewn. Then, with the aid of a silver trowel set in a handle + of gold, and obsequiously presented by the managing director of the + scheme, his Majesty dabbed in a little mortar, and declared in a loud + voice that the stone was ‘well and truly laid.’ A burst of cheering + greeted the announcement, and the band struck up the country’s National + Hymn, this being the usual sign that the ceremony was at an end. Whereupon + the King, shaking hands again cordially with the various parties + concerned, and again shedding the lustre of his smile upon the various + ladies with whom he had been conversing, made his way very leisurely to + his State equipage, which, with its six magnificently caparisoned horses, + stood prepared for his departure, the door being already held open for him + by one of the attendant powdered and gold-laced flunkeys. Sir Roger de + Launay walked immediately behind his Sovereign, and Professor von Glauben + was close at hand, companioned by two of the gentlemen of the Royal + Household. All at once a young man pushed himself out of the crowd nearest + to the enclosure,—paused a moment irresolute, and then, with a + single determined bound reached the King’s side. + </p> + <p> + “Thief of the People’s money! Take that!” he shouted, wildly,—and, + brandishing aloft a glittering stiletto, he aimed it straight at the + monarch’s heart! + </p> + <p> + But the blow never reached its destination, for a woman, closely veiled in + black, suddenly threw herself swiftly and adroitly between the King’s body + and the descending blade, shielding his breast with both her outstretched + arms. The dagger struck her violently, piercing her flesh through the + upper part of her right shoulder, and under the sheer force of the blow, + she fell senseless. + </p> + <p> + The whole incident took place in less time than it could be breathlessly + told,—and even as she who had risked her life to save the King’s, + sank bleeding to the ground, the police seized the assassin red-handed in + his mad and criminal act, and wrenched the murderous weapon from his hand. + He was a mere lad of eighteen or twenty, and seemed dazed, submitting to + be bound and handcuffed without a word. The King, perfectly tranquil and + unhurt, bared his head to the wild cries and hysterical cheering of the + excited spectators to whom his narrow escape from death appeared a kind of + miracle, moving them to frantic paroxysms of passionate enthusiasm, and + then bent anxiously down over the prostrate form of his rescuer, + endeavouring himself to raise her from the ground. A hundred hands at once + proffered assistance;—Sir Roger de Launay, pale to the lips with the + shock of sick horror he had experienced at what might so easily have been + a national catastrophe, assisted the police in forming a strong cordon + round the person of his beloved Royal master, in order to guard him + against any further possible attack,—and Professor von Glauben, + obeying the King’s signal, knelt down by the unconscious woman’s side to + examine the extent of her injury. Gently he turned back the close folds of + her enveloping veil,—then gave a little start and cry: + </p> + <p> + “Gott in Himmel!” And he hastily drew down the veil again as the King + approached with the question— + </p> + <p> + “Is she dangerously hurt?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Sir!—I think not—I hope not—but—!” + </p> + <p> + And the Professor’s eyes looked volumes of suggestion. Catching his + expression, the King drew still nearer. + </p> + <p> + “Uncover her face,—give her air!” he commanded. + </p> + <p> + With a perplexed side-glance at Sir Roger de Launay, the Professor obeyed,—and + the sunshine fell full on the white calm features and closed eyelids of + “the woman known as Lotys.” Her black dress was darkly stained and soaked + with oozing blood—and the deep dull gold of her hair was touched + here and there with the same crimson hue;—but there was a smile on + her lips, and her face was as fair and placid as though it had been + smoothed out of all pain and trouble by the restful touch of Death. + Silently, and with a perfectly inscrutable demeanour, the King surveyed + her for a moment. Then, raising his plumed hat with grave grace and + courtesy, he looked on all those who stood about him, soldiery, police and + spectators. + </p> + <p> + “Does anyone here present know this lady?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + A crowd of eager heads were pushed forward, and then a low murmur began, + which deepened into a steady roar of delighted acclamation. + </p> + <p> + “Lotys! Lotys!” + </p> + <p> + The name was caught up quickly and repeated from mouth to mouth—till + away on the extreme outskirts of the crowd it was tossed back again with + shouts—“Lotys! Lotys!” + </p> + <p> + Swiftly the news ran like an electric current through the whole body of + the populace, that it was Lotys, their own Lotys, their friend, their + fellow-worker, the idol of the poorer classes, that had saved the life of + the King! Half-incredulous, half-admiring, the mob listened to the growing + rumour, and the general excitement increased in intensity among them. + David Jost, from his point of observation, caught the infection, and + realizing at once the value of the dramatic “copy” for his paper, to be + obtained out of such a situation, jumped into the nearest vehicle and was + driven straight to his offices, there to send electric messages of the + news to every quarter of the world, and to endeavour by printed loyal + outbursts of “gush” to turn the current of the King’s displeasure against + him into a more favourable direction. Meanwhile the King himself gave + orders that his wounded rescuer should be conveyed in one of the Royal + carriages straight to the Palace, and there attended by his own physician. + Professor von Glauben was entrusted with the carrying-out of this command,—and + the monarch, then entering his own State-equipage, started on his homeward + progress. + </p> + <p> + Thundering cheers now greeted him at every step;—for an hour at + least the populace went mad with rapture, shouting, singing and calling + alternately for “The King!” and “Lotys!” with no respect of persons, or + consideration as to their differing motives and opposite stations in life. + Two facts only were clear to them,—first an attempt had been made to + assassinate the King,—secondly, that Lotys had frustrated the + attempt, and risked her own life to save that of the monarch. These were + enough to set fire to the passionate sentiments of a warm-blooded, + restless Southern people, and they gave full sway to their feelings + accordingly. So, amid deafening plaudits, the Royal procession wended its + way back to the Citadel, the State-coach moving at a snail’s pace in order + to allow the people to see the King for themselves, and make sure he was + uninjured, as they cheered, and followed it in surging throngs to the very + gates of the Palace,—while in another and reverse direction the + wretched youth whose miserable effort to commit a dastard crime had so + fortunately failed, was marched off, under the guard of a strong body of + police to the State-Prison, there to await his trial and condemnation. A + small crowd, hooting and cursing the criminal, pursued him as he went, and + one personage, austere and dignified, also followed, at a distance, as + though curious to see the last of the would-be murderer ere he was shut + out from liberty,—and this was Monsignor Del Fortis. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. — A WOMAN’S REASON + </h2> + <p> + When Lotys recovered from her death-like swoon, she found herself on a + sofa among heaped-up soft cushions, in a small semi-darkened room hung + with draperies of rose satin, which were here and there drawn aside to + show exquisite groupings of Saxe china and rare miniatures on ivory;—the + ceiling above her was a painted mirror, where Venus in her car of flowers, + drawn by doves, was pictured floating across a crystal sea,—the + floor was strewn with white bearskins,—the corners were filled with + palms and flowers. As she regarded these unaccustomed surroundings + wonderingly, a firm hand was laid on her wrist, and a brusque voice said + in her ear:— + </p> + <p> + “Lie still, if you please! You have been seriously hurt! You must rest.” + </p> + <p> + She turned feebly towards the speaker, and saw a big burly man with a bald + head, seated at her side, who held a watch in one hand, and felt her pulse + with the other. She could not discern his features plainly, for his back + was set to the already shaded light, and her own eyes were weak and dim. + </p> + <p> + “You are very kind!” she murmured—“I do not quite remember—Ah, + yes!” and a quick flash of animation passed over her face—“I know + now! The King! Is—is all well?” + </p> + <p> + “All is well, thanks to you!” replied the gruff voice—“You have + saved his life.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God!”—and she closed her eyes again wearily, while two slow + tears trickled from under the shut white lids—“Thank God!” + </p> + <p> + Professor von Glauben, placed in charge of her by the King’s command, + gently relinquished the small white hand he held, and stepping noiselessly + to a table near at hand, poured out from one of the various little flasks + set thereon, a cordial the properties of which were alone known to + himself, and held the glass to her lips. + </p> + <p> + “Drink this off at once!”—he said authoritatively, yet kindly. + </p> + <p> + She obeyed. He then, turning aside with the empty glass, sat down and + watched her from a little distance. Soon a faint flush tinged her + dead-white skin, and presently, with a deep sigh, she opened her eyes + again. Then she became aware of a stiffness and smart in her right + shoulder, and saw that it was tightly bandaged, and that the bodice of her + dress was cut away from it. Lying perfectly still, she gradually brought + her strong spirit of self-control to bear on the situation, and tried to + collect her scattered thoughts. Very few minutes sufficed her to recollect + all that had happened, and as she realised more and more vividly that she + was in some strange and luxurious abode where she had no business or + desire to be, she gathered all the forces of her mind to her aid, and with + but a slight effort, sat upright. Professor von Glauben came towards her + with an exclamation of warning—but she motioned him back with a very + decided gesture. + </p> + <p> + “Please do not trouble!” she said—“I am quite able to move—to + stand—see!” And she rose to her feet, trembling a little, and + steadying herself by resting one hand on the edge of the sofa. “I do not + know who you are, but I am sure you have been most kind to me! And if you + would do me a still greater kindness, you will let me go away from here at + once!” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible, Madame!” declared the Professor, firmly—“His Majesty, + the King——” + </p> + <p> + “What of his Majesty, the King?” demanded Lotys with sudden hauteur—“Am + I not mistress of my own actions?” + </p> + <p> + The Professor made an elaborate bow. + </p> + <p> + “Most unquestionably you are, Madame!” he replied—“But you are also + for the moment, a guest in the King’s Palace; and having saved his life, + you will surely not withhold from him the courteous acceptance of his + hospitality?” + </p> + <p> + “The King’s Palace!” she echoed, and a little disdainful smile crossed her + lips—“I,—Lotys,—in the King’s Palace!” She moved a few + steps, and drew herself proudly erect. “You, sir, are a servant of the + King’s?” + </p> + <p> + “I am his Majesty’s resident physician, at your service!” he said, with + another bow—“I have had the honour of attending to the wound you so + heroically received in his defence,—and though it is not a dangerous + wound, it is an exceedingly unpleasant one I assure you,—and will + give you a good deal of pain and trouble. Let me advise you very earnestly + to stay where you are, and rest—do not think of leaving the Palace + to-night.” + </p> + <p> + She sighed restlessly. “I must not think of staying in it!” she replied. + “But I do not wish to seem churlish—or ungrateful for your care and + kindness;—will you tell the King—” Here she broke off + abruptly, and fixed her eyes searchingly on his face. “Strange!” she + murmured—“I seem to have seen you before,—or someone very like + you!” + </p> + <p> + The Professor was troubled with a sudden fit of coughing which made him + very red in the face, and obliged him to turn away for a moment in order + to recover himself. Still struggling with that obstinate catch in his + throat he said: + </p> + <p> + “You were saying, Madame, that you wished me to tell the King something?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes!” said Lotys eagerly—“if you will be so good! Tell him that I + thank him for his courtesy;—but that I must go away from this + Palace,—that I cannot—may not—stop in it an hour longer! + He does not know who it is that saved his life,—if he did, he would + not wish me to remain a moment under his roof! He would be as anxious and + willing for me to leave as I am to go! Will you tell him this?” + </p> + <p> + “Madame, I will tell him,” replied the Professor deferentially, yet with a + slight smile—“But—if it will satisfy your scruples, or ease + your mind at all,—I may as well inform you that his Majesty does + know who you are! The populace itself declared your name to him, with + shouts of acclamation.” She flushed a vivid red, then grew very pale. + </p> + <p> + “If that be so, then he must also be aware that I am his sworn enemy!” she + said,—“And, that in accordance with the principles I hold, I cannot + possibly remain under his roof! Therefore I trust, sir, you will have the + kindness to provide me with a way of quick exit before my presence here + becomes too publicly reported.” + </p> + <p> + The Professor was slightly nonplussed. He considered for a moment; then + rapidly made up his mind. + </p> + <p> + “Madame, I will do so!” he said—“That is, if you will permit me + first of all to announce your intention of leaving the Palace, to the + King. Pardon me for suggesting that his Majesty can hardly regard as an + enemy a lady who has saved his life at the risk of her own.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not save it because he is the King,” she said curtly, “And you are + at liberty to tell him so. Please make haste to inform him at once of my + desire to leave the Palace,—and say also, that if he considers he + owes me any gratitude, he will show it by not detaining me.” + </p> + <p> + The Professor bowed and retired. Lotys, left alone, sat down for a moment + in one of the luxuriously cushioned chairs, and pressed her left hand hard + over her eyes to try and still their throbbing ache. Her right arm was + bound up and useless,—and the pain from the wound in her shoulder + caused her acute agony,—but she had a will of iron, and she had + trained her mental forces to control, if not entirely to master, her + physical weaknesses. She thought, not of her own suffering, but of the + exciting incident in which mere impulse had led her to take so marked a + share. It was by pure accident that she had joined the crowd assembled to + see the King lay the foundation-stone of the proposed new Theatre. She had + been as it were, entangled in the press of the people, and had got pushed + towards the centre of the scene almost against her own volition. And while + she had stood,—a passive and unwilling spectator of the pageant,—her + attention had been singularly attracted towards the uneasy and restless + movements of the youth who had afterwards attempted the assassination of + the monarch. She had watched him narrowly; though she could not have + explained why she did so, even to herself. He was a complete stranger to + her, and yet, with her quick intuition, she had discerned a curious + expression of anxiety and fear in his face, as though of the impending + horror of a crime,—a look which, because it was so strained and + unnatural, had aroused her suspicion. When she had sprung forward to + shield the King, only one idea had inspired her,—and that idea she + would not now fully own even to herself, because it was so entirely, + weakly feminine. Nevertheless, from woman’s weakness has often sprung a + hero’s strength—and so it had proved in this case. She did not, + however, allow herself to dwell on the instinctive impulse which had + thrown her on the King’s breast, ready to receive her own death-blow + rather than that he should die; she preferred to elude that question, and + to consider her action solely from the standpoint of those Socialistic + theories with which she was indissolubly associated. + </p> + <p> + “Had I not frustrated the attempt, the crime would have been set down to + us and our Brotherhood,” she said to herself, “Sergius—or Paul + Zouche—or I myself—or even Pasquin—yes, even he!—might, + and doubtless would, have been accused of instigating it. As it is, I + think I have saved the situation.” She rose and walked slowly up and down + the room. “I wonder who is behind the wretched boy concerned in this + business? He is too young to have determined on such a deed himself,—unless + he is mad;—he must be a tool in the hands of others.” + </p> + <p> + Here spying her long black cloak hanging across a chair, she took it up + and threw it round her,—her face was reflected back upon her from a + mirror set in the wall, round which a cluster of ivory cupids clambered,—and + she looked critically at her white drawn features, and the disordered + masses of her hair. Loosening these abundant locks, she shook them down + and gathered them into her one uncrippled hand, preparatory to twisting + them into the usual knot at the back of her head, the while she looked at + the little sculptured <i>amorini</i> set round the mirror, with a + compassionate smile. + </p> + <p> + “Such a number of mimic Loves where there is no real love!” she said half + aloud,—when the opening of a door, and the swaying movement of a + curtain pushed aside, startled her; and still holding her rich hair up in + her hand she turned quickly,—to find herself face to face with,—the + King. + </p> + <p> + There was an instant’s dead silence. Dropping the silken gold weight of + her tresses to fall as they would, regardless of conventional appearances, + she stood erect, making all unconsciously to herself, a picture of + statuesque and beauteous tragedy. Her plain black garments,—the long + cloak enveloping her slight form, and the glorious tangle of her unbound + hair rippling loosely about her pale face, in which her eyes shone like + blue flowers, made luminous by the sunlight of the inspired soul behind + them, all gave her an almost supernatural air,—and made her seem as + wholly unlike any other woman as a strange leaf from an unexplored country + is unlike the foliage common to one’s native land. The King looked + steadfastly upon her; she, meeting his gaze with equal steadfastness, felt + her heart beating violently, though, as she well knew, it was not with + fear. She had no thought of Court etiquette,—nor had she any reason + to consider it, his Majesty having himself deliberately trespassed upon + its rules by visiting her thus alone and unattended. She offered no + reverence,—no salutation;—she simply stood before him, quite + silent, awaiting his pleasure,—though in her eyes there shone a + dangerous brilliancy that was almost feverish, and nervous tremors shook + her from head to foot. The strange dumb spell between them relaxed at + last. With a kind of effort which expressed itself in the extra rigidity + and pallor of his fine features, the King spoke: + </p> + <p> + “Madame, I have come to thank you! Your noble act of heroism this + afternoon has saved my life. I do not say it is worth saving!—but + the Nation appears to think it is,—and in the name of the Nation, + whose servant I am, I offer you my personal gratitude—and service!” + </p> + <p> + He bowed low as he said these words gravely and courteously. Her eyes + still searched his face wistfully, with the eager plaintive expression of + a child looking for some precious treasure it has lost. She strove to calm + her throbbing pulses,—to quiet the hurrying blood in her veins,—to + brace herself up to her usual impervious height of composure and + self-control. + </p> + <p> + “I need no thanks!” she answered briefly—“I have only done my duty!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Madame, is it quite consistent with your duty to shield from death + one so hated by your disciples and followers?” he asked, with a tinge of + melancholy in his accents—“You—as the famous Lotys—should + have helped to kill, not to save!” + </p> + <p> + She regarded him fearlessly. + </p> + <p> + “You mistake!” she said—“As King, you should learn to know your + subjects better! We are not murderers. We do not seek your life,—we + seek to make you understand the need there is of honesty and justice. We + live our lives among the poor; and we see those poor crushed down into the + dust by the rich, without hope and without help,—and we endeavour to + rouse them to a sense of this Wrong, so that they may, by persistence, + obtain Right. We do not want the death of any man! Even to a traitor we + give warning and time, ere we punish his treachery. The unhappy wretch who + attempted your life to-day was not of our party, or our teaching, thank + God!” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure of that!” he said very gently, his face brightening with a kind + smile,—then, seeing her swerve, as though about to fall, he caught + her on one arm—“You are faint! You must not stand too long. I fear + you are suffering from the pain of that cruel wound inflicted on you for + my sake!” + </p> + <p> + “A little—” she managed to say, with white lips—“But it is + nothing—it will soon pass——” + </p> + <p> + She sank helplessly into the chair he placed for her, and mutely watched + him as he walked to the window and threw it open, admitting the sweet, + fresh, sea-scented air, and a flood of crimson radiance from the setting + sun. + </p> + <p> + “I am informed that you wish to quit the Palace at once,” he said, + averting his gaze from hers for a moment;—“Need I say how much I + regret this decision of yours? Both I and the Queen had hoped you would + have remained with us, under the care of our own physician, till you were + quite recovered. But I owe you too great a debt already to make any + further claim upon you—and I will not command you to stay, if you + desire to go.” + </p> + <p> + She lifted her head;—the faint colour was returning to her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “I thank you!” she said simply;—“I do indeed desire to go. Every + moment spent here is a moment wasted!” + </p> + <p> + “You think so?”—and, turning from the window where he stood, he + confronted her again;—“May I venture to suggest that you hardly do + justice to me, or to the situation? You have placed me under very great + obligations—surely you should endure my company long enough to tell + me at least how I can in some measure show my personal recognition of your + brave and self-sacrificing action!” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him in musing silence. A strange glow came into her eyes,—a + deeper crimson flushed her cheek. + </p> + <p> + “You can do nothing for me!” she said, after a long pause, “You are a King—I, + a poor commoner. I would not be indebted to you for all the world! I am + prouder of my ‘common’ estate than you are of your royalty! What are + ‘royal’ rewards? Jewels, money, place, title! All valueless to me! If you + would serve anyone, serve the People;—do something to deserve their + trust! If you would show <i>me</i> any personal recognition, as you say, + for saving your life, make that life more noble!” + </p> + <p> + He heard her without offence, holding himself mute and motionless. She + rose from her seat, and approached him more closely. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps, after all, it is well that I was,—unconsciously and + against my own volition,—brought here,” she said; “Perhaps it is + God’s will that I should speak with you! For, as a rule none of your + unknown subjects can, or may speak with you!—you are so much hemmed + in and ringed round with slaves and parasites! In so far as this goes, you + are to be pitied; though it rests with you to shake yourself free from the + toils of vulgar adulation. Your flatterers tell you nothing. They are + careful to keep you shut out of your own kingdom—to hide from you + things that are true,—things that you ought to know; they fool you + with false assurances of national tranquillity and content,—they + persuade you to play, like an over-grown child, with the toys of luxury,—they + lead you, a mere puppet, round and round in the clockwork routine of a + foolish and licentious society,—when you might be a Man!—up + and doing man’s work that should help you to regenerate and revivify the + whole country! I speak boldly—yes!—because I do not fear you!—because + I have no favours to gain from you,—because to me,—Lotys,—you,—the + King—are nothing!” + </p> + <p> + Her voice, perfectly tranquil, even, and coldly sweet, had not a single + vibration of uncertainty or hesitation in it—and her words seemed to + cut through the stillness of the room with clean incisiveness like the + sweep of a sword-blade. Outside, the sea murmured and the leaves rustled,—the + sun had sunk, leaving behind it a bright, pearly twilight sky, flecked + with pink clouds like scattered rose-petals. + </p> + <p> + He looked straight at her,—his clear dark grey eyes were filled with + the glowing fire of strongly suppressed feeling. Some hasty ejaculation + sprang to his lips, but he checked it, and pacing once or twice up and + down, suddenly wheeled round, and again confronted her. + </p> + <p> + “If, as a king, I fall so far short of kingliness, and am nothing to you,”—he + said deliberately; “Why did you shield me from the assassin’s dagger a + while ago? Why not have let me perish?” + </p> + <p> + She shook back her gold hair, and regarded him almost defiantly. + </p> + <p> + “I did not save you because you are the King!” she replied—“Be + assured of that!” + </p> + <p> + He was vaguely astonished. + </p> + <p> + “Merely a humane sentiment then?” he said—“Just as you would have + saved a dog from drowning!” + </p> + <p> + A little smile crept reluctantly round the corners of her mouth. + </p> + <p> + “There was another reason,” she began in a low tone,—then paused—“But—only + a woman’s reason!” + </p> + <p> + Something in her changing colour,—some delicate indefinable touch of + tenderness and pathos, which softened her features and made them almost + ethereal, sent a curious thrill through his blood. + </p> + <p> + “A woman’s reason!” he echoed; “May I not hear it?” + </p> + <p> + Again she hesitated,—then, as if despising herself for her own + irresolution she spoke out bravely. + </p> + <p> + “You may!”—she said—“There is nothing to conceal—nothing + of which I am ashamed! Besides, it is the true motive of the action which + you are pleased to call ‘heroic.’ I saved your life simply because—because + you resemble in form and feature, in look and manner, the only man I + love!” + </p> + <p> + A curious silence followed her words. The faint far whispering of the + leaves on the trees outside seemed almost intrusively loud in such a + stillness,—the placid murmur of the sea against the cliff below the + Palace became well-nigh suggestive of storm. Lotys was suddenly conscious + of an odd strained sense of terror,—she had spoken as freely and + frankly as she would have spoken to any one of her own associates,—and + yet she felt that somehow she had been over-impulsive, and that in a + thoughtless moment she had let slip some secret which placed her, weak and + helpless, in the King’s power. The King himself stood immovable as a + figure of bronze,—his eyes resting upon her with a deep insistence + of purpose, as though he sought to wrest some further confession from her + soul. The tension between them was painful,—almost intolerable,—and + though it lasted but a minute, that minute seemed weighted with the + potentialities of years. Forcing herself to break the dumb spell, Lotys + went on hurriedly and half desperately:— + </p> + <p> + “You may smile at this,” she said—“Men always jest with a woman’s + heart,—a woman’s folly! But folly or no, I will not have you draw + any false conclusions concerning me,—or flatter yourself that it was + loyalty to you, or honour for your position that made me your living + shield to-day. No!—for if you were not the exact counterpart of him + who is dearer to me than all the world beside, I think I should have let + you die! I think so—I do not know! Because, after all, you are not + like him in mind or heart; it is only your outward bearing, your physical + features that resemble his! But, even so, I could not have looked idly on, + and seen his merest Resemblance slain! Now you understand! It is not for + you, as King, that I have turned aside a murderer’s weapon,—but + solely because you have the face, the eyes, the smile of one who is a + thousand times greater and nobler than you,—who, though poor and + uncrowned, is a true king in the grace and thought and goodness of his + actions,—who, all unlike you, personally attends to the wants of the + poor, instead of neglecting them,—and who recognises, and does his + best to remedy, the many wrongs which afflict the people of this land!” + </p> + <p> + Her sweet voice thrilled with passion,—her cheeks glowed,—unconsciously + she stretched out her uninjured hand with an eloquent gesture of pride and + conviction. The King’s figure, till now rigid and motionless, stirred;—advancing + a step, he took that hand before she could withhold it, and raised it to + his lips. + </p> + <p> + “Madame, I am twice honoured!” he said, in accents that shook ever so + slightly—“To resemble a good man even outwardly is something,—to + wear in any degree the lineaments of one whom a brave and true woman + honours by her love is still more! You have made me very much your debtor”—here + he gently relinquished the hand he had kissed—“but believe me, I + shall endeavour most faithfully to meet the claim you have upon my + gratitude!” Here he paused, and drawing back, bowed courteously. “The way + for your departure is clear,” he continued;—“I have ordered a + carriage to be in waiting at one of the private entrances to the Palace. + Professor von Glauben, my physician, who has just attended you, will + escort you to it. You will pass out quite unnoticed,—and be,—as + you desire it—again at full liberty. Let the memory of the King + whose life you saved trouble you no more,—except when you look upon + his better counterpart!—as then, perchance, you may think more + kindly of him! For he has to suffer!—not so much for his own faults, + as for the faults of a system formulated by his ancestors.” + </p> + <p> + Her intense eyes glowed with a fire of enthusiasm as she lifted them to + his face. + </p> + <p> + “Kingship would be a grand system,” she said, “if kings were true! And + Autocracy would be the best and noblest form of government in the world, + if autocrats could be found who were intellectual and honest at one and + the same time!” + </p> + <p> + He looked at her observantly. + </p> + <p> + “You think they are neither?” + </p> + <p> + “<i>I</i> think? ‘I’ am nothing,—my opinions count for nothing! But + History gives evidence, and supplies proof of their incompetency. A great + king,—good as well as great,—would be the salvation of this + present time of the world!” + </p> + <p> + Still he kept his eyes upon her. + </p> + <p> + “Go on!”—he said—“There is something in your mind which you + would fain express to me more openly. You have eloquent features, Madame!—and + your looks are the candid mirror of your thoughts. Speak, I beg of you!” + </p> + <p> + The light of a daring inward hope flashed in her face and inspired her + very attitude, as she stood before him, entirely regardless of herself. + </p> + <p> + “Then,—since you give me leave,—I <i>will</i> speak!” she + said; “For perhaps I shall never see you again—never have the chance + to ask you, as a Man whom the mere accident of birth has made a king, to + have more thought, more pity, more love for your subjects! Surely you + should be their guardian—their father—their protector? Surely + you should not leave them to become the prey of unscrupulous financiers or + intriguing Churchmen? Some say you are yourself involved in the cruel + schemes which are slowly but steadily robbing this country’s people of + their Trades, the lawful means of their subsistence; and that you approve, + in the main, of the private contracts which place our chief manufactures + and lines of traffic in the hands of foreign rivals. But I do not believe + this. We—and by we, I mean the Revolutionary party—try hard + not to believe this! I admit to you, as faithfully as if I stood on my + trial before you, that much of the work to which we, as a party have + pledged ourselves, consists in moving the destruction of the Monarchy, and + the formation of a Republic. But why? Only because the Monarchy has proved + itself indifferent to the needs of the people, and deaf to their + protestations against injustice! Thus we have conceived it likely that a + Republic might help to mend matters,—if it were in power for at + least some twenty or thirty years,—but at the same time we know well + enough that if a King ruled over us who was indeed a King,—who would + refuse to be the tool of party speculators, and who could not be moved + this way or that by the tyrants of finance, the people would have far more + chance of equality and right under a Republic even! Only we cannot find + that king!—no country can! You, for instance, are no hero! You will + not think for yourself, though you might; you only interest yourself in + affairs that may redound to your personal and private credit; or in those + which affect ‘society,’ the most dissolute portion of the community,—and + you have shown so little individuality in yourself or your actions, that + your unexpected refusal to grant Crown lands to the Jesuits was scarcely + believed in or accepted, otherwise than as a caprice, till your own + ‘official’ announcement. Even now we can scarcely be brought to look upon + it except as an impulse inspired by fear! Herein, we do you, no doubt, a + grave injustice; I, for one, honestly believe that you have refused these + lands to the Priest-Politicians, out of earnest consideration for the + future peace and welfare of your subjects.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, why believe even thus much of me?” he interrupted with a grave + smile; “May you not be misled by that Resemblance I bear, to one who is, + in your eyes, so much my superior?” + </p> + <p> + A faint expression of offence darkened her face, and her brows contracted. + </p> + <p> + “You are pleased to jest!” she said coldly; “As I said before, it is man’s + only way of turning aside, or concluding all argument with a woman! I am + mistaken perhaps in the instinct which has led me to speak to you as + openly as I have done,—and yet,—I know in my heart I can do + you no harm by telling you the truth, as others would never tell it to + you! Many times within this last two months the people have sent in + petitions to you against the heavy taxes with which your Government is + afflicting them, and they can get no answer to their desperate appeals. Is + it kingly—is it worthy of your post as Head of this realm, to turn a + deaf ear to the cries of those whose hard-earned money keeps you on the + Throne, housed in luxury, guarded from every possible evil, and happily + ignorant of the pangs of want and hunger? How can you, if you have a + heart, permit such an iniquitous act on the part of your Government as the + setting of a tax on bread?—the all in all of life to the very poor! + Have you ever seen young children crying for bread? I have! Have you ever + seen strong men reduced to the shame of stealing bread, to feed their + wives and infants? I have! I think of it as I stand here, surrounded by + the luxury which is your daily lot,—and knowing what I know, I would + strip these satin-draped walls, and sell everything of value around me if + I possessed it, rather than know that one woman or child starved within + the city’s precincts! Your Ministers tell you there is a deficiency in the + Exchequer,—but you do not ask why, or how the deficiency arose! You + do not ask whether Ministers themselves have not been trafficking and + speculating with the country’s money! For if deficiency there be, it has + arisen out of the Government’s mismanagement! The Government have had the + people’s money,—and have thrown it recklessly away. Therefore, they + have no right to ask for more, to supply what they themselves have + wilfully wasted. No right, I say!—no right to rob them of another + coin! If I were a man, and a king like you, I would voluntarily resign + more than half my annual kingly income to help that deficit in the + National Exchequer till it had been replaced;—I would live poor,—and + be content to know that by my act I had won far more than many millions—a + deathless, and beloved name of honour with my people!” + </p> + <p> + She paused. He said not a word. Suddenly she became conscious that her + hair was unbound and falling loosely about her; she had almost forgotten + this till now. A wave of colour swept over her face,—but she + mastered her embarrassment, and gathering the long tresses together in her + left hand, twisted them up slowly, and with an evident painful effort. The + King watched her, a little smile hovering about his mouth. + </p> + <p> + “If I might help you!” he said softly—“but—that is a task for + my Resemblance!” + </p> + <p> + She appeared not to hear him. A sudden determination moved her, and she + uttered her thought boldly and at all hazards. + </p> + <p> + “If you do not, as the public report, approve of the financial schemes out + of which your Ministers make their fortunes, to the utter ruin of the + people in general,” she said slowly; “Dismiss Carl Pérousse from office! + So may you perchance avert a great national disaster!” + </p> + <p> + He permitted himself to smile indulgently. + </p> + <p> + “Madame, you may ask much!—and however great your demands, I will do + my utmost to meet and comply with them;—but like all your charming + sex, you forget that a king can seldom or never interfere with a political + situation! It would be very unwise policy on my part to dismiss M. + Pérousse, seeing that he is already nominated as the next Premier.” + </p> + <p> + “The next Premier!” Lotys echoed the words with a passionate scorn; “If + that is so, I give you an honest warning! The people will revolt,—no + force can hold them back or keep them in check! And if you should command + your soldiery to fire on the populace, there must be bloodshed and crime!—on + your head be the result! Oh, are you not, can you not be something higher + than even a king?—an honest man? Will you not open the eyes of your + mind to see the wickedness, falsehood and treachery of this vile Minister, + who ministers only to his own ends?—who feigns incorruptibility in + order to more easily corrupt others?—who assumes the defence of + outlying states, merely to hide the depredations he is making on home + power? Nay, if you will not, you are not worth a beggar’s blessing!—and + I shall wonder to myself why God made of you so exact a copy of one whom I + know to be a good man!” + </p> + <p> + Her breath came and went quickly,—her cheeks were flushed, and great + tears stood in her eyes. But he seemed altogether unmoved. + </p> + <p> + “I’ faith, I shall wonder too!” he said very tranquilly; “Good men are + scarce!—and to be the copy of one is excellent, though it may in + some cases be misleading! Madame, I have heard you with patience, and—if + you will permit me to say so—admiration! I honour your courage—your + frankness—and—still more—your absolute independence. You + speak of wrongs to the People. If such wrongs indeed exist——” + </p> + <p> + “If!” interrupted Lotys with a whole world of meaning in the expression. + </p> + <p> + “I say, if they indeed exist, I will, as far as I may,—endeavour to + remedy them. I, personally, have no hesitation in declaring to you that I + am not involved in the financial schemes to which you allude—though + I know two or three of my fellow-sovereigns who are! But I do not care + sufficiently for money to indulge in speculation. Nevertheless, let me + tell you, speculation is good, and even necessary in matters affecting + national finance, and I am confident—” here he smiled enigmatically, + “that the country’s honour is safe in the hands of M. Pérousse!” + </p> + <p> + At this she lifted her head proudly and looked at him, with eyes that + expressed so magnificent a disdain, that had he been any other than the + man he was, he might have quailed beneath the lightning flash of such + utter contempt. + </p> + <p> + “You are confident that the country’s honour is safe!” she repeated + bitterly; “I am confident that it is betrayed and shamed! And History will + set a curse against the King who helped in its downfall!” + </p> + <p> + He regarded her with a vague, lingering gentleness. + </p> + <p> + “You are harsh, Madame!” he said softly; “But you could not offend me if + you tried! I quarrel with none of your sex! And you will, I hope, think + better of me some day,—and not be sorry—as perhaps you are now—for + having saved a life so worthless! Farewell!” + </p> + <p> + She offered no response. The silken portière rustled and swayed,—the + door opened and shut again quietly—he was gone. Left alone, Lotys + dropped wearily on the sofa, and burying her head in the soft cushions, + gave way to an outburst of tears and sobbed like a tired and exhausted + child. In this condition Professor von Glauben, entering presently, found + her. But his sympathy, if he felt any, was outwardly very chill and + formal. Another dose of his ‘cordial,’—a careful examination and + re-strapping of the wounded shoulder,—these summed up the whole of + his consolation; and his precise cold manner did much to restore her to + her self-possession. She thanked him in a few words for his professional + attention, without raising her eyes to his face, and quietly followed him + down a long narrow passage which terminated in a small private door giving + egress to the Royal pleasure-grounds,—and here a hired close + carriage was waiting. Putting her carefully into this vehicle, the + Professor then delivered himself of his last instructions. + </p> + <p> + “The driver has no orders beyond the citadel, Madame,” he explained. “His + Majesty begged me to say that he has no desire to seem inquisitive as to + your place of residence. You will therefore please inform the coachman + yourself as to where you wish to be driven. And take care of that + so-much-wounded shoulder!” he added, relapsing into a kinder and less + formal tone;—“It will pain you,—but there will be no + inflammation, not now I have treated it!—and it will heal quickly, + that I will guarantee—I, who have had first care of it!” + </p> + <p> + She thanked him again in a low voice,—there was an uncomfortable + lump in her throat, and tears still trembled on her lashes. + </p> + <p> + “Remember well,” said the Professor cheerily; “how very grateful we are to + you! What we shall do for you some day, we do not yet know! A monument in + the public square, or a bust in the Cathedral? Ha, ha! Goodbye! You have + the blessing of the nation with you!” + </p> + <p> + She shook her head deprecatingly,—she tried to smile, but she could + not trust herself to speak. The carriage rolled swiftly down the broad + avenue and soon disappeared, and the Professor, having watched the last + flash of its wheels vanish between the arching trees, executed a slow and + somewhat solemn <i>pas-seul</i> on the doorstep where it had left him. + </p> + <p> + “Ach so!” he exclaimed, almost audibly; “The King’s Comedy progresses! But + it had nearly taken the form of Tragedy to-day—and now Tragedy + itself has melted into sentiment, and tears, and passion! And with this + very difficult kind of human mixture, the worst may happen!” + </p> + <p> + He re-entered the Palace and returned with some haste to the apartments of + the King, whither he had been bidden. + </p> + <p> + But on arriving there he was met by an attendant in the ante-room who + informed him that his Majesty had retired to his private library and + desired to be left alone. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. — “I SAY—‘ROME’!” + </h2> + <p> + The State prison was a gloomy fortress built on a wedge of rock that + jutted far out into the ocean. It stood full-fronted to the north, and had + opposed its massive walls and huge battlements to every sort of storm for + many centuries. It was a relic of mediaeval days, when torture no less + than death, was the daily practice of the law, and when persons were + punished as cruelly for light offences as for the greatest crimes. It was + completely honeycombed with dungeons and subterranean passages, which led + to the sea,—and in one of the darkest and deepest of these + underground cells, the wretched youth who had attempted the life of the + King, was placed under the charge of two armed warders, who marched up and + down outside the heavily-barred door, keeping close watch and guard. + Neither they nor anyone else had exchanged a word with the prisoner since + his arrest. He had given them no trouble. He had been carefully searched, + but nothing of an incriminating nature had been found upon him,—nothing + to point to any possible instigator of his dastard crime. He had entered + the dungeon allotted to him with almost a cheerful air,—he had + muttered half-inaudible thanks for the bread and water which had been + passed to him through the grating; and he had seated himself upon the cold + bench, hewn out of the stone wall, with a resignation that might have + easily passed for pleasure. As the time wore on, however, and the reality + of his position began to press more consciously upon his senses, the + warders heard him sigh deeply, and move restlessly, and once he gave a cry + like that of a wounded animal, exclaiming:— + </p> + <p> + “For Thy sake, Lord Christ! For Thy sake I strove—for Thy sake, and + in Thy service! Thou wilt not leave me here to perish!” + </p> + <p> + He had been brought to the prison immediately after his murderous attack, + and the time had then been about four in the afternoon. It was now night; + and all over the city the joy-bells were clashing out music from the + Cathedral towers, to express the popular thanksgiving for the miraculous + escape and safety of the King. The echo of the chimes which had been + ringing ever since sunset, was caught by the sea and thrown back again + upon the air, so that it partially drowned the melancholy clang of the + prison bell, which in its turn, tolled forth the dreary passing of the + time for those to whom liberty had become the merest shadow of a dream. As + it struck nine, a priest presented himself to the Superintendent of the + prison, bearing a ‘permit’ from General Bernhoff, Head of the Police, to + visit and ‘confess’ the prisoner. He was led to the cell and admitted at + once. At the noise of a stranger’s entrance, the criminal raised himself + from the sunken attitude into which he had fallen on his stone bench, and + watched, by the light of the dim lamp set in the wall, the approach of his + tall, gaunt, black-garmented visitor with evident horror and fear. When,—with + the removal of the shovel hat and thick muffler which had helped to + disguise that visitor’s personality,—the features of Monsignor Del + Fortis were disclosed, he sprang forward and threw himself on his knees. + </p> + <p> + “Mercy!—Mercy!” he moaned—“Have pity on me, in the name of + God!” + </p> + <p> + Del Fortis looked down upon him with contempt, as though he were some + loathsome reptile writhing at his feet. “Silence!” he said, in a harsh + whisper—“Remember, we are watched here! Get up!—why do you + kneel to <i>me</i>? I have nothing to do with you, beyond such office as + the Church enjoins!” And a cold smile darkened, rather than lightened his + features. “I am sent to administer ‘spiritual consolation’ to you!” + </p> + <p> + Slowly the prisoner struggled up to a standing posture, and pressing both + hands to his head, he stared wildly before him. + </p> + <p> + “‘Spiritual consolation’!” he muttered-“‘Spiritual’?” A faint dull vacuous + smile flickered over his face, and he shuddered. “I understand! You come + to prepare my soul for Heaven!” + </p> + <p> + Del Fortis gave him a sinister look. + </p> + <p> + “That depends on yourself!” he replied curtly—“The Church can speed + you either way,—to Heaven, or—Hell!” + </p> + <p> + The prisoner’s hands clenched involuntarily with a gesture of despair. + </p> + <p> + “I know that!” he said sullenly—“The Church can save or kill! What + of it? I am now beyond even the power of the Church!” + </p> + <p> + Del Fortis seated himself on the stone bench. + </p> + <p> + “Come here!” he said—“Sit down beside me!” + </p> + <p> + The prisoner obeyed. + </p> + <p> + “Look at this!”—and he drew an ebony and silver crucifix from his + breast—“Fix your eyes upon it, and try, my son,”—here he + raised his voice a little—“try to conquer your thoughts of things + temporal, and lift them to the things which are eternal! For things + temporal do quickly vanish and disperse, but things eternal shall endure + for ever! Humble your soul before God, and beseech Him with me, to + mercifully cleanse the dark stain of sin upon your soul!” Here he began + mumbling a Latin prayer, and while engaged in this, he caught the + prisoner’s hand in a close grip. “Act—act with me!” he said firmly. + “Fool!—Play a part, as I do! Bend your head close to mine—assume + shame and sorrow even if you cannot feel it! And listen to me well! <i>You + have failed</i>!” + </p> + <p> + “I know it!” + </p> + <p> + The reply came thick and low. + </p> + <p> + “Why did you make the attempt at all? Who persuaded you?” + </p> + <p> + The wretched youth lifted his head, and showed a wild white face, in which + the piteous eyes, starting from their sockets, looked blind with terror. + </p> + <p> + “Who persuaded me?” he replied mechanically—“No one! No single one,—but + many!” + </p> + <p> + Del Fortis gripped him firmly by the wrist. + </p> + <p> + “You lie!” he snarled—“How dare you utter such a calumny! Who were + you? What were you? A miserable starveling—picked up from the + streets and saved from penury,—housed and sheltered in our College,—taught + and trained and given paid employment by us,—what have <i>you</i> to + say of ‘persuasion’?—you, who owe your very life to us, and to our + charity!” + </p> + <p> + Roused by this attack, the prisoner, wrenching his hand away from the + priest’s cruel grasp, sprang upright. + </p> + <p> + “Wait—wait!” he said breathlessly—“You do not understand! You + forget! All my life I have been under One great influence—all my + life I have been taught to dream One great Dream! When I talk of + ‘persuasion,’ I only mean the persuasion of that force which has + surrounded me as closely as the air I breathe!—that spirit which is + bound to enter into all who work for you, or with you! Oh no!—neither + you nor any member of your Order ever seek openly to ‘persuade’ any man to + any act, whether good or evil—your Rule is much wiser than that!—much + more subtle! You issue no actual commands—your power comes chiefly + by suggestion! And <i>with</i> you,—working <i>for</i> you—I + have thought day and night, night and day, of the glory of Rome!—the + dominion of Rome!—the triumph of Rome! I have learned, under you, to + wish for it, to pray for it, to desire it more than my own life!—do + you, can you blame me for that? You dare not call it a sin;—for your + Order represents it as a virtue that condones all sin!” + </p> + <p> + Del Fortis was silent, watching him with a kind of curious contempt. + </p> + <p> + “It grew to be part of me, this Dream!” went on the lad, his eyes now + shining with a feverish brilliancy—“And I began to see wonderful + visions, and to hear voices calling me in the daytime,—voices that + no one else heard! Once in the College chapel I saw the Blessed Virgin’s + picture smile! I was copying documents for the Vatican then,—and I + thought of the Holy Father,—how he was imprisoned in Rome, when he + should be Emperor of all the Emperors,—King of all the Kings! I + remembered how it was that he had no temporal power,—though all the + powers of the earth should be subservient to him!—and my heart beat + almost to bursting, and my brain seemed on fire!—but the Blessed + Virgin’s picture still smiled;—and I knelt down before it and swore + that I,—even I, would help to give the whole world back to Rome, + even if I died for it!” + </p> + <p> + He caught his breath with a kind of sob, and looked appealingly at Del + Fortis, who, fingering the crucifix he held, sat immovable. + </p> + <p> + “And then—and then” he went on, “I heard enough,—while at work + in the monastery with you and the brethren,—to strengthen and fire + my resolution. I learned that all kings are, in these days, the enemies of + the Church. I learned that they were all united in one resolve; and that,—to + deprive the Holy Father of temporal power! Then I set myself to study + kings. Each, and all of those who sit on thrones to-day passed before my + view;—all selfish, money-seeking, sensual men!—not one good, + true soul among them! Demons they seemed to me,—bent on depriving + God’s Evangelist in Rome of his Sacred and Supreme Sovereignty! It made me + mad!—and I would have killed all kings, could I have done so with a + single thought! Then came a day when you preached openly in the Cathedral + against this one King, who should by right have gone to his account this + very afternoon!—you told the people how he had refused lands to the + Church,—and how by this wicked act he had stopped the progress of + religious education, and had put himself, as it were, in the way of Christ + who said: ‘Suffer little children to come unto Me!’ And my dreams of the + glory of Rome again took shape—I saw in my mind all the children,—the + poor little children of the world, gathered to the knee of the Holy + Father, and brought up to obey him and him only!—I remembered my + oath before the Blessed Virgin’s picture, and all my soul cried out: + ‘Death to the crowned Tyrant! Death!’ For you said—and I believed it—that + all who opposed the Holy Father’s will, were opposed to the will of God!—and + over and over again I said in my heart: ‘Death to the tyrant! Death!’ And + the words went with me like the response of a litany,—till—till—I + saw him before me to-day—a pampered fool, surrounded by women!—a + blazoned liar!—and then—” He paused, smiling foolishly; and + shaking his head with a slow movement to and fro, he added—“The + dagger should have struck home!—it was aimed surely—aimed + strongly!—but that woman came between—why did she come? They + said she was Lotys!—ha ha!—Lotys, the Revolutionary sybil!—Lotys, + the Socialist!—but that could not be,—Lotys is as great an + enemy of kings as I am!” + </p> + <p> + “And an enemy of the Church as well!” said Del Fortis harshly—“Between + the Church and Socialism, all Thrones stand on a cracking earth, devoured + by fire! But make no mistake about it!—the woman was Lotys! + Socialist and Revolutionary as she may be, she has saved the life of the + King. This is so far fortunate—for you! And it is much to be hoped + that she herself is not slain by your dagger thrust;—death is far + too easy and light a punishment for her and her associates! We trust it + may please a merciful God to visit her with more lingering calamity!” + </p> + <p> + As he said this, he piously kissed the crucifix he held, keeping his + shallow dark eyes fixed on the prisoner with the expression of a cat + watching a mouse. The half-crazed youth, absorbed in the ideas of his own + dementia, still smiled to himself vaguely, and nervously plucked at his + fingers, till Del Fortis, growing impatient and forgetting for the moment + that they stood in a prison cell, the interior of which might possibly be + seen and watched from many points of observation unknown to them, went up + to him and shook him roughly by the arm. + </p> + <p> + “Attention!” he said angrily—“Rouse yourself and hear me! You talk + like a fool or a madman,—yet you are neither—neither, you + understand?—neither idiot-born nor suddenly crazed;—so, when + on your trial do not feign to be what you are not! Such ideas as you have + expressed, though they may have their foundation in a desire for good, are + evil in their results—yet even out of evil good may come! The power + of Rome—the glory of Rome—the dominion of Rome! Rome, supreme + Mistress of the world! Would you help the Church to win this great + victory? Then now is your chance! God has given you—you, His poor + instrument,—the means to effectually aid His conquest,—to Him + be all the praise and thanksgiving! It rests with you to accept His + message and perform His work!” + </p> + <p> + The high-flown, melodramatic intensity with which he pronounced these + words, had the desired effect on the stunned and bewildered, weak mind of + the unfortunate lad so addressed. His eyes sparkled—his cheeks + flushed,—and he looked eagerly up into the face of his priestly + hypnotizer. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—yes!” he said quickly in a breathless whisper—“But how?—tell + me how! I will work—oh, I will work—for Rome, for God, for the + Blessed Virgin!—I will do all that I can!—but how—how? + Will the Holy Father send an angel to take me out of this prison, so that + I may be free to help God?” + </p> + <p> + Del Fortis surveyed him with a kind of grim derision, A slight noise like + the slipping-back or slipping-to of a grating, startled him, and he looked + about him on all sides, moved by a sudden nervous apprehension. But the + massive walls of the cell, oozing with damp and slime, had apparently no + aperture or outlet anywhere, not even a slit in the masonry for the + admission of daylight. Satisfied with his hasty examination, he took his + credulous victim by the arm, and led him back to the rough stone bench + where they had first begun to converse. + </p> + <p> + “Kneel down here before me!”—he said—“Kneel, as if you were + repeating all the sins of your life to me in your last confession! Kneel, + I say!” + </p> + <p> + Feebly, and with trembling limbs, the lad obeyed. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” continued Del Fortis, holding up the crucifix before him—“Try + to follow my words and understand them! To-morrow, or the next day, you + will be taken before a judge and tried for your attempted crime. Do you + realise that?” + </p> + <p> + “I do!” The answer came hesitatingly, and with a faint moan. + </p> + <p> + “Have you thought what you intend to say when you are asked your reasons + for attacking the King? Do you mean to tell judge and jury the story of + what you call your ‘persuasion’ to dream of the dominion of Rome?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—yes!” replied the lad, looking up with an eager light on his + face—“Yes, I will tell them all,—just as I have told you! Then + they will know,—they will see that it was a good thought of mine—it + would have been a good sin! I will speak to them of the wicked wrongs done + to you and your Holy Order,—of the cruelty which the Christian + Apostle in Rome has to suffer at the hands of kings—and they will + acknowledge me to be right and just;—they will know I am as a man + inspired by God to work for the Church, the bride of Christ, and to make + her Queen of all the world!” + </p> + <p> + He stopped suddenly, intimidated by the cruel glare of the wolfish eyes + above him. + </p> + <p> + “You will say nothing of all this!” and Del Fortis shook the crucifix in + his face as though it were a threatening weapon; “You will say only what + <i>I</i> choose,—only what <i>I</i> command! And if you do not swear + to speak as I tell you, I will kill you!—here and now—with my + own hands!” + </p> + <p> + Uttering a half-smothered cry, the wretched youth recoiled in terror. + </p> + <p> + “You will kill me? You—<i>you</i>?” he gasped—“No—no!—you + could not do that! you could not,—you are a holy man! I—I am + not afraid that you will hurt me! I have done nothing to offend you,—I + have always been obedient to you,—I have been your slave—your + dog to fetch and carry!—and you should remember,—yes!—you + should remember that my mother was rich,—and that because she too + felt the call of God, she gave all her money to the Church, and left me + thrown upon the streets to starve! But the Church rescued me—the + Church did not forget! And I am ready to serve the Church in all and every + possible way,—I have done my best, even now!” + </p> + <p> + He spoke with all the passionate self-persuasion of a fanatic, and Del + Fortis judged it wisest to control his own fierce inward impatience and + deal with him more restrainedly. + </p> + <p> + “That is true enough!” he said in milder accents;—“You are ready to + serve the Church,—I do not doubt it;—but you do not serve it + in the right way. No earthly good is gained to us by the killing of kings! + Their conversion and obedience is what we seek. This king you would have + slain is a baptised son of the Church; but beyond attending mass regularly + in his private chapel, which he does for the mere sake of appearances, he + is an atheist, condemned to the fires of Hell. Nevertheless, no advantage + to us could possibly be obtained by his death. Much can be done for us by + you—yes, <i>you</i>!—and much will depend on the answers to + the questions asked you at your trial. Give those answers as <i>I</i> + shall bid you, and you will win a triumph for the cause of Rome!” + </p> + <p> + The prisoner’s eyes glittered feverishly,—full of the delirium of + bigotry, he caught the lean, cold hand that held the crucifix, and kissed + it fervently. + </p> + <p> + “Command me!” he muttered—“Command!—and in the name of the + Blessed Virgin, I will obey!” + </p> + <p> + “Hear then, and attend closely to my words,” went on Del Fortis, + enunciating his sentences in a low distinct voice—“When you are + brought before the judge, you will be accused of an attempt to assassinate + the King. Make no denial of it,—admit it at once, and express + contrition. You will then be asked if any person or persons instigated you + to commit the crime. To this say ‘yes’!” + </p> + <p> + “Say ‘yes’!” repeated the lad—“But that will not be true!” + </p> + <p> + “Fool, does it matter!” ejaculated Del Fortis, almost savagely—“Have + you not sworn to speak as I command you? What is it to you whether it is + true or false?” + </p> + <p> + A slight shiver passed through the prisoner’s limbs—but he was + silent. + </p> + <p> + “Say”—went on his pitiless instructor—“that you were enticed + and persuaded to commit the wicked deed by the teachings of the Socialist, + Sergius Thord, and his followers. Say that the woman Lotys knew of your + intention,—and saved the life of the King at the last moment, + through fear, lest her own seditious schemes should be discovered and + herself punished. Say,—that because you were young and weak and + impressionable, she chose you out to attempt the assassination. Do you + hear?” + </p> + <p> + “I hear!” The reply came thickly and almost inaudibly. “But must I tell + these lies? I have never spoken to Sergius Thord in my life!—nor to + the woman Lotys;—I know nothing of them or their followers, except + by the public talk;—why should I harm the innocent? Let me tell the + truth, I pray of you!—let me speak as my heart dictates!—let + me plead for the Holy Father—for you—for your Order—for + the Church!—” + </p> + <p> + He broke off as Del Fortis caught him by both hands in an angry grip. + </p> + <p> + “Do not dare to speak one word of the Church!” he said, “Or of us,—or + of our Order! Let not a single syllable escape your lips concerning your + connection with us and our Society!—or we shall find means to make + you regret it! Beware of betraying yourself! When you are once before the + Court of Law, remember you know nothing of Us, our Work, or our Creed!” + </p> + <p> + Utterly bewildered and mystified, the unhappy youth rocked himself to and + fro, clasping and unclasping his hands in a kind of nervous paroxysm. + </p> + <p> + “Oh why, why will you bid me to do this?” he moaned—“You know there + are times when I cannot be answerable for myself! How can I tell what I + shall do when I am brought face to face with my accusers?—when I see + all the dreadful eyes of the people turned upon me? How can I deny all + knowledge of those who brought me up, and nurtured and educated me? If + they ask me of my home, is it not with you?—under your sufferance + and charity? If they seek to know my means of subsistence, is it not + through you that I receive the copying-work for which I am paid? You would + not have me repudiate all this, would you? I should be worse than a dog in + sheer ingratitude if I did not bear open testimony to all the Church has + done for me!” + </p> + <p> + “Be, not worse than a dog, but faithful as a dog in obedience!” responded + Del Fortis impressively—“And, for once, speak of the Church with the + indifference of an atheist,—or with such marked coldness as a wise + man speaks of the woman he secretly adores! Hold the Church and Us too + sacred for any mention in a Court of criminal law! But serve the Church by + involving the Socialist and Revolutionary party! Think of the magnificent + results which will spring from this act,—and nerve yourself to tell + a lie in order to support a truth!” + </p> + <p> + Rising unsteadily from his knees, the prisoner stood upright. By the + flicker of the dim lamp, he looked deadly pale, and his limbs tottered as + though shaken by an ague fit. + </p> + <p> + “What good will come of it?” he queried dully—“What good <i>can</i> + come of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Great and lasting good will come of it!”—replied Del Fortis—“And + it will come quickly too;—in this way, for by fastening the + accusation of undue influence on Sergius Thord and his companions, you + will obtain Government restriction, if not total suppression of the + Socialist party. This is what we need! The Socialists are growing too + strong—too powerful in every country,—and we are on the brink + of trouble through their accursed and atheistical demonstrations. There + will soon be serious disturbances in the political arena—possibly an + overthrow of the Government, and a general election—and if Sergius + Thord has the chance of advancing himself as a deputy, he will be elected + above all others by an overpowering majority of the lower classes. <i>You</i> + can prevent this!—you can prevent it by a single falsehood, which in + this case will be more pleasing to God than a thousand mischievous + veracities! Will you do it? Yes or No?” + </p> + <p> + The miserable lad looked helplessly around him, his weak frame trembling + as with palsy, and his uncertain fingers plucking at each other with that + involuntary movement of the muscles which indicates a disordered brain. + </p> + <p> + “Will you, or will you not?” reiterated Del Fortis in a whisper that + hissed through the close precincts of the cell like the warning of a snake + about to sting—“Answer me!” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose I say I will not!”—stammered the poor wretch, with + trembling lips and appealing eyes—“Suppose I say I will not falsely + accuse the innocent, even for the sake of the Church——?” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Del Fortis slowly, rising and moving towards him;—“You + had best accept the only alternative—this!” + </p> + <p> + And he took from his breast pocket a small phial, full of clear, + colourless fluid, and showed it to him—“Take it!—and so make a + quick and quiet end! For, if you betray you connection with Us by so much + as a look,—a sign, or a syllable,—your mode of exit from this + world may be slower, less decent, and more painful!” + </p> + <p> + The miserable boy wrung his hands in agony, and such a cry of despair + broke from his lips as might have moved anyone less cruelly made of + spiritual adamant than the determined servant of the cruellest ‘religious’ + Order known. The dull harsh clang of the prison bell struck ten. The + ‘priest’ had been an hour at the work of ‘confessing’ his penitent,—and + his patience was well-nigh exhausted. + </p> + <p> + “Swear you will attribute your intended assassination of the King, to the + influence of the Socialists!” he said with fierce imperativeness—“Or + with this—end all your difficulties to-night! It is a gentle + quietus!—and you ought to thank me for it! It is better than + solitary imprisonment for life! I will give you absolution for taking it—provided + I see you swallow it before I go!—and I will declare to the Church + that I left you shrived of your sins, and clean! Half an hour after I + leave you, you will sleep!—and wake—in Heaven! Make your + choice!” + </p> + <p> + The last words had scarcely left his lips when the cell door was suddenly + thrown open, and a blaze of light poured in. Dazzled by the strong and + sudden glare, Del Fortis recoiled, and still holding the phial of poison + in his hand, stumbled back against the half-fainting form of the poor + crazed creature he had been terrorising, as a dozen armed men silently + entered the dungeon and ranged themselves in order, six on one side and + six on the other, while, in their midst one man advanced, throwing back + his dark military cloak as he came, and displaying a mass of jewelled + orders and insignia on his brilliant uniform. Del Fortis uttered a fierce + oath. + </p> + <p> + “The King!” he muttered, under his breath—“The King!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, the King!” and a glance of supreme scorn swept over him from head to + foot, as the monarch’s clear dark grey eyes flashed with the glitter of + cold steel in the luminance of the torches which were carried by + attendants behind him; “Monsignor Del Fortis! You stand convicted of the + offence of unlawfully tampering with the conscience of a prisoner of + State! We have heard your every word—and have obtained a bird’s-eye + view of your policy!—so that,—if necessary,—we will + Ourselves bear witness against you! For the present,—you will be + detained in this fortress until our further pleasure!” + </p> + <p> + For one moment Del Fortis appeared to be literally contorted in every + muscle by his excess of rage. His features grew livid,—his eyes + became almost blood-red, and his teeth met on his drawn-in under-lip in a + smile of intense malignity. Baffled again!—and by this ‘king,’—the + crowned Dummy,—who had cast aside all former precedent, and instead + of amusing himself with card-playing and sensual intrigue, after the + accepted fashion of most modern sovereigns, had presumed to interfere, not + only with the Church, but with the Government, and now, as it seemed, had + acted as a spy on the very secrets of a so-called prison ‘confession’! The + utter impossibility of escaping from the net into which his own words had + betrayed him, stood plainly before his mind and half-choked him with + impotent fury,—till—all suddenly a thought crossed his brain + like a flash of fire, and with a strong effort, he recovered his + self-possession. Crossing his arms meekly on his breast, he bowed with a + silent and profound affectation of humility, as one who is bent under the + Royal displeasure, yet resigned to the Royal command,—then with a + rapid movement he lifted the poison-phial he had held concealed, to his + lips. His action was at once perceived. Two or three of the armed guards + threw themselves upon him and, after a brief struggle, wrenched the flask + from his hand, but not till he had succeeded in swallowing its contents. + Breathing quickly, yet smiling imperturbably, he stood upright and calm. + </p> + <p> + “God’s will and mine—not your Majesty’s—be done!” he said. “In + half an hour—or less—Mother Church may add to her list of + martyrs the name of Andrea Del Fortis!—who died rather than + sacrifice the dignity of his calling to the tyranny of a king!” + </p> + <p> + A slight convulsion passed over his features,—he staggered backward. + The King, horror-stricken, signed to the prison warders standing by, to + support him. He muttered a word of thanks, as they caught him by both + arms. + </p> + <p> + “Take me where I can die quietly!” he said to them, “It will soon be over! + I shall give you little trouble!” + </p> + <p> + A cold, weak, trembling hand clasped his. It was the hand of the King’s + wretched assassin. + </p> + <p> + “Let me go with you!” he cried—“Let me die with you! You have been + cruel to me!—but you could not have meant it!—you were once + kind!” + </p> + <p> + Del Fortis thrust him aside. + </p> + <p> + “Curse you!” he said thickly—“You are the cause—you—you + are the cause of this damned mischief! You!—God!—to think of + it!—you devil’s spawn!—you cur!” + </p> + <p> + His voice failed him, and he reeled heavily against the sturdy form of one + of the warders who held him—his lips were flecked with blood and + foam. Shocked and appalled, no less at his words, than at the fiendish + contortion of his features, the King drew near. + </p> + <p> + “Curse not a fellow-mortal, unhappy priest, in thine own passage towards + the final judgment!” he said in grave accents—“The blessing of this + poor misguided creature may help thee more than even a king’s free + pardon!” + </p> + <p> + And he extended his hand;—but with all the force of his now + struggling and convulsed body, Del Fortis beat it back, and raised himself + by an almost superhuman effort. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon! Who talks of pardon!” he cried, with a strong voice—“I do + not need it—I do not seek it! I have worked for the Church—I + die for the Church! For every one that says ‘The King!’—I say, + ‘Rome’!” + </p> + <p> + He drew himself stiffly upright; his dark eyes glittered; his face, though + deadly pale, scarcely looked like the face of a dying man. + </p> + <p> + “I say, ‘Rome’!” he repeated, in a harsh whisper;—“Over all the + world!—over all the kingdoms of the world, and in defiance of all + kings—‘Rome’!” + </p> + <p> + He fell back,—not dead,—but insensible, in the stupor which + precedes death;—and was quickly borne out of the cell and carried to + the prison infirmary, there to receive medical aid, though that could only + now avail to soothe the approaching agonies of dissolution. + </p> + <p> + The King stood mute and motionless, lost in thought, a heavy darkness + brooding on his features. How strange the impulse that had led him to be + the mover and witness of this scene! By merest chance he had learned that + Del Fortis had applied for permission to ‘confess’ the would-be destroyer + of his life,—the life which Lotys had saved,—and acting—as + he had lately accustomed himself to do—on a sudden first idea or + instinct, he had summoned General Bernhoff to escort him to the prison, + and make the way easy for him to watch and overhear the interview between + priest and penitent,—himself unobserved. And from so slight an + incident had sprung a tragedy,—which might have results as yet + undreamed-of! + </p> + <p> + And while he yet mused upon this, General Bernhoff ventured respectfully + to approach him, and ask if it was now his pleasure to return to the + Palace? He roused himself,—and with a heavy sigh looked round on the + damp and dismal cell in which he stood, and at the crouching, + fear-stricken form of the semi-crazed and now violently weeping lad who + had attempted his life. + </p> + <p> + “Take that poor wretch away from here!” he said in hushed tones—“Give + him light, and warmth, and food! His evil desires spring from an unsound + brain;—I would have him dealt with mercifully! Guard him with all + necessary and firm restraint,—but do not brutalise his body more + than Rome has brutalised his soul!” + </p> + <p> + With that he turned away,—and his armed guard and attendants + followed him. + </p> + <p> + That self-same midnight a requiem mass was sung in a certain chapel before + a silent gathering of black-robed stern-featured men, who prayed “For the + repose of the soul of our dear brother, Andrea Del Fortis, servant of God, + and martyr to the cause of truth and justice,—who departed this life + suddenly, in the performance of his sacred duties.” In the newspapers next + day, the death of this same martyr and shining light of the Church was + recorded with much paid-for regret and press-eulogy as ‘due to + heart-failure’ and his body being claimed by the Jesuit brotherhood, it + was buried with great pomp and solemn circumstance, several of the + Catholic societies and congregations following it to the grave. One week + after the funeral,—for no other ostensible cause whatever, save the + offence of openly publishing his official refusal of a grant of Crown + lands to the Jesuits,—the Holy Father, the Evangelist and Infallible + Apostle enthroned in St. Peter’s Chair, launched against the King who had + dared to deny his wish and oppose his will, the once terrible, but now + futile ban of excommunication; and the Royal son of the Church who had + honestly considered the good of his people more than the advancement of + priestcraft, stood outside the sacred pale,—barred by a so-called + ‘Christian’ creed, from the mercy of God and the hope of Heaven. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. — “ONE WAY,—ONE WOMAN!” + </h2> + <p> + For several days after the foregoing events, the editors and proprietors + of newspapers had more than enough ‘copy’ to keep them busy. The narrow + escape of the King from assassination, followed by his excommunication + from the Church, worked a curious effect on the minds of the populace, who + were somewhat bewildered and uncertain as to the possible undercurrent of + political meaning flowing beneath the conjunction of these two events; and + their feelings were intensified by the announcement that the youth who had + attempted the monarch’s life,—being proved as suffering from + hereditary brain disease,—had received a free pardon, and was placed + in a suitable home for the treatment of such cases, under careful + restraint and medical supervision. The tide of popular opinion was now + divided into two ways,—for, and against their Sovereign-ruler. By + far the larger half were against;—but the ban pronounced upon him by + the Pope had the effect of making even this disaffected portion inclined + to consider him more favourably,—seeing that the Church’s punishment + had fallen upon him, apparently because he had done his duty, as a king, + by granting the earnest petitions of thousands of his subjects. David + Jost, who had always made a point of flattering Royalty in all its forms, + now let his pen go with a complete passion of toadyism, such as disgraced + certain writers in Great Britain during the reigns of the pernicious and + vicious Georges,—and, seeing the continued success of the rival + journal which the King had personally favoured, he trimmed his sails to + the Court breeze, and dropped the Church party as though it had burned his + fingers. But he found various channels on which he had previously relied + for information, rigorously closed to him. He had written many times to + the Marquis de Lutera to ask if the report of his having sent in his + resignation was correct,—but he had received no answer. He had + called over and over again on Carl Pérousse, hoping to obtain a few + minutes’ conversation with him, but had been denied an interview. + Cogitating upon these changes,—which imported much,—and + wishing over and over again that he had been born an Englishman, so that + by the insidious flattery of Royalty he might obtain a peerage,—as a + certain Jew associate of his concerned in the same business in London, had + recently succeeded in doing,—he decided that the wisest course to + follow was to continue to ‘butter’ the King;—hence he laid it on + with a thick brush, wherever the grease of hypocrisy could show off best. + But work as he would, the ‘shares’ in his journalistic concerns were + steadily going down,—none of his numerous magazines or ‘half-penny + rags,’ paid so well as they had hitherto done; while the one paper which + had lately been so prominently used by the King, continued to prosper, the + public having now learned to accept with avidity and eagerness the + brilliant articles which bore the signature of Pasquin Leroy, as though + they were somewhat of a new political gospel. The charm of mystery + intensified this new writer’s reputation. He was never seen in + ‘fashionable’ society,—no ‘fashionable’ person appeared to know him,—and + the general impression was that he resided altogether out of the country. + Only the members of the Revolutionary Committee were aware that he was one + of them, and recognised his work as part of the carrying out of his sworn + bond. He had grown to be almost the right hand of Sergius Thord; wherever + Thord sought supporters, he helped to obtain them,—wherever the sick + and needy, the desolate and distressed, required aid, he somehow managed + to secure it,—and next to Thord,—and of course Lotys,—he + was the idol of the Socialist centre. He never spoke in public,—he + seldom appeared at mass meetings; but his influence was always felt; and + he made himself and his work almost a necessity to the Cause. The action + of Lotys in saving the life of the King, had created considerable + discussion among the Revolutionists, not unmixed with anger. When she + first appeared among them after the incident, with her arm in a sling, she + was greeted with mingled cheers and groans, to neither of which she paid + the slightest attention. She took her seat at the head of the Committee + table as usual, with her customary indifference and grace, and appeared + deaf to the conflicting murmurs around her,—till, as they grew + louder and more complaining and insistent, she raised her head and sent + the lightning flash of her blue eyes down the double line of men with a + sweeping scorn that instantly silenced them. + </p> + <p> + “What do you seek from me?” she demanded;—“Why do you clamour like + babes for something you cannot get,—my obedience?” + </p> + <p> + They looked shamefacedly at one another,—then at Sergius Thord and + Pasquin Leroy, who sat side by side at the lower end of the table. Max + Graub and Axel Regor, Leroy’s two comrades, were for once absent; but they + had sent suitable and satisfactory excuses. Thord’s brows were heavy and + lowering,—his eyes were wild and unrestful, and his attitude and + expression were such as caused Leroy to watch him with a little more than + his usual close attention. Seeing that his companions expected him to + answer Lotys before them all, he spoke with evident effort. + </p> + <p> + “You make a difficult demand upon us, Lotys,” he said slowly, “if you wish + us to explain the stormy nature of our greeting to you this evening. You + might surely have understood it without a question! For we are compelled + to blame you;—you who have never till now deserved blame,—for + the folly of your action in exposing your own life to save that of the + King! The one is valuable to us—the other is nothing to us! Besides, + you have trespassed against the Seventh Rule of our Order—which + solemnly pledges us to ‘destroy the present monarchy’!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Lotys, “And is it part of the oath that the monarchy should be + destroyed by murder without warning? You know it is not! You know that + there is nothing more dastardly, more cowardly, more utterly loathsome and + contemptible than to kill a man defenceless and unarmed! We speak of a + Monarchy, not a King;—not one single individual,—for if he + were killed, he has three sons to come after him. You have called me the + Soul of an Ideal—good! But I am not, and will not be the Soul of a + Murder-Committee!” + </p> + <p> + “Well spoken!” said Johan Zegota, looking up from some papers which he, as + secretary to the Society, had been docketing for the convenience of + Thord’s perusal; “But do not forget, brave Lotys, that the very next + meeting we hold is the annual one, in which we draw lots for the ‘happy + dispatch’ of traitors and false rulers; and that this year the name of the + King is among them!” + </p> + <p> + Lotys grew a shade paler, but she replied at once and dauntlessly. + </p> + <p> + “I do not forget it! But if lots are cast and traitors doomed,—it is + part of our procedure to give any such doomed man six months’ steady and + repeated warning, that he may have time to repent of his mistakes and + remedy them, so that haply he may still be spared;—and also that he + may take heed to arm himself, that he do not die defenceless. Had I not + saved the King, his death would have been set down to us, and our work! + Any one of you might have been accused of influencing the crazy boy who + attempted the deed,—and it is quite possible our meetings would have + been suppressed, and all our work fatally hindered,—if not entirely + stopped. Foolish children! You should thank me, not blame me!—but + you are blind children all, and cannot even see where you have been + faithfully served by your faithfullest friend!” + </p> + <p> + At these words a new light appeared to break on the minds of all present—a + light that was reflected in their eager and animated faces. The knotted + line of Thord’s brooding brows smoothed itself gradually away. + </p> + <p> + “Was that indeed your thought, Lotys,” he asked gently, almost tenderly—“Was + it for our sakes and for us alone, that you saved the King?” + </p> + <p> + At that instant Pasquin Leroy turned his eyes, which till now had been + intent on watching Thord, to the other end of the table where the fine, + compact woman’s head, framed in its autumn-gold hair, was silhouetted + against the dark background of the wall behind her like a cameo. His gaze + met hers,—and a vague look of fear and pain flashed over her face, + as a faint touch of colour reddened her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “I am not accustomed to repeat my words, Sergius Thord!” she answered + coldly; “I have said my say!” + </p> + <p> + Looks were exchanged, and there was a silence. + </p> + <p> + “If we doubt Lotys, we doubt the very spirit of ourselves!” said Pasquin + Leroy, his rich voice thrilling with unwonted emotion; “Sergius—and + comrades all! If you will hear me, and believe me,—you may take my + word for it, she has run the risk of death for Us!—and has saved Us + from false accusation, and Government interference! To wrong Lotys by so + much as a thought, is to wrong the truest woman God ever made!” + </p> + <p> + A wild shout answered him,—and moved by one impulse, the whole body + of men rose to their feet and drank “to the health and honour of Lotys!” + with acclamation, many of them afterwards coming round to where she sat, + and kneeling to kiss her hand and ask her pardon for their momentary doubt + of her, in the excitement and enthusiasm of their souls. But Lotys herself + sat very silent,—almost as silent as Sergius Thord, who, though he + drank the toast, remained moody and abstracted. + </p> + <p> + When the company dispersed that night, each man present was carefully + reminded by the secretary, Johan Zegota, that unless the most serious + illness or misfortune intervened, every one must attend the next meeting, + as it was the yearly “Day of Fate.” Pasquin Leroy was told that his two + friends, Max Graub and Axel Regor must be with him, and he willingly made + himself surety for their attendance. + </p> + <p> + “But,” said he, as he gave the promise, “what is the Day of Fate?” + </p> + <p> + Johan Zegota pointed a thin finger delicately at his heart. + </p> + <p> + “The Day of Fate,” he said, “is the day of punishment,—or Decision + of Deaths. The names of several persons who have been found guilty of + treachery,—or who otherwise do injury to the people by the manner of + their life and conduct, are written down on slips of paper, which are + folded up and put in one receptacle, together with two or three hundred + blanks. They must be all men’s names,—we never make war on women. + Against some of these names,—a Red Cross is placed. Whosoever draws + a name, and finds the red cross against it, is bound to kill, within six + months after due warning, the man therein mentioned. If he fortunately + draws a blank then he is free for a year at least,—in spite of the + fatal sign,—from the unpleasant duty of despatching a fellow mortal + to the next world”—and here Zegota smiled quite cheerfully; “But if + he draws a Name,—and at the same time sees the red cross against it, + then he is bound by his oath to us to—<i>do his duty</i>!” + </p> + <p> + Leroy nodded, and appeared in no wise dismayed at the ominous suggestion + implied. + </p> + <p> + “How if our friend Zouche were to draw the fatal sign,” he said; “Would he + perform his allotted task, think you?” + </p> + <p> + “Most thoroughly!” replied Zegota, still smiling. + </p> + <p> + And with that, they separated. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, during the constant change and interchange of conflicting + rumours, some of which appeared to have foundation in fact, and others + which rapidly dispersed themselves as fiction, there could be no doubt + whatever of the growing unpopularity of the Government in power. Little by + little, drop by drop, there oozed out the secrets of the “Pérousse + Policy,” which was merely another name for Pérousse Self-aggrandisement. + Little by little, certain facts were at first whispered, and then more + loudly talked about, as to the nature of his financial speculations; and + it was soon openly stated that in the formation of some of the larger + companies, which were beginning to be run on the Gargantuan lines of the + “American Trust" idea, he had enormous shares,—though these “Trusts” + had been frequently denounced as a means of enslaving the country, and + ruining certain trade-interests which he was in office to protect. + Accusations began to be guardedly thrown out against him in the Senate, + which he parried off with the cool and audacious skill of an expert + fencer, knowing that for the immediate moment at least, he had a + “majority” under his thumb. This majority was composed of persons who had + unfortunately become involved in his toils, and were, therefore, naturally + afraid of him;—yet it was evident, even to a superficial student of + events, that if once the innuendoes against his probity as a statesman + could be veraciously proved, this sense of intimidation among his + supporters would be removed, and like the props set against a decaying + house, their withdrawal would result in the ruin of the building. It was + pretty well known that the Marquis de Lutera had sent in his resignation, + but it was not at all certain whether the King was of a mind to accept it. + </p> + <p> + Things were in abeyance,—political and social matters whirled + giddily towards chaos and confusion; and the numerous hurried Cabinet + Councils that were convened, boded some perturbation among the governing + heads of the State. From each and all of these meetings Ministers came + away more gloomy and despondent in manner,—some shook their heads + sorrowfully and spoke of “the King’s folly,”—others with + considerable indignation flung out sudden invectives against “the King’s + insolence!”—and between the two appellations, it was not easy to + measure exactly the nature of the conduct which had deserved them. For the + King himself made no alteration whatever in the outward character of his + daily routine; he transacted business in the morning, lunched, sometimes + with his family, sometimes with friends; drove in the afternoon, and + showed himself punctiliously at different theatres once or twice in the + evenings of the week. The only change more observant persons began to + notice in his conduct was, that he had drawn the line of demarcation very + strongly between those persons who by rank and worth, and nobility of + life, merited his attention, and those who by mere Push and Pocket, sought + to win his favour by that servile flattery and obsequiousness which are + the trademarks of the plebeian and vulgarian. Quietly but firmly, he + dropped the acquaintance of Jew sharks, lying in wait among the dirty + pools of speculation;—with ease and absoluteness he ‘let go’ one by + one, certain ladies of particularly elastic virtue, who fondly dreamed + that they ‘managed’ him; and among these, to her infinite rage and + despair, went Madame Vantine, wife of Vantine the winegrower, a + yellow-haired, sensual “<i>femelle d’homme</i>,” whose extravagance in + clothes, and reckless indecency in conversation, combined with the King’s + amused notice, and the super-excellence of her husband’s wines, had for a + brief period made her ‘the rage’ among a certain set of exceedingly + dissolute individuals. + </p> + <p> + In place of this kind of riff-raff of “<i>nouveaux riches</i>,” and + plutocrats, he began by degrees to form around himself a totally different + <i>entourage</i>,—though he was careful to make his various changes + slowly, so that they should not be too freely noticed and commented upon. + Great nobles, whether possessed of vast wealth and estates, or altogether + landless, were summoned to take their rightful positions at the Court, + where Vantine the wine-grower, and Jost the Jew, no more obtained + admittance;—men of science, letters and learning, were sought out + and honoured in various ways, their wives and daughters receiving special + marks of the Royal attention and favour; and round the icy and statuesque + beauty of the Queen soon gathered a brilliant bevy of the real world of + women, not the half-world of the ‘<i>femme galante</i>’ which having long + held sway over the Crown Prince while Heir-Apparent to the Throne, judged + itself almost as a necessary, and even becoming, appendage to his larger + responsibility and state as King. These excellent changes, beneficial and + elevating to the social atmosphere generally, could not of course be + effected without considerable trouble and heart-burning, in the directions + where certain persons had received their dismissal from such favour as + they had previously held at Court. The dismissed ones thirsted with a + desire for vengeance, and took every opportunity to inflame the passions + of their own particular set against the King, some of them openly + declaring their readiness to side with the Revolutionary party, and help + it to power. But over the seething volcano of discontent, the tide of + fashion moved as usual, to all outward appearances tranquil, and absorbed + in trivialities of the latest description; and though many talked, few + dreamed that the mind of the country, growing more compressed in thought, + and inflammable in nature every day, was rapidly becoming like a huge + magazine of gunpowder or dynamite, which at a spark would explode into + that periodically recurring fire-of-cleansing called Revolution. + </p> + <p> + Weighted with many thoughts, Sir Roger de Launay, whose taciturn and easy + temperament disinclined him for argument and kept him aloof from + discussion whenever he could avoid it, sat alone one evening in his own + room which adjoined the King’s library, writing a few special letters for + his Majesty which were of too friendly a nature to be dealt with in the + curt official manner of the private secretary. Once or twice he had risen + and drawn aside the dividing curtain between himself and the King’s + apartment to see if his Royal master had entered; but the room remained + empty, though it was long past eleven at night. He looked every now and + again at a small clock which ticked with a quick intrusive cheerfulness on + his desk,—then with a slight sigh resumed his work. Letter after + letter was written and sealed, and he was getting to the end of his + correspondence, when a tap at the door disturbed him, and his sister + Teresa, the Queen’s lady-in-waiting, entered. + </p> + <p> + “Is the King within?” she asked softly, moving almost on tiptoe as she + came. + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “He has been absent for some time,” he replied,—then after a pause—“But + what are you here for, Teresa? This is not your department!” and he took + her hand kindly, noticing with some concern that there were tears in her + large dark eyes;—“Is anything wrong?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing! That is,—nothing that I have any right to imagine—or + to guess. But—” and here she seemed a little confused—“I am + commanded by the Queen to summon you to her presence if,—if the King + has not returned!” + </p> + <p> + He rose at once, looking perplexed. Teresa watched him anxiously, and the + expression of his face did not tend to reassure her. + </p> + <p> + “Roger,” she began timidly—“Would you not tell me,—might I not + know something of this mystery? Might I not be trusted?” + </p> + <p> + His languid eyes flashed with a sudden tenderness, as from his great and + stately height he looked down upon her pretty shrinking figure. + </p> + <p> + “Poor little Teresa!” he murmured playfully; “What is the matter? What + mystery are you talking about?” + </p> + <p> + “<i>You</i> know—you must know!” answered Teresa, clasping her hands + with a gesture of entreaty; “There is something wrong, I am sure! Why is + the King so often absent—when all the household suppose him to be + with the Queen?—or in his private library there?” and she pointed to + the curtained-off Royal sanctum beyond. + </p> + <p> + “Why does the Queen herself give it out that he is with her, when he is + not? Why does he enter the Queen’s corridor sometimes quite late at night + by the private battlement-stair? Does it not seem very strange? And since + he was so nearly assassinated, his absences have been more frequent than + ever!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger pulled his long fair moustache meditatively between his fingers. + </p> + <p> + “When you were a little girl, Teresa, you must have been told the story of + Blue-beard;” he said; “Now take my advice!—and do not try to open + forbidden doors with your tiny golden key of curiosity!” + </p> + <p> + Teresa’s cheeks flushed a pretty rose pink. + </p> + <p> + “I am not curious;” she said, with an air of hauteur; “And indeed I am far + too loyal to say anything to anyone but to you, of what seems so new and + strange. Besides—the Queen has forbidden me—only it is just + because of the Queen—” here she stopped hesitatingly. + </p> + <p> + “Because of the Queen?” echoed Sir Roger; “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “She is unhappy!” said Teresa. + </p> + <p> + A smile,—somewhat bitter,—crossed De Launay’s face. + </p> + <p> + “Unhappy!” he repeated; “She! You mistake her, little girl! She does not + know what it is to be unhappy; nothing so weak and slight as poor humanity + affects the shining iceberg of her soul! For it <i>is</i> an iceberg, + Teresa! The sun shines on it all day, fierce and hot, and never moves or + melts one glittering particle!” + </p> + <p> + He spoke with a concentrated passion of melancholy, and Teresa trembled a + little. She knew, as no one else did, the intense and despairing love that + had corroded her brother’s life ever since the Queen had been brought home + to the kingdom in all her exquisite maiden beauty, as bride of the + Heir-Apparent. Such love terrified her; she did not understand it. She + knew it was hopeless,—she felt it was disloyal,—and yet—it + was love!—and her brother was one of the truest and noblest of + gentlemen, devoted to the King’s service, and incapable of a mean or a + treacherous act. The position was quite incomprehensible to her, for she + was not thoughtful enough to analyse it,—and she had no experience + of the tender passion herself, to aid her in sympathetically considering + its many moods, sorrows, and inexplicable martyrdoms of mind-torture. She + contented herself now with repeating her former assertion. + </p> + <p> + “She is unhappy,—I am sure she is! You may call her an iceberg, if + you like, Roger!—men have such odd names for the women they are + unable to understand! But I have seen the iceberg shed tears very often + lately!” + </p> + <p> + He looked at her, surprised. + </p> + <p> + “You have? Then we may expect the Pallas Athene to weep in marble? Well! + What did you say, Teresa? That her Majesty commanded my presence, if the + King had not returned?” + </p> + <p> + Teresa nodded assent. She was a little worried—her brother’s face + looked worn and pale, and he seemed moved beyond himself. She watched him + nervously as he pushed aside the dividing curtain, and looked into the + adjoining room. It was still vacant. The window stood open, and the line + of the sea, glittering in the moon, shone far off like a string of jewels,—while + the perfume of heliotrope and lilies came floating in deliciously on the + cool night-breeze. Satisfied that there was as yet no sign of his Royal + master, he turned back again,—and stooping his tall head, kissed the + charming girl, whose anxious and timid looks betrayed her inward anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “I am ready, Teresa!” he said cheerfully; “Lead the way!” + </p> + <p> + She glided quickly on before him, along an inner passage leading to the + Queen’s apartments. Arriving at one particular door, she opened it + noiselessly, and with a warning finger laid on her lips, went in softly,—Sir + Roger following. The light of rose-shaded waxen tapers which were + reflected a dozen times in the silver-framed mirrors that rose up to the + ceiling from banks of flowers below, shed a fairy-like radiance on the + figure of the Queen, who, seated at a reading-table, with one hand buried + in the loosened waves of her hair, seemed absorbed in the close study of a + book. A straight white robe of thick creamy satin flowed round her perfect + form,—it was slightly open at the throat, and softened with a + drifting snow of lace, in which one or two great jewels sparkled. As Sir + Roger approached her with his usual formal salute,—she turned + swiftly round with an air of scarcely-concealed impatience. + </p> + <p> + “Where is the King?” she demanded. + </p> + <p> + Startled at the sudden peremptory manner of her question, Sir Roger + hesitated,—for the moment taken quite aback. + </p> + <p> + “Did I not tell you,” she went on, in the same imperious tone; “that I + made you responsible for his safety? Yet—though you were by his side + at the time—you could not shield him from attempted assassination! + That was left,—to a woman!” + </p> + <p> + Her breast heaved—her eyes flashed glorious lightning,—she + looked altogether transformed. + </p> + <p> + Had a thunder-bolt fallen through the painted ceiling at Sir Roger’s feet, + he could scarcely have been more astounded. + </p> + <p> + “Madam!” he stammered,—and then as the light of her eyes swept over + him, with a concentration of scorn and passion such as he had never seen + in them, he grew deadly pale. + </p> + <p> + “Who, and what is this woman?” she went on; “Why was it given to <i>her</i> + to save the King’s life, while you stood by? Why was she brought to the + Palace to be attended like some princess,—and then taken away + secretly before I could see her? Lotys is her name—I know it by + heart!” + </p> + <p> + Like twinkling stars, the jewels in her lace scintillated with the quick + panting of her breath. + </p> + <p> + “The King is absent,”—she continued—“as usual;—but why + are you not with him, also as usual? Answer me!” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” said De Launay, slowly; “For some few days past his Majesty has + absolutely forbidden me to attend him. To carry out <i>your</i> commands I + should be forced to disobey <i>his</i>!” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him in a suppressed passion of enquiry. + </p> + <p> + “Then—is he alone?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Madam, I regret to say—he is quite alone!” + </p> + <p> + She rose, and paced once up and down the room, a superb figure of mingled + rage and pride, and humiliation, all comingled. Her eyes lighted on + Teresa, who had timorously withdrawn to a corner of the apartment where + she stood apparently busied in arranging some blossoms that had fallen too + far out of the crystal vase in which they were set. + </p> + <p> + “Teresa, you can leave us!” she said suddenly; “I will speak to Sir Roger + alone.” + </p> + <p> + With a nervous glance at her brother, who stood mute, his head slightly + bent, himself immovable as a figure of stone, Teresa curtseyed and + withdrew. + </p> + <p> + The Queen stood haughtily erect,—her white robes trailing around + her,—her exquisite face transfigured into a far grander beauty than + had ever been seen upon it, by some pent-up emotion which to Sir Roger was + well-nigh inexplicable. His heart beat thickly; he could almost hear its + heavy pulsations, and he kept his eyes lowered, lest she should read too + clearly in them the adoration of a lifetime. + </p> + <p> + “Sir Roger, speak plainly,” she said, “and speak the truth! Some little + time ago you said it was wrong for me to shut out from my sight, my heart, + my soul, the ugly side of Nature. I have remedied that fault! I am looking + at the ugly side of Nature now,—in myself! The rebellious side—the + passionate, fierce, betrayed side! I trusted you with the safety of the + King!” + </p> + <p> + “Madam, he <i>is</i> safe!” said Sir Roger quietly;—“I can guarantee + upon my life that he is with those who will defend him far more thoroughly + than I could ever do! It is better to have a hundred protectors than one!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I know what you would imply!” she answered, impatiently; “I + understand, thus far, from what he himself has told me. But—there is + something else, something else! Something that portends far closer and + more intimate danger to him—” + </p> + <p> + She paused, apparently uncertain how to go on, and moving back to her + chair, sat down. + </p> + <p> + “If you are the man I have imagined you to be,” she continued, in + deliberate accents; “You perfectly know—you perfectly understand + what I mean!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger raised his head and looked her bravely in the eyes. + </p> + <p> + “You would imply, Madam, that one, who like myself has been conscious of a + great passion for many years, should be able to recognise the signs of it + in others! Your Majesty is right! Once you expressed to me a wonder as to + what it was like ‘to feel.’ If that experience has come to you now, I + cannot but rejoice,—even while I grieve to think that you must + endure pain at the discovery. Yet it is only from the pierced earth that + the flowers can bloom,—and it may be you will have more mercy for + others, when you yourself are wounded!” + </p> + <p> + She was silent. + </p> + <p> + He drew a step nearer. + </p> + <p> + “You wish me to speak plainly?” he continued in a lower tone. “You give me + leave to express the lurking thought which is in your own heart?” + </p> + <p> + She gave a slight inclination of her head, and he went on. + </p> + <p> + “You assume danger for the King,—but not danger from the knife of + the assassin—or from the schemes of revolutionists! You judge him—as + I do—to be in the grasp of the greatest Force which exists in the + universe! The force against which there is, and can be no opposition!—a + force, which if it once binds even a king—makes of him a + life-prisoner, and turns mere ‘temporal power’ to nothingness; upsetting + thrones, destroying kingdoms, and beating down the very Church itself in + the way of its desires—and that force is—Love!” + </p> + <p> + She started violently,—then controlled herself. + </p> + <p> + “You waste your eloquence!” she said coldly; “What you speak of, I do not + understand. I do not believe in Love!” + </p> + <p> + “Or jealousy?” + </p> + <p> + The words sprang from his lips almost unconsciously, and like a + magnificent animal who has been suddenly stung, she sprang upright. + </p> + <p> + “How dare you!” she said in low, vibrating accents—“How dare you!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger’s breath came quick and fast,—but he was a strong man with + a strong will, and he maintained his attitude of quiet resolution. + </p> + <p> + “Madam!—My Queen!—forgive me!” he said; “But as your humblest + friend—your faithful servant!—let me have my say with you now—and + then—if you will—condemn me to perpetual silence! You despise + Love, you say! Yes—because you have only seen its poor imitations! + The King’s light gallantries,—his sins of body, which in many cases + are not sins of mind, have disgusted you with its very name! The King has + loved—or can love—so you think,—many, or any, women! Ah! + No—no! Pardon me, dearest Majesty! A man’s desire may lead him + through devious ways both vile and vicious,—but a man’s <i>love</i> + leads only one way to one woman! Believe it! For even so, I have loved one + woman these many years!—and even so—I greatly fear—the + King loves one woman now!” + </p> + <p> + Rigid as a figure of marble, she looked at him. He met her eyes calmly. + </p> + <p> + “Your Majesty asked me for the truth;” he said; “I have spoken it!” + </p> + <p> + Her lips parted in a cold, strained little smile. + </p> + <p> + “And—you—think,” she said slowly; “that I—I am what you + call ‘jealous’ of this ‘one woman’? Had jealousy been in my nature, it + would have been provoked sufficiently often since my marriage!” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” responded Sir Roger humbly; “If I may dare to say so to your + Majesty, it is not possible to a noble woman to be jealous of a man’s mere + humours of desire! But of Love—Love, the crown, the glory and + supremacy of life,—who, with a human heart and human blood, would + not be jealous? Who would not give kingdoms, thrones, ay, Heaven itself, + if it were not in itself Heaven, for its rapturous oblivion of sorrow, and + its full measure of joy!” + </p> + <p> + A dead silence fell between them, only disturbed by a small silver chime + in the distance, striking midnight. + </p> + <p> + The Queen again seated herself, and drew her book towards her. Then + raising her lovely unfathomable eyes, she looked at the tall stately + figure of the man before her with a slight touch of pity and pathos. + </p> + <p> + “Possibly you may be right,” she said slowly, “Possibly wrong! But I do + not doubt that you yourself personally ‘feel’ all that you express,—and—that + you are faithful!” + </p> + <p> + Here she extended her hand. Sir Roger bowed low over it, and kissed its + delicate smoothness with careful coldness. As she withdrew it again, she + said in a low dreamy, half questioning tone: + </p> + <p> + “The woman’s name is Lotys?” + </p> + <p> + Silently Sir Roger bent his head in assent. + </p> + <p> + “A man’s love leads only one way—to one woman! And in this + particular case that woman is—Lotys!” she said, with a little musing + scorn, as of herself,—“Strange!” + </p> + <p> + She laid her hand on the bell which at a touch would summon back her + lady-in-waiting. “You have served me well, Sir Roger, albeit somewhat + roughly——” + </p> + <p> + He gave a low exclamation of regret. + </p> + <p> + “Roughly, Madam?” + </p> + <p> + A smile, sudden and sweet, which transfigured her usually passionless + features into an almost angelic loveliness, lit up her mouth and eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—roughly! But no matter! I pardon you freely! Good-night!” + </p> + <p> + “Good-night to your Majesty!” And as he stepped backward from her + presence, she rang for Teresa, who at once entered. + </p> + <p> + “Our excommunication from the Church sits lightly upon us, Sir Roger, does + it not?” said the Queen then, almost playfully; “You must know that we say + our prayers as of old, and we still believe God hears us!” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, Madam,” he replied, “God must hear all prayers when they are pure + and honest!” + </p> + <p> + “Truly, I think so,” she responded, laying one hand tenderly on Teresa’s + hair, as the girl caressingly knelt beside her. “And—so, despite + lack of priestcraft,—we shall continue to pray,—in these + uncertain and dangerous times,—that all may be well for the country,—the + people, and—the King! Good-night!” + </p> + <p> + Again Sir Roger bowed, and this time altogether withdrew. He was strung up + to a pitch of intense excitement; the brief interview had been a most + trying one for him,—though there was a warm glow at his heart, + assuring him that he had done well. His suspicion that the King had + admired, and had sought out Lotys since the day she saved him from + assassination, had a very strong foundation in fact;—much stronger + indeed than was at present requisite to admit or to declare. But the whole + matter was a source of the greatest anxiety to De Launay, who, in his + strong love for his Royal master, found it often difficult to conceal his + apprehension,—and who was in a large measure relieved to feel that + the Queen had guessed something of it, and shared in his sentiments. He + now re-entered his room, and on doing so at once perceived that the King + had returned. But his Majesty was busy writing, and did not raise his head + from his papers, even when Sir Roger noiselessly entered and laid some + letters on the table. His complete abstraction in his work was a sign that + he did not wish to be disturbed or spoken to;—and Sir Roger, taking + the hint, retired again in silence. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. — THE SONG OF FREEDOM + </h2> + <p> + Revolution! The flame-winged Fury that swoops down on a people like a + sudden visitation of God, with the movement of a storm, and the + devastation of a plague in one! Who shall say how, or where, the seed is + sown that springs so swiftly to such thick harvest! Who can trace its + beginnings—and who can predict its end! Tragic and terrible as its + work has always seemed to the miserable and muddle-headed human units, + whose faults and follies, whose dissoluteness and neglect of the highest + interests of the people, are chiefly to blame for the birth of this + Monster, it is nevertheless Divine Law, that, when any part of God’s + Universe-House is deliberately made foul by the dwellers in it, then must + it be cleansed,—and Revolution is the burning of the rubbish,—the + huge bonfire in which old abuses blazon their destruction to an amazed and + terror-stricken world. Yet there have been moments, or periods, in + history, when the threatening conflagration could have been stayed and + turned back from its course,—when the useless shedding of blood + might have been foregone—when the fierce passions of the people + might have been soothed and pacified, and when Justice might have been + nobly done and catastrophe averted, if there had been but one brave man,—one + only!—and that man a King! But in nearly all the convulsive throes + of nations, kings have proved themselves the weakest, tamest, most + cowardly and ineffectual of all the heads of the time—ready and + willing enough to sacrifice the lives of thousands of brave and devoted + men to their own cause, but never prepared to sacrifice themselves. Hence + the cause of the triumph of Democracy over effete Autocracy. Kings may not + be more than men,—but, certes, they should never be less. They + should not practise vices of which the very day-labourer whom they employ, + would be ashamed; nor should they flaunt their love of sensuality and + intrigue in the faces of their subjects as a ‘Royal example’ and + distinctive ‘lead’ to vulgar licentiousness. The loftier the position, the + greater the responsibility;—and a monarch who voluntarily lowers the + social standard in his realm has lost more adherents than could possibly + be slain in his defence on the field of honour. + </p> + <p> + The King who plays his part as the hero of this narrative, was now fully + aware in his own mind and conscience of the thousands of opportunities he + had missed and wasted on his way to the Throne when Heir-Apparent. Since + the day of his ‘real coronation,’ when as he had expressed it to his + thoughts, he had ‘crowned himself with his own resolve,’ he had studied + men, manners, persons and events, to deep and serious purpose. He had + learned much, and discovered more. He had been, in a moral sense, + conquered by his son, Prince Humphry, who had proved a match for him in + his determined and honourable marriage for love, and love only,—though + born heir to all the conventions and hypocrisies of a Throne. He,—in + his day,—had lacked the courage and truth that this boy had shown. + And now, by certain means known best to himself, he had fathomed an + intricate network of deception and infamy among the governing heads of the + State. He had convinced himself in many ways of the unblushing dishonesty + and fraudulent self-service of Carl Pérousse. And—yet—with all + this information stored carefully up in his brain he, to all appearances, + took no advantage of it, and did nothing remarkable,—save the one + act which had been so much talked about—the refusal of land in his + possession to the Jesuits for a ‘religious’ (and political) settlement. + This independent course of procedure had resulted in his excommunication + from the Church. Of his ‘veto’ against an intended war, scarcely anything + was known. Only the Government were aware of the part he had taken in that + matter,—the Government and—the Money-market! But the time was + now ripe for further movement; and in the deep and almost passionate + interest he had recently learned to take in the affairs of the actual + People, he was in no humour for hesitation. + </p> + <p> + He had mapped out in his brain a certain plan of action, and he was + determined to go through with it. The more so, as now a new and close + interest had incorporated itself with his life,—an emotion so deep + and tender and overwhelming, that he scarcely dared to own it to himself,—scarcely + ventured to believe that he, deprived of true love so long, should now be + truly loved for himself, at last! But on this he seldom allowed his mind + to dwell,—except when quite alone,—in the deep silences of + night;—when he gave his soul up to the secret sweetness which had + begun to purify and ennoble his innermost nature,—when he saw + visioned before him a face,—warm with the passion of a love so grand + and unselfish that it drew near to a likeness of the Divine;—a love + that asked nothing, and gave everything, with the beneficent glory of the + sunlight bestowing splendour on the earth. His lonely moments, which were + few, were all the time he devoted to this brooding luxury of meditation, + and though his heart beat like a boy’s, and his eyes grew dim with + tenderness, as in fancy he dreamed of joy that might be, and that yet + still more surely might never be his,—his determined mind, braced + and bent to action, never faltered for a second in the new conceptions he + had formed of his duty to his people, who, as he now considered, had been + too long and too cruelly deceived. + </p> + <p> + Hence, something like an earthquake shock sent its tremor through the + country, when two things were suddenly announced without warning, as the + apparent results of the various Cabinet Councils held latterly so often, + and in such haste. The first was, that not only had his Majesty accepted + the resignation of the Marquis de Lutera as Premier, but that he had + decided—provided the selection was entirely agreeable to the + Government—to ask M. Carl Pérousse to form a Ministry in his place. + The second piece of intelligence, and one that was received with much more + favour than the first, by all classes and conditions of persons, was that + the Government had issued a decree for the complete expulsion of the + Jesuits from the country. By a certain named date, and within a month, + every Jesuit must have left the King’s dominions, or else must take the + risk of a year’s imprisonment followed by compulsory banishment. + </p> + <p> + Much uproar and discussion did this mandate excite among the clerical + parties of Europe,—much indignation did it breed within that Holy of + Holies situate at the Vatican,—which, having launched forth the ban + of excommunication, had no further thunderbolts left to throw at the head + of the recreant and abandoned Royalty whose ‘temporal power’ so insolently + superseded the spiritual. But the country breathed freely; relieved from a + dangerous and mischievous incubus. The educational authorities gave + fervent thanks to Heaven for sparing them from long dreaded interference;—and + when it was known that the excommunicated King was the chief mover in this + firm and liberating act, a silent wave of passionate gratitude and + approval ran through the multitudes of the people, who would almost have + assembled under the Palace walls and offered a grand demonstration to + their monarch, who had so boldly carried the war into the enemy’s country + and won the victory, had they not been held back and checked from their + purpose by the counter-feeling of their disgust at his Majesty’s + apparently forthcoming choice of Carl Pérousse as Prime Minister. + </p> + <p> + Swayed this way and that, the people were divided more absolutely than + before into those two sections which always become very dangerous when + strongly marked out as distinctly separated,—the Classes and the + Masses. The comfortable wedge of Trade, which,—calling itself the + Middle-class,—had up to the present kept things firm, now split + asunder likewise,—the wealthy plutocrats clinging willy-nilly to the + Classes, to whom they did not legitimately belong; and the men of moderate + income throwing in their lot with the Masses, whose wrongs they + sympathetically felt somewhat resembled their own. For taxation had ground + them down to that particularly fine powder, which when applied to the + rocks of convention and usage, proves to be of a somewhat blasting + quality. They had paid as much on their earnings and their goods as they + could or would pay;—more indeed than they had any reasonable right + to pay,—and being sick of Government mismanagement, and also of what + they still regarded as the King’s indifference to their needs, they were + prepared to make a dash for liberty. The expulsion of the Jesuits they + naturally looked upon as a suitable retaliation on Rome for the + excommunication of the Royal Family; but beyond the intense relief it gave + to all, it could not be considered as affecting or materially altering the + political situation. So, like the dividing waves of the Red Sea, which + rolled up on either side to permit the passage of Moses and his followers—the + Classes and the Masses piled themselves up in opposite billowy sections to + allow Sergius Thord and the Revolutionary party to pass triumphantly + through their midst, adding thousands of adherents to their forces from + both sides;—while they were prepared to let the full weight of the + billows engulf the King, if, like Pharaoh and his chariots, he assumed too + much, or proceeded too far. + </p> + <p> + Professor von Glauben, seated in his own sanctum, and engaged in the + continuance of his “Political History of Hunger,” found many points in the + immediate situation which considerably interested him and moved him to + philosophical meditation. + </p> + <p> + “For,—take the feeling of the People as it now is,” he said to + himself; “It starts in Hunger! The taxes,—the uncomfortable visit of + the tax-gatherer! The price of the loaf,—concerning which the baker, + or the baker-ess, politely tells the customer that it is costly, because + of the Government tax on corn; then from the bread, it is marvellous how + the little clue winds upward through the spider-webs of Trade. The + butcher’s meat is dearer,—for says he—‘The tax on corn makes + it necessary for me to increase the price of meat.’ There is no logical + reason given,—the fact simply <i>is</i>! So that Hunger commences + the warfare,—Hunger of Soul, as well as Hunger of body. ‘Why starve + my thought?’ says Soul. ‘Why tax my bread?’ says Body. These tiresome + questions continue to be asked, and never answered,—but answers are + clamoured for, and the people complain—and then one fierce day the + gods hear them grumble, and begin to grumble back! Ach! Then it is thunder + with a vengeance! Now in my own so-beloved Fatherland, there has been this + double grumbling for a long time. And that the storm will burst, in spite + of the so-excellently-advertising Kaiser is evident! Hoch!—or <i>Ach</i>? + Which should it be to salute the Kaiser! I know not at all,—but I + admit it is clever of him to put up a special Hoarding-announcement for + the private view of the Almighty God, each time he addresses his troops! + And he will come in for a chapter of my history—for he also is + Hungry!—he would fain eat a little of the loaf of Britain!—yes!—he + will fit into my work very well for the instruction of the helpless unborn + generations!” + </p> + <p> + He wrote on for a while, and then laid down his pen. His eyes grew dreamy, + and his rough features softened. + </p> + <p> + “What has become of the child, I wonder!” he mused; “Where has she gone, + the ‘Glory-of-the-Sea’! I would give all I have to look upon her beautiful + face again;—and Ronsard—he, poor soul—silent as a stone, + weakening day after day in the grasp of relentless age,—would die + happy,—if I would let him! But I do not intend to give him that + satisfaction. He shall live! As I often tell him, my science is of no + avail if I cannot keep a man going, till at least a hundred and odd years + are past. Barring accidents, or self-slaughter, of course!” Here he became + somewhat abstracted in his meditations. “The old fellow is brave enough,—brave + as a lion, and strong too for his years;—I have seen him handle a + pair of oars and take down a sail as I could never do it,—and—he + has accepted a strange and difficult situation heroically. ‘You must not + be involved in any trouble by a knowledge of our movements.’ So Prince + Humphry said, when I saw him last,—though I did not then understand + the real drift of his meaning. And time goes on—and time seems + wearisome without any tidings of those we love!” + </p> + <p> + A tap at the door disturbed his mental soliloquy, and in answer to his + ‘Come in,’ Sir Roger de Launay entered. + </p> + <p> + “Sorry to interrupt work, Professor!” he said briefly; “The King goes to + the Opera this evening, and desires you to be of the party.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! I shall obey with more pleasure than I have obeyed some of his + Majesty’s recent instructions!” And the Professor pushed aside his + manuscript to look through his spectacled eyes at the tall equerry’s + handsome face and figure. “You have a healthy appearance, Roger! Your + complexion speaks of an admirable digestion!” + </p> + <p> + De Launay smiled. + </p> + <p> + “You think so? Well! Your professional approval is worth having!” He + paused, then went on; “The party will be a pleasant one to-night. The King + is in high spirits.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” And Von Glauben’s monosyllable spoke volumes. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he ought not to be?” suggested Sir Roger with a slight touch of + anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know—I cannot tell! This is the way of it, Roger—see!” + And taking off his spectacles, he polished them with due solemnity. “If I + were a King, and ruled over a country swarming with dissatisfied subjects,—if + I had a fox for a Premier,—and was in love with a woman who could + not possibly be my wife,—I should not be in high spirits!” + </p> + <p> + “Nor I!” said De Launay curtly. “But the fox is not Premier yet. Do you + think he ever will be?” + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben shrugged his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “He is bound to be, I presume. What else remains to do? Upset everything? + Government, deputies and all?” + </p> + <p> + “Just that!” responded Sir Roger. “The People will do it, if the King does + not.” + </p> + <p> + “The King will do anything he is asked to do—now—” said the + Professor significantly; “If the right person asks him!” + </p> + <p> + “You forget—she does not know—” Here checking himself + abruptly, Sir Roger walked to the window and looked out. It was a fair and + peaceful afternoon,—the ocean heaved placidly, covered with + innumerable wavelets, over which the seabirds flew and darted, their wings + shining like silver and diamonds as they dipped and circled up and down + and round the edges of the rocky coast. Far off, a faint rim of amethyst + under a slowly sailing white cloud could be recognized as the first line + of the shore of The Islands. + </p> + <p> + “Do you ever go and see the beautiful ‘Gloria’ girl now?” asked Sir Roger + suddenly. “The King has never mentioned her since the day we saw her. And + you have never explained the mystery of your acquaintance with her,—nor + whether it is true that Prince Humphry was specially attracted by her. I + shrewdly suspect——” + </p> + <p> + “What?” + </p> + <p> + “That he has been sent off, out of harm’s way!” + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” said the Professor gravely; “That is exactly the + position! He has been sent off out of harm’s way!” + </p> + <p> + “I heard,” went on De Launay, “that the girl—or some girl of + remarkable beauty had been seen here—actually here in the Palace—before + the Prince left! And such an odd way he left, too—scuttling off in + his own yacht without—so far as I have ever heard—any + farewells, or preparation, or suitable companions to go with him. Still + one hears such extraordinary stories——” + </p> + <p> + “True!—one does!” agreed the Professor; “And after proper + experience, one hears without listening!” + </p> + <p> + De Launay looked at him curiously. + </p> + <p> + “The girl was certainly beautiful,” he proceeded meditatively; “And her + adopted father,—Réné Ronsard,—was not that his name?—was + a quaint old fellow. A republican, too!—fiery as a new Danton! Well! + The King’s curiosity is apparently satisfied on that score,—but”—here + he began to laugh—“I shall never forget your face, Von Glauben, when + he caught you on The Islands that day!—never! Like an overgrown boy, + discovered with his fingers in a jam-pot!” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you!” said the Professor imperturbably; “I can assure you that the + jam was excellent—and that I still remember its flavour!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger laughed again, but with great good-humour,—then he became + suddenly serious. + </p> + <p> + “The King goes out alone very often now?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Very often,” assented the Professor. + </p> + <p> + “Are we right in allowing him to do so?” + </p> + <p> + “Allowing him! Who is to forbid him?” + </p> + <p> + “Is he safe, do you think?” + </p> + <p> + “Safer, it would seem, my friend, than when laying a foundation-stone, + with ourselves and all his suite around him!” responded the Professor. + “Besides, it is too late now to count the possible risks of the adventure + he has entered upon. He knows the position, and estimates the cost at its + correct value. He has made himself the ruler of his own destiny; we are + only his servants. Personally, I have no fear,—save of one + fatality.” + </p> + <p> + “And that?” + </p> + <p> + “Is what kills many strong men off in their middle-age,” said Von Glauben; + “A disease for which there is no possible cure at that special time of + life,—Love! The love of boys is like a taste for green gooseberries,—it + soon passes, leaving a disordered stomach and a general disrelish for acid + fruit ever afterwards;—the love of the man-about-town between the + twenties and thirties is the love of self;—but the love of a Man, + after the Self-and-Clothes Period has passed, is the love of the + full-grown human creature clamouring for its mate,—its mate in Soul + even more than in Body. There is no gainsaying it—no checking it—no + pacifying it; it is a most disastrous business, provocative of all manner + of evils,—and to a king who has always been accustomed to have his + own way, it means Victory or Death!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger gazed at him perplexedly,—his tone was so solemn and full + of earnest meaning. + </p> + <p> + “You, for example,” continued the Professor dictatorially, fixing his keen + piercing eyes full upon him; “You are a curious subject,—a very + curious subject! You live on a Dream; it is a good life—an excellent + life! It has the advantage, your Dream, of never becoming a reality,—therefore + you will always love,—and while you always love, you will always + keep young. Your lot is an exceedingly enviable one, my friend! You need + not frown,—I am old enough—and let us hope wise enough—to + guess your secret—to admire it from a purely philosophic point of + view—and to respect it!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger held his peace. + </p> + <p> + “But,” continued the Professor, “His Majesty is not the manner of man who + would consent to subsist, like you, on an idle phantasy. If he loves—he + must possess; it is the regal way!” + </p> + <p> + “He will never succeed in the direction <i>you</i> mean!” said Sir Roger + emphatically. + </p> + <p> + “Never!” agreed Von Glauben with a profound shake of his head; “Strange as + it may seem, his case is quite as hopeless as yours!” + </p> + <p> + The door opened and closed abruptly,—and there followed silence. Von + Glauben looked up to find himself alone. He smiled tolerantly. + </p> + <p> + “Poor Roger!” he murmured; “He lives the life of a martyr by choice! Some + men do—and like it! They need not do it;—there is not the + least necessity in the world for their deliberately sticking a knife into + their hearts and walking about with it in a kind of idiot rapture. It must + hurt;—but they seem to enjoy it! Just as some women become nuns, and + flagellate themselves,—and then when they are writhing from their + own self-inflicted stripes, they dream they are the ‘brides of Christ,’ + entirely forgetting the extremely irreligious fact that to have so many + ‘brides’ the good Christ Himself might possibly be troubled, and would + surely occupy an inconvenient position, even in Heaven! Each man,—each + woman,—makes for himself or herself a little groove or pet sorrow, + in which to trot round and round and bemoan life; the secret of the whole + bemoaning being that he or she cannot have precisely the thing he or she + wants. That is all! Such a trifle! Church, State, Prayer and Power—it + can all be summed up in one line—‘I have not the thing I want—give + it to me!’” + </p> + <p> + He resumed his writing, and did not interrupt it again till it was time to + join the Royal party at the Opera. + </p> + <p> + That evening was one destined to be long remembered in the annals of the + kingdom. The beautiful Opera-house, a marvel of art and architecture, was + brilliantly full; all the fairest women and most distinguished men + occupying the boxes and stalls, while round and round, in a seemingly + never-ending galaxy of faces, and crowded in the tiers of balconies above, + a mixed audience had gathered, made up of various sections of the populace + which filled the space well up to the furthest galleries. The attraction + that had drawn so large an audience together was not contained in the + magnetic personality of either the King or Queen, for those exalted + individuals had only announced their intention of being present just two + hours before the curtain rose. Moreover, when their Majesties entered the + Royal box, accompanied by their two younger sons, Rupert and Cyprian, and + attended by their personal suite, their appearance created very little + sensation. The fact that it was the first time the King had showed himself + openly in public since his excommunication from the Church, caused perhaps + a couple of hundred persons to raise their eyes inquisitively towards him + in a kind of half-morbid, half-languid curiosity, but in these days the + sentiment of Self is so strong, that it is only a minority of more + thoughtful individuals that ever trouble themselves seriously to consider + the annoyances or griefs which their fellow-mortals have to endure, often + alone and undefended. + </p> + <p> + The interest of the public on this particular occasion was centred in the + new Opera, which had only been given three times before, and in which the + little dancer, Pequita, played the part of a child-heroine. The <i>libretto</i> + was the work of Paul Zouche, and the music by one of the greatest + violinists in the world, Louis Valdor. The plot was slight enough;—yet, + described in exquisite verse, and scattered throughout with the daintiest + songs and dances, it merited a considerably higher place in musical + records than such works as Meyerbeer’s “Dinorah,” or Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” + The thread on which the pearls of poesy and harmony were strung, was the + story of a wandering fiddler, who, accompanied by his only child (the part + played by Pequita), travels from city to city earning a scant livelihood + by his own playing and his daughter’s dancing. Chance or fate leads them + to throw in their fortunes with a band of enthusiastic adventurers, who, + headed by a young hare-brained patriot, elected as their leader, have + determined to storm the Vatican, and demand the person of the Pope, that + they may convey him to America, there to convene an assemblage of all true + Christians (or ‘New Christians’), and found a new and more Christ-like + Church. Their expedition fails,—as naturally so wild a scheme would + be bound to do,—but though they cannot succeed in capturing the + Pope, they secure a large following of the Italian populace, who join with + them in singing “The Song of Freedom,” which, with Paul Zouche’s words, + and Valdor’s music was the great <i>chef d’oevre</i> of the Opera, rousing + the listeners to a pitch of something like frenzy. In this,—the last + great scene,—Pequita, dancing the ‘Dagger Dance,’ is supposed to + infect the people with that fervour which moves them to sing “The Freedom + Chorus,” and the curtain comes down upon a brilliant stage, crowded with + enthusiasts and patriots, ready to fight and die for the glory of their + country. A love-interest is given to the piece by the passion of the + wandering fiddler-hero for a girl whose wealth places her above his reach; + and who in the end sacrifices all worldly advantage that she may share his + uncertain fortunes for love’s sake only. + </p> + <p> + Such was the story,—which, wedded to wild and passionate music, had + taken the public by storm on its first representation, not only on account + of its own merit, but because it gave their new favourite, Pequita, many + opportunities for showing off her exquisite grace as a dancer. She, while + preparing for the stage on this special night, had been told that her wish + was about to be granted—that she would now, at last, really dance + before the King;—and her heart beat high, and the rich colour + reddened in her soft childish face, as she donned her scarlet skirts with + more than her usual care, and knotted back her raven curls with a great + glowing damask rose, such as Spanish beauties fasten behind tiny + shell-like ears to emphasise the perfection of their contour. Her thoughts + flew to her kindest friend, Pasquin Leroy;—she remembered the starry + diamond in the ring he had wished to give her, and how he had said, + ‘Pequita, the first time you dance before the King, this shall be yours!’ + </p> + <p> + Where was he now, she wondered? She would have given anything to know his + place of abode, just to send him word that the King was to be at the Opera + that night, and ask him too, to come and see her in her triumph! But she + had no time to study ways and means for sending a message to him, either + through Sholto, her father, who always waited patiently for her behind the + scenes,—or through Paul Zouche, who, though as <i>librettist</i> of + the opera, and as a poet of new and rising fame, was treated by everyone + with the greatest deference, still made a special point of appearing in + the shabbiest clothes, and lounging near the side-wings like a sort of + disgraced tramp all the time the performance was in progress. Neither of + them knew Leroy’s address;—they only met him or saw him, when he + himself chose to come among them. Besides,—the sound of the National + Hymn played by the orchestra, warned her that the King had arrived; and + that she must hold herself in readiness for her part and think of nothing + else. + </p> + <p> + The blaze of light in the Opera-house seemed more dazzling than usual to + the child, when her cue was called,—and as she sprang from the wings + and bounded towards the footlights, amid the loud roar of applause which + she was now accustomed to receive nightly, she raised her eyes towards the + Royal box, half-frightened, half-expectant. Her heart sank as she saw that + the King had partially turned away from the stage, and was chatting + carelessly with some person or persons behind him, and that only a + statuesque woman with a pale face, great eyes, and a crown of diamonds, + regarded her steadily with a high-bred air of chill indifference, which + was sufficient to turn the little warm beating heart of her into stone. A + handsome youth stared down upon her smiling,—his eyes sleepily + amorous,—it was the elder of the King’s two younger sons, Prince + Rupert. She hated his expression, beautiful though his features were,—and + hated herself for having to dance before him. Poor little Pequita! It was + her first experience of the insult a girl-child can be made to feel + through the look of a budding young profligate. On and on she danced, + giddily whirling;—the thoughts in her brain circling as rapidly as + her movements. Why would not the King look at her,—she thought? Why + was he so indifferent, even when his subjects sought most to please him? + At the end of the second act of the Opera a great fatigue and lassitude + overcame her, and a look of black resentment clouded her pretty face. + </p> + <p> + “What ails you?” said Zouche, sauntering up to her as she stood behind the + wings; “You look like a small thunder-cloud!” + </p> + <p> + She gave an unmistakable gesture in the direction of that quarter of the + theatre where the Royal box was situated. + </p> + <p> + “I hate him!” she said, with a stamp of her little foot. + </p> + <p> + “The King? So do I!” And Zouche lit a cigarette and stuck it between his + lips by way of a stop-gap to a threatening violent expletive; “An + insolent, pampered, flattered fool! Yet you wanted to dance before him; + and now you’ve done it! The fact will serve you as a kind of + advertisement! That is all!” + </p> + <p> + “I do not want to be advertised through <i>his</i> favour!” And Pequita + closed her tiny teeth on her scarlet under-lip in suppressed anger; “But I + have not danced before him yet! I <i>will</i>!” + </p> + <p> + Zouche looked at her sleepily. He was not drunk—though he had,—of + course,—been drinking. + </p> + <p> + “You have not danced before him? Then what have you been doing?” + </p> + <p> + “Walking!” answered Pequita, with a fierce little laugh, her colour coming + and going with all the quick wavering hue of irritated and irritable + Spanish blood, “I have, as they say ‘walked across the stage.’ I shall + dance presently!” + </p> + <p> + He smiled, flicking a little ash off his cigarette. + </p> + <p> + “You are a curious child!” he said; “By and by you will want severely + keeping in order!” + </p> + <p> + Pequita laughed again, and shook back her long curls defiantly. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that cold woman with a face like a mask and the crown of diamonds, + that sits beside the King?” + </p> + <p> + It was Zouche’s turn to laugh now, and he did so with a keen sense of + enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word!” he exclaimed; “A little experience of the world has given + you what newspaper men call ‘local colour.’ The ‘cold woman with the face + like a mask,’ is the Queen!” + </p> + <p> + Pequita made a little grimace of scorn. + </p> + <p> + “And who is the leering boy?” + </p> + <p> + “Prince Rupert.” + </p> + <p> + “The Crown Prince?” + </p> + <p> + “No. The Crown Prince is travelling abroad. He went away very + mysteriously,—no one knows where he has gone, or when he will come + back.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not surprised!” said Pequita; “With such a father and mother, and + such impudent-looking brothers, no wonder he wanted to get away!” + </p> + <p> + Zouche had another fit of laughter. He had never seen the little girl in + such a temper. He tried to assume gravity. + </p> + <p> + “Pequita, you are naughty! The flatteries of the great world are spoiling + you!” + </p> + <p> + “Bah!” said Pequita, with a contemptuous wave of her small brown hands. + “The flatteries of the great world! To what do they lead? To <i>that</i>!” + and she made another eloquent sign towards the Royal box;—“I would + rather dance for you and Lotys, and Sergius Thord, and Pasquin Leroy, than + all the Kings of the world together! What I do here is for my father’s + sake—<i>you</i> know that!” + </p> + <p> + “I know!” and Zouche smoked on, and shook his wild head sentimentally,—murmuring + in a <i>sotto-voce</i>: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “What I do <i>here</i>, is for the need of gold,— + What I do <i>there</i>, is for sweet love’s sake only; + Love, ever timid <i>there</i>, doth <i>here</i> grow bold,— + And wins such triumph as but leaves me lonely!” + </pre> + <p> + “Is that yours?” said Pequita with a sudden smile. + </p> + <p> + “Mine, or Shakespeare’s,” answered Zouche indolently; “Does it matter + which?” + </p> + <p> + Pequita laughed, and her cue being just then called, again she bounded on + to the stage; but this time she played her part, as the stock phrase goes, + ‘to the gallery,’ and did not once turn her eyes towards the place where + the King sat withdrawn into the shadow of his box, giving no sign of + applause. She, however, had caught sight of Sergius Thord and some of her + Revolutionary friends seated ‘among the gods,’ and that was enough + inspiration for her. Something,—a quite indefinable something,—a + touch of personal or spiritual magnetism, had been fired in her young + soul; and gradually as the Opera went on, her fellow-players became + infected by it. Some of them gave her odd, half-laughing glances now and + then,—being more or less amazed at the unusual vigour with which she + sang, in her pure childish soprano, the few strophes of recitative and + light song attached to her part;—the very prima-donna herself caught + fire,—and the distinguished tenor, who had travelled all the way + from Buda Pesth in haste, so that he might ‘create’ the chief rôle in the + work of his friend Valdor, began to feel that there was something more in + operatic singing than the mere inflation of the chest, and the careful + production of perfectly-rounded notes. Valdor himself played the various + violin solos which occurred frequently throughout the piece, and never + failed to evoke a storm of rapturous plaudits,—and many were the + half-indignant glances of the audience towards the Royal shrine of draped + satin, gilding, and electric light, wherein the King, like an idol, sat,—undemonstrative, + and apparently more bored than satisfied. There was a general feeling that + he ought to have shown,—by his personal applause in public,—a + proper appreciation of the many gifted artists playing that evening, + especially in the case of Louis Valdor, the composer of the Opera itself. + But he sat inert, only occasionally glancing at the stage, and anon + carelessly turning away from it to converse with the members of his suite. + </p> + <p> + The piece went on;—and more and more the passion of Pequita’s + pent-up little soul communicated itself to the other performers,—till + they found themselves almost unconsciously obeying her ‘lead.’ At last + came the grand final act,—where, in accordance with the progress of + the story, the bold band of ‘New Christians’ are fought back from the + gates of the Vatican by the Papal Guard; and the Roman populace, roused to + enthusiasm, gather round their defeated ranks to defend and to aid them + with sympathy and support in their combat,—breaking forth all + together at last in the triumphant ‘Song of Freedom.’ Truly grand and + majestic was this same song,—pulsating with truth and passion,—breathing + with the very essence of liberty,—an echo of the heart and soul of + strong nations who struggle, even unto death, for the lawful rights of + humanity denied to them by the tyrants in place and power. As the superb + roll and swell of the glorious music poured through the crowded house, + there was an almost unconscious movement among the audience,—the + people in the gallery rose <i>en masse</i>, and at the close of the first + verse, responded to it by a mighty cheer, which reverberated through and + through the immense building like thunder. The occupants of the stalls and + boxes exchanged wondering and half-frightened looks,—then as the + cheer subsided, settled themselves again to listen, more or less + spell-bound, as the second verse began. Just before this had merged into + its accompanying splendid and soul-awakening chorus,—Pequita,—having + obtained the consent of the manager to execute her ‘Dagger Dance’ in the + middle of the song, instead of at the end,—suddenly sprang towards + the footlights in a pirouette of extravagant and exquisite velocity—while,—checked + by a sign from the conductor, the singers ceased. Without music, in an + absolute stillness as of death, the girl swung herself to and fro, like a + bell-flower in the breeze,—anon she sprang and leaped like a scarlet + flame—and again sank into a slow and voluptuous motion, as of a + fairy who dreamingly glides on tiptoe over a field of flowers. Then, on a + sudden, while the fascinated spectators watched her breathlessly,—she + seemed to wake from sleep,—and running forward wildly, began to toss + and whirl her scarlet skirts, her black curls streaming, her dark eyes + flashing with mingled defiance and scorn, while drawing from her breast an + unsheathed dagger, she flung it in the air, caught it dexterously by the + hilt again, twisted and turned it in every possible way,—now + beckoning, now repelling, now defending,—and lastly threatening, + with a passionate intensity of action that was well-nigh irresistible. + </p> + <p> + Caught by the marvellous subtlety of her performance, quite one half the + audience now rose instinctively, all eyes being fixed on the strange + evolutions of this whirling, flying thing that seemed possessed by the + very devil of dancing! The King at last attracted, leaned slightly forward + from his box with a tolerant smile,—the Queen’s face was as usual, + immovable,—the Princes Rupert and Cyprian stared, open-mouthed—while + over the whole brilliant scene that remarkable silence brooded, like the + sultry pause before the breaking of a storm. Triumphant, reckless, + panting,—scarcely knowing what she did in her excitement,—Pequita, + suddenly running backward, with the lightness of thistle-down flying + before the wind, snatched the flag of the country from a super standing + by, and dancing forward again, waved it aloft, till with a final + abandonment of herself to the humour of the moment, she sprang with a + single bound towards the Royal box, and there—the youthful + incarnation of living, breathing passion, fury, patriotism, and exultation + in one,—dropped on one knee, the flag waving behind her, the dagger + pointed straight upward, full at the King! + </p> + <p> + A great roar,—like that of hundreds of famished wild beasts,—answered + this gesture; mingled with acclamations,—and when ‘The Song of + Freedom’ again burst out from the singers on the stage, the whole mass of + people joined in the chorus with a kind of melodious madness. Shouts of + ‘Pequita! Pequita!’ rang out on all sides,—then ‘Valdor! Valdor!’—and + then,—all suddenly,—a stentorian voice cried ‘Sergius Thord!’ + At that word the house became a chaos. Men in the gallery, seized by some + extraordinary impulse of doing they knew not what, and going they knew not + whither, leaped over each other’s shoulders, and began to climb down by + the pillars of the balconies to the stalls,—and a universal panic + and rush ensued. Terrified women hurried from the stalls and boxes in + spite of warning, and got mixed with the maddened crowd, a section of + which, pouring out of the Opera-house came incontinently upon the King’s + carriage in waiting,—and forthwith, without any reflection as to the + why or the wherefore, smashed it to atoms! Then, singing again ‘The Song + of Freedom,’—the people, pouring out from all the doors, formed into + a huge battalion, and started on a march of devastation and plunder. + </p> + <p> + Sergius Thord, grasping the situation from the first, rushed out of the + Opera-house in all haste, anxious to avert a catastrophe, but he was too + late to stop the frenzied crowd,—nothing could, or would have + stopped them at that particular moment. The fire had been too long + smouldering in their souls; and Pequita, like a little spark of fury, had + set it in a blaze. Through private ways and back streets, the King and + Queen and their sons, escorted by the alarmed manager, escaped from the + Opera unhurt,—and drove back unobserved to the Palace in a common + fiacre—and a vast multitude, waiting to see them come out by the + usual doors, and finding they did not come, vented their rage and disgust + by tearing up and smashing everything within their reach. Then, + remembering in good time, despite their excitement, that the manager of + the Opera had done nothing to deserve injury to himself or his property, + they paused in this work of destruction, and with the sudden caprice of + children, gave out ringing cheers for him and for Pequita;—while + their uncertainty as to what to do next was settled for them by Paul + Zouche, who, mounting on one of the pedestals which supported the columns + of the entrance to the Opera, where his wild head, glittering eyes and + eager face looked scarcely human, cried out: + </p> + <p> + “Damnation to Carl Pérousse! Why do you idle here, my friends, when you + might be busy! If you want Freedom, seek it from him who is to be your new + Prime Minister!” + </p> + <p> + A prolonged yell of savage approval answered him,—and like an angry + tide, the crowd swept on and on, gathering strength and force as it went, + and pouring through the streets with fierce clamour of shouting, and clash + of hastily collected weapons,—on and on to the great square, in the + centre of which stood the statue of the late King, and where the house of + Carl Pérousse occupied the most prominent position. And the moon, coming + suddenly out of a cloud, stared whitely down upon the turbulent scene,—one + too often witnessed in history, when, as Carlyle says, ‘a Nation of men is + suddenly hurled beyond the limits. For Nature, as green as she looks, + rests everywhere on dread foundations, and Pan, to whose music the Nymphs + dance, has a cry in him that can drive all men distracted!’ + </p> + <p> + In such distraction, and with such wild cry, the night of Pequita’s + long-looked-for dance before the King swept stormily on towards day. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. — “FATE GIVES—THE KING!” + </h2> + <p> + News of this fresh and more violent disturbance among the people brought + the soldiery out in hot haste, who galloped down to the scene of + excitement, only to find the mounted police before them, headed by General + Bernhoff, who careering to and fro, cool and composed, forbade, ‘in the + name of the King!’ any attempt to drive the mob out of the square. Swaying + uneasily round and round, the populace yelled and groaned, and cheered and + hissed; not knowing exactly whereunto they were so wildly moved, but + evidently waiting for a fresh ‘lead.’ The house of Carl Pérousse, with its + handsome exterior and stately marble portico, offered itself as a tempting + target to the more excitable roughs, and a stone sent crashing through one + of the windows would have certainly been the signal for a general + onslaught had not a man’s figure suddenly climbed the pedestal which + supported the statue of the late King in the centre of the square, and + lifted its living visible identity against the frowning cold stone image + of the dead. A cry went up from thousands of throats—‘Sergius + Thord!’—followed by an extraordinary clamour of passionate plaudits, + as the excited people recognised the grand head and commanding aspect of + their own particular Apostle of Liberty. He,—stretching out his + hands with a gesture of mingled authority and entreaty,—pacified the + raging sea of contradictory and conflicting voices as if by magic,—and + the horrid clamour died down into a dull roar, which in its turn subsided + into silence. + </p> + <p> + “Friends and brothers!” he cried; “Be calm! Be patient! What spirit + possesses you to thus destroy the chances of your own peace! What is your + aim? Justice? Ay—justice!—but how can you gain this by being + yourselves unjust? Will you remedy Wrong by injuring Right? Nay—this + must not be!—this cannot be, with <i>you</i>, whose passion for + liberty is noble,—whose love for truth is fixed and resolute,—and + who seek no more than is by human right your own! This sudden tempest, by + which your souls are tossed, is like an angry gust upon the sea, which + wrecks great vessels and drowns brave men;—be something more than + the semblance of the capricious wind which destroys without having reason + to know why it is bent on destruction! What are you here for? What would + you do?” + </p> + <p> + A confused shouting answered him, in which cries of ‘Pérousse!’ and ‘The + King!’ were most prominent. + </p> + <p> + Sergius Thord looked round upon the seething mass below him, with a + strange sense of power and of triumph. He—even he—who could + claim to be no more than a poor Thinker, speaker and writer,—had won + these thousands to his command!—he had them here, willing to obey + his lightest word,—ready to follow his signal wheresoever it might + take them! His eyes glowed,—and the light of a great and earnest + inspiration illumined his strong features. + </p> + <p> + “You call for Carl Pérousse!” he said; “Yonder he dwells!—in the + regal house he has built for himself out of the sweating work of the + poor!” A fierce yell from the populace and an attempt at a rush, was again + stopped by the speaker’s uplifted hand; “Wait, friends—wait! Think + for a moment of the result of action, before you act! Suppose you pulled + down that palace of fraud; suppose your strong hands righteously rent it + asunder;—suppose you set fire to its walls,—suppose you + dragged out the robber from his cave and slew him here, before sunrise—what + then? You would make of him a martyr!—and the hypocritical liars of + the present policy, who are involved with him in his financial schemes,—would + chant his praises in every newspaper, and laud his virtues in every + sermon! Nay, we should probably hear of a special ‘Memorial Service’ being + held in our great Cathedral to sanctify the corpse of the vilest + stock-jobbing rascal that ever cheated the gallows! Be wiser than that, my + friends! Do not soil your hands either with the body of Carl Pérousse or + his ill-gotten dwelling. What we want for him is Disgrace, not Death! + Death is far too easy! An innocent child may die; do not give to a + false-hearted knave the simple exit common to the brave and true! + Disgrace!—disgrace! Shame, confusion, and the curse of the country,—let + these be your vengeance on the man who seeks to clutch the reins of + government!—the man who would drive the people like whipped horses + to their ruin!” + </p> + <p> + Another roar answered him, but this time it was mingled with murmurs of + dissatisfaction. Thord caught these up, and at once responded to them. + </p> + <p> + “I hear you, O People! I hear the clamour of your hearts and souls, which + is almost too strong to find expression in speech! You cannot wait, you + would tell me! You would have Pérousse dragged out here,—you would + tear him to pieces among you, if you could, and carry the fragments of him + to the King, to prove what a people can do with a villain proposed to them + as their Prime Minister!” Loud and ferocious shouts answered these words, + and he went on; “I know—I understand!—and I sympathise! But + even as I know you, you know me! Believe me now, therefore, and hear my + promise! I swear to you before you all”—and here he extended both + arms with a solemn and impressive gesture—“that this month shall not + be ended before the dishonesty of Carl Pérousse is publicly and flagrantly + known at every street corner,—in every town and province of the + land!—and before the most high God, I take my oath to you, the + People,—that he shall never be the governing head of the country!” + </p> + <p> + A hurricane of applause answered him—a tempest of shouting that + seemed to surge and sway through the air and down to the earth again like + the beating of a powerful wind. + </p> + <p> + “Give me your trust, O People!” he cried, carried beyond himself with the + excitement and fervour of the scene—“Give me yourselves!” + </p> + <p> + Another roar replied to this adjuration. He stood triumphant;—the + people pressing up around him,—some weeping—some kneeling at + his feet—some climbing to kiss his hand. A few angry voices in the + distance cried out—‘The King!’—and he turned at once on the + word. + </p> + <p> + “Who needs the King?” he demanded; “Who calls for him? What is he to us? + What has he ever been? Look back on his career!—see him as + Heir-Apparent to the Throne, wasting his time with dishonest associates,—dealing + with speculators and turf gamblers—involving himself in debt—and + pandering to vile women, who still hold him in their grasp, and who in + their turn rule the country by their caprice, and drain the Royal coffers + by their licentious extravagance! Now look on him as the King,—a + tool in the hands of financiers—a speculator among speculators—steeped + to the very eyes in the love of money, and despising all men who do not + bear the open blazon of wealth upon them,—what has he done for the + people? Nothing! What will he ever do for the People? Nothing! Flattered + by self-seekers—stuffed with eulogy by a paid Press—his name + made a byword and a mockery by the very women with whom he consorts, what + should we do with him in Our work! Let him alone!—let him be! Let + him eat and drink as suits his nature—and die of the poison his own + vices breed in his blood!—we want naught of him, or his heirs! When + the time ripens to its full fruition, we, the People, can do without a + Throne!” + </p> + <p> + At this, thousands of hats and handkerchiefs were tossed in the air,—thousands + of voices cheered to the very echo, and to relieve their feelings still + more completely the vast crowd once more took up ‘The Song of Freedom’ and + began singing it in unison steadily and grandly, with all that resistless + force and passion which springs from deep-seated emotion in the soul. And + while they were singing, Thord, glancing rapidly about him, saw Johan + Zegota close at hand, and to his still greater satisfaction, Pasquin + Leroy; and beckoning them both to his side whispered his brief orders, + which were at once comprehended. The day was breaking; and in the purple + east a line of crimson showed where the sun would presently rise. A few + minutes’ quick organisation worked by Leroy and Zegota, and some few other + of their comrades sufficed to break up the mob into three sections, and in + perfect order they stood blocked for a moment, like the three wings of a + great army. Then once more Thord addressed them: + </p> + <p> + “People, you have heard my vow! If before the end of the month Carl + Pérousse is not ejected with contempt from office, I will ask my death at + your hands! A meeting will be convened next week at the People’s Assembly + Rooms where we shall make arrangements to approach the King. If the King + refuses to receive us, we shall find means to make him do so! He <i>shall</i> + hear us! He is our paid servant, and he is bound to serve us faithfully,—or + the Throne shall be a thing of the past, to be looked back upon with + regret that we, a great and free people, ever tolerated its vice and + tyranny!” + </p> + <p> + Here he waited to let the storm of plaudits subside,—and then + continued: “Now part, all of you friends!—go your ways,—and + keep order for yourselves with vigilance! The soldiery are here, but they + dare not fire!—the police are here, but they dare not arrest! Give + them no cause even to say that it would have been well to do either! Let + the spiritual force of your determined minds,—fixed on a noble and + just purpose, over-rule mere temporal authority; let none have to blame + you for murder or violence,—take no life,—shed no blood; but + let your conquest of the Government,—your capture of the Throne,—be + a glorious moral victory, outweighing any battle gained only by brute + force and rapine!” + </p> + <p> + He was answered by a strenuous cheer; and then the three great sections of + the multitude began to move. Out of the square in perfect order they + marched,—still singing; one huge mass of people being headed by + Pasquin Leroy, the other by Johan Zegota,—the third by Sergius Thord + himself. The soldiery, seeing there was no cause for interference, + withdrew,—the police dispersed, and once again an outbreak of + popular disorder was checked and for a time withheld. + </p> + <p> + But this second riot had startled the metropolis in good earnest. Everyone + became fully alive to the danger and increasing force of the disaffected + community,—and the Government,—lately grown inert and dilatory + in the transaction of business,—began seriously to consider ways and + means of pacifying general clamour and public dissatisfaction. None of the + members of the Cabinet were much surprised, therefore, when they each + received a summons from the King to wait upon him at the Palace that day + week,—‘to discuss affairs of national urgency,’ and the general + impression appeared to be, that though Carl Pérousse dismissed the ‘street + rowdyism,’ as he called it, with contempt, and spoke of ‘disloyal traitors + opposed to the Government,’ he was nevertheless riding for a fall; and + that his chances of obtaining the Premiership were scarcely so sure as + they had hitherto seemed. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Pequita, whose childish rage against the King for not noticing + her dancing or applauding it, had been the trifling cause of the sudden + volcanic eruption of the public mind, became more than ever the idol of + the hour. The night after the riot, the Opera-house was crowded to + suffocation,—and the stage was covered with flowers. Among the + countless bouquets offered to the triumphant little dancer, came one which + was not thrown from the audience, but was brought to her by a messenger; + it was a great cluster of scarlet carnations, and attached to it was a + tiny velvet case, containing the ring promised to her by Pasquin Leroy, + when, as he had said, she ‘should dance before the King.’ A small card + accompanied it on which was written ‘Pequita, from Pasquin!’ Turning to + Lotys, who, in the event of further turbulence, had accompanied her to the + Opera that night to take care of her, and who sat grave, pale, and + thoughtful, in one of the dressing-rooms near the stage, the child eagerly + showed her the jewel, exclaiming: + </p> + <p> + “See! He has kept his promise!” + </p> + <p> + And Lotys,—sighing even while she smiled,—answered: + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear! He would not be the brave man he is, if he ever broke his + word!” + </p> + <p> + Whereat Pequita slipped the ring on her friend’s finger, kissing her and + whispering: + </p> + <p> + “Take care of it for me! Wear it for me! For tonight, at least!” + </p> + <p> + Lotys assented,—though with a little reluctance,—and it was + only while Pequita was away from her, performing her part on the stage, + that this strange lonely woman bent her face down on the hand adorned with + the star-like gem and kissed it,—tears standing in her eyes as she + murmured: + </p> + <p> + “My love—my love! If you only knew!” + </p> + <p> + And then the hot colour surged into her cheeks for sheer shame of herself + that she should love!—she—no longer in her youth,—and + utterly unconscious that there was, or could be any beauty in her deep + lustrous eyes, white skin, and dull gold hair. What had she to do with the + thoughts of passion?—she whose life was devoted to the sick and + needy,—and who had no right to think of anything else but how she + should aid them best, so long as that life should last! She knew well + enough that love of a great, jealous, and almost savage kind, was hers if + she chose to claim it—the love of Sergius Thord, who worshipped her + both as a woman and an Intellect; but she could not contemplate him as her + lover, having grown up to consider him more as a sort of paternal guardian + and friend. In fact, she had thoroughly resigned herself to think of + nothing but work for the remainder of her days, and to entirely forego the + love and tenderness which most women, even the poorest, have the natural + right to win; and now slowly,—almost unconsciously to herself,—Love + had stolen into her soul and taken possession of it;—secret love for + the man, who brave almost to recklessness, had joined his fortunes in with + Sergius Thord and his companions, and had assisted the work of pushing + matters so far forward, that the wrongs done to the poor, and the numerous + injustices of the law, which for years had been accumulating, and had + become part and parcel of the governing system of the country, now stood a + fair chance of being remedied. She, with her quick woman’s instinct, had + perceived that where Sergius Thord, in his dreamy idealism, halted and was + uncertain of results, Pasquin Leroy stepped into the breach and won the + victory. And, like all courageous women, she admired a courageous man. Not + that Thord lacked courage,—he had plenty of the physical brute force + known as such,—but he had also a peculiar and uncomfortable quality + of rousing desires, both in himself and others which he had not the means + of gratifying. + </p> + <p> + Thus Lotys foresaw that, unless by some miraculous chance he obtained both + place and power, and a share in the ruling of things, there was every + possibility of a split in the Revolutionary Committee,—one half + being inclined to indulge in the criminal and wholly wasteful spirit of + Anarchy,—the other disposed to throw in its lot with the Liberal or + Radical side of politics. And she began to regard Pasquin Leroy, with his + even temperament, cool imperturbability, intellectual daring, and literary + ability, as the link which kept them all together, and gave practical + force to the often brooding and fantastic day-dreams of Thord, who, though + he made plans night and day for the greater freedom and relief of the + People from unjust coercion, had not succeeded in obtaining as yet + sufficient power to carry them into execution. + </p> + <p> + It was evident, however, to the whole country that the times were in a + ferment,—that the Government was growing more unpopular, and that + Carl Pérousse, the chief hinge on which Governmental force turned, was + under a cloud of the gravest suspicion. Meetings, more or less stormy in + character, were held everywhere by every shade of party in politics,—and + strong protests against his being nominated as Premier were daily sent to + the King. But to the surprise of many, and the annoyance of most, his + Majesty gave no sign. The newspapers burst into rampant argument,—every + little editor issued his Jovian ‘opinion’ on the grave issues at stake;—David + Jost kept his Hebraic colours flying for the King,—judging that to + flatter Royalty was always a safe course for most Jews;—while in the + rival journal, brilliant essays, leaders and satires on the political + situation, combined with point-blank accusations against the Secretary of + State, (which that distinguished personage always failed to notice,) flew + from the pen of the mysterious writer, Pasquin Leroy, and occupied + constant public attention. Unlike the realm of Britain,—where the + ‘golden youth’ enfeeble their intellects by the perusal of such poor and + slangy journalism that they have lost both the art and wit to comprehend + brilliant political writing,—the inhabitants of this particular + corner of the sunny south were always ready to worship genius wherever + even the smallest glimmer of it appeared,—and the admiration Leroy’s + writings excited was fast becoming universal, though for the most part + these writings were extremely inflammable in nature, and rated both King + and Court soundly. But with the usual indifference of Royalty to ‘genius’ + generally, the King, when asked if he had taken note of certain articles + dealing very freely with both him and his social conduct, declared he had + never heard of them, or of their writer! + </p> + <p> + “I never,” he said with an odd smile, “pay any attention to clever + literature! I should be establishing a precedent which would be + inconvenient and disagreeable to my fellow sovereigns!” + </p> + <p> + The time went on; the King met his Ministers on the day he had summoned + them in private council,—and on the other hand Sergius Thord + convened a mighty mass-meeting for the purpose of carrying a resolution + formed to address his Majesty on the impending question of the + Premiership. From the King’s council, the heads of Government came away in + haste, despair and confusion; from the mass-meeting whole regiments + marched through the streets in triumphant and satisfied order. + </p> + <p> + After these events there came a night, when the sweet progress of calm + weather was broken up by cloud and storm,—and when heavy thunder + boomed over the city at long dull intervals, like the grinding and + pounding of artillery, without any rain to cool the heated ether, which + was now and again torn asunder by flashes of lightning. There was + evidently a raging tempest far out at sea, though the land only received + suggestions of this by the occasional rearing up of huge dark green + billows which broke against the tall cliffs, plumed with mimosa and + myrtle, that guarded the coast. Heavy scents of flowers were in the air—heavy + heat weighed down the atmosphere,—and there was a languor in the + slow footsteps of the men, who, singly, or in groups, arrived at the door + of Sergius Thord’s house to fulfil the dread compact binding upon them all + in regard to the ‘Day of Fate.’ Pasquin Leroy and his two companions were + among the first to arrive, and to make their way up the dark steep stairs + to the Committee room, where, when they entered, they found the usual + aspect of things strangely altered. The table no longer occupied its + position in the middle of the floor; it was set on a raised platform + entirely draped with black. Large candelabra, holding six lights each, + occupied either end,—and in the centre one solitary red lamp was + placed, shedding its flare over a large bronze vessel shaped like a + funeral urn. The rest of the room was in darkness,—and with the + gathering groups of men, who moved silently and spoke in whispers, it + presented a solemn and eerie spectacle. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! You have now arrived,” said Max Graub, in a cautious sotto voce to + Leroy, “at the end of your adventures! Behold the number Thirteen! Six + lights at one end, six lights at the other,—that is twelve; and in + the centre the Thirteenth—the red Eye looking into the sepulchral + urn! It is all up with us!” + </p> + <p> + Leroy said nothing,—but the face of the man called Axel Regor grew + suddenly very pale. He drew Leroy a little aside. + </p> + <p> + “This is no laughing matter!” he said very earnestly; “Let me stand near + you—let me keep close at your side all the evening!” + </p> + <p> + Leroy smiled and pressed his hand. + </p> + <p> + “My dear fellow!” he said; “Have no fear! Or if you have fear, do not show + it! You stand in precisely the same danger as myself, or as any of us; you + may draw the fatal Signal!—but if you do, I promise you I will + volunteer myself in your place.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>You</i>!” said Regor with a volume of meaning in the utterance; “You + would stand in my place?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, of course!” replied Leroy cheerily; “Life is not such a wonderful + business, that death for a friend’s sake is not better!” + </p> + <p> + Regor looked at him, and a speechless devotion filled and softened his + eyes. Certain words spoken to him by a woman he loved echoed through his + brain, and he murmured: + </p> + <p> + “Nay, by the God above us, if death is in question, <i>I</i> will die + rather than let <i>you</i> die!” + </p> + <p> + “That will depend on my humour!” said Leroy, still smiling; “You will + require my permission to enter into combat with the last enemy before he + offers challenge!” + </p> + <p> + Max Graub here approached them with a warning finger laid on his lips. + </p> + <p> + “Hush—sh—sh!” he said; “Think as much as you like,—but + talk as little as you can! I assure you this is a most uncomfortable + business!—and here comes the axis of the revolving wheel!” + </p> + <p> + They made way,—as did all the men grouped together in the room,—for + the entrance of Sergius Thord and Lotys. These two came in together; and + with a silent salute which included the whole Committee, ascended the + raised platform. Lotys was deadly pale; and the white dress she wore, with + its scarlet sash, accentuated that paleness. She appeared for once to move + under the dominance of some greater will than her own,—she moved + slowly, and her head was bent,—and even to Pasquin Leroy as she + passed him, her faint smile of recognition was both sad and cold. Once on + the platform, she seated herself at the lower end of the funereally-draped + table; and leaning her head on one hand, seemed lost in thought. Thord + took his place at the opposite end,—whereupon Johan Zegota moving + stealthily to the door, closed it, locked it, and put the key in his + pocket. Then he in turn mounted the platform, and began in a clear but low + voice to call the roll of the members of the Committee. + </p> + <p> + Each man answered to his name in the same guarded tone; all without a + single exception were present;—and Zegota, having completed the + catalogue, turned to Thord for further instructions. The rest of the + company then seated themselves,—finding their chairs with some + little difficulty in the semi-darkness. When the noise of their shuffling + feet had ceased, Thord rose and advanced to the front of the platform. + </p> + <p> + “Friends,” he said slowly; “You are here to-night to determine by the hand + of Chance, or Destiny, which of certain traitors among many thousands, + shall meet with the punishment his treachery deserves. In the list of + those who are to-night marked down for death is Carl Pérousse;—happy + the man that draws <i>that</i> name and is able to serve as the liberator + to his country! Another, is the Jew, David Jost,—because it has been + chiefly at his persuasion that the heads of the Government have been + tempted to gamble for their own personal motives with the secrets of State + policy. Another, is the Marquis de Lutera;—who though he has, + possibly through fear, resigned office, is to blame for having made his + own private fortune,—as well as the fortunes of all the members of + his family,—out of the injuries and taxations inflicted on the + People. To his suggestion we owe the cruel price of bread,—the tax + on corn, a necessity of life;—on his policy rests the responsibility + of opening our Trades to such an over-excess of Foreign Competition and + Supply that our native work and our native interests are paralysed by the + strain. To him,—as well as to Carl Pérousse, we owe the ridiculous + urbanities of such extreme foreign diplomacies as expose our secret forces + of war to our rivals;—from him emanates the courteous and almost + servile attention with which we foolishly exhibit our naval and military + defences to our enemies. We assume that a Minister who graciously permits + a foreign arsenal to copy our guns—a foreign dockyard to copy and to + emulate our ships,—is a traitor to the prosperity and continued + power of the country. Two of the great leaders in Trade are named on the + Death-list;—one because, in spite of many warnings, he employs + foreign workmen only; the other, because he ‘sweats’ native labour. The + removal of all these persons will be a boon to the country—the + clearing of a plague of rats from the national House and Exchequer! + Lastly, the King is named;—because,—though he has rescued the + system of National Education from Jesuit interference and threatening + priestly dominance, he has turned a deaf ear to other equally pressing + petitions of his People,—and also because he does nothing to either + influence or guide society to its best and highest ends. Under his rule, + learning is set at naught—Art, Science and Literature, the three + saving graces which make for the peace, prosperity and fraternity of + nations,—are rendered valueless, because no example is set which + would give them their rightful prominence,—and wine, cards and women + are substituted,—the three evil fates between which the honour of + the Throne is brought into contempt. We should know and remember that + Lotys, when she lately saved the life of the King, did,—as she + herself can tell you,—plead personally with him to save the people + from the despotic government of Carl Pérousse and his pernicious + ‘majority’;—but though she rescued the monarch at the risk of her + own much more valuable existence—and equally at the risk of being + misunderstood and condemned by this very Society to which her heart and + soul are pledged,—he refused to even consider her entreaty. + Therefore, we may be satisfied that he has been warned;—but it would + seem that the warning is of no avail;—and whosoever to-night draws + the name of the King must be swift and sure in his business!” + </p> + <p> + There was a deep pause. Suddenly Max Graub rose, his bulky form and great + height giving him an almost Titanesque appearance in the gloom of the + chamber. Raising one hand as a signal, he asked permission to speak, which + was instantly accorded. + </p> + <p> + “To my chief, Sergius Thord, and my comrades,” he said with a slight + military salutation; “I wish to explain what perhaps they have already + discovered,—that I am a poor and uncouth German,—not + altogether conversant with your language,—and considerably + bewildered by your social ethics;—so that if I do not entirely + understand things as I should, you will perhaps pardon my ignorance, which + includes other drawbacks of my disposition. But when death is in question, + I am always much interested,—having spent all my days in trying to + find out ways and means of combating man’s chief enemy on his own ground. + Because,—though I fully admit the usefulness of death as a cleanser + and solvent; and as a means of clearing off hopelessly-useless persons, I + am not at all sure that it is an advisable way to get rid of the healthy + and the promising. I speak as a physician merely,—with an eye to + what is called the ‘stock’ of the human race; and what I now want to know + is this: On what scientific, ethical, or religious grounds, do you wish to + get rid of the King? Science, ethics, and religion being only in the + present day so many forms of carefully ministering to one’s Self, and + one’s own particular humour, you will understand that I mean,—as + concerns the ‘happy dispatch’ of this same King,—what good will it + do to you?” + </p> + <p> + There was a silence. No one vouchsafed any explanation. After a + considerable pause, Thord replied. + </p> + <p> + “It will do us no good. But it will show the country that we exist to + revenge injustice!” + </p> + <p> + “But—is the King unjust?” + </p> + <p> + “Can you ask it?” replied Thord with a certain grave patience. “During + your association with us, have you not learned?—and do you not + know?” + </p> + <p> + “Sit down, Graub!” interrupted Pasquin Leroy suddenly; “I know the King’s + ways well enough,—and I can swear upon my honour that he deserves + the worst that can be done to him!” + </p> + <p> + A murmur of sullen approval ran through the room, and somewhat lowering + glances were cast at the audacious Graub, who had, by his few words, + created the very undesirable impression that he wished, in some remote + way, to interfere with the Committee solemnities in progress, and to + defend the King from attack. He sat down again looking more or less + crushed and baffled,—and Thord went on. + </p> + <p> + “We have little time to spend together to-night, and none to waste. Let + each man come forward now, and take his chance,—remembering,—lest + his courage fail him,—that whatever work is given him to do, this + Committee are sworn to stand by him as their associate and comrade!—to + defend him,—even at the risk of their own lives!—and to share + completely in the consequences of whatever act he may be called upon to + perform in the faithful following of his duty! Friends, repeat with me all + together, the Vow of Fealty!” + </p> + <p> + At once every man rose,—and all lifting their right hands on high + repeated in steady tones the following formula after their Chief,— + </p> + <p> + “We swear in the name of God, and by the eternal glory of Freedom! That + whosoever among us this night shall draw the Red Cross Signal which + destines him to take from life, a life proved unworthy,—shall be to + us a sacred person, and an object of defence and continued protection! We + guarantee to shield him at all times and under all circumstances;—we + promise to fight for him against the utmost combined power of the law;—we + are prepared to maintain an inviolate silence concerning his movements, + his actions and their ultimate result,—even to the sufferance of + imprisonment, punishment and death for his sake! And may the curse of the + Almighty Creator of Heaven and Earth be upon us and our children, and our + children’s children, if we break this vow. Amen!” + </p> + <p> + The stern and impressive intensity with which these words were spoken sent + a slight tremor along even such steel-like nerves as those of Pasquin + Leroy, though he repeated the formula after Sergius Thord with the + attentive care of a child saying a lesson. At its conclusion, however, a + sudden thought flashed through his brain which brought a wonderful smile + to his lips, and a rare light in his eyes, and touching the arm of Axel + Regor, he whispered. + </p> + <p> + “Could anything be more protective to me,—<i>as you know me</i>,—than + this Vow of Fealty? By my faith, a right loyal vow!” + </p> + <p> + The man he so questioned looked at him doubtfully. He did not understand. + He himself had repeated the vow mechanically and without thought, being + occupied in serious and uncomfortable meditation as to what possible + dangerous lengths the evening’s business might be carried. And, accustomed + as he now was to the varying and brilliant moods of one whom he had proved + to be of most varying and brilliant intelligence, his brain was not quick + enough to follow the lightning-like speed of the chain of ideas,—all + moving in a perfectly organised plan,—conceived by this daring, + scheming and original brain, which had been so lately roused to its own + powers and set in thinking, working order. He therefore merely expressed + his mind’s bewilderment by a warning glance mingled with alarm, which + caused Leroy to smile again,—but the scene which was being enacted, + now demanded their closest attention, and they had no further opportunity + of exchanging so much as a word. + </p> + <p> + The Vow of Fealty being duly sworn, Sergius Thord stood aside, and made + way for Lotys, who, rising from her seat, lifted the funeral urn from the + table and held it out towards the men. She made a strange and weird + picture standing thus,—her white arms gleaming like sculptured ivory + against the dark bronze of the metal vase,—her gold hair touched + with a blood-like hue from the reflection of the red lamp behind her,—and + her face,—infinitely mournful and resigned,—wearing the + expression of one who, forced to behold evil, has no active part in it. As + she took up her position in the front of the platform, Thord again spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Let each man now advance and draw his fate! Whosoever receives a blank is + exempt for another year;—whosoever draws the name of a victim must + be prepared to do his duty!” + </p> + <p> + This order was at once obeyed. Each man rose separately and approaching + Lotys, saluted her first, and then drew a folded paper from the vessel she + held. But they moved forward reluctantly,—and most of their faces + were very pale. When Pasquin Leroy’s turn came to draw, he raised his eyes + to the woman’s countenance above him and marvelled at its cold fixity. She + seemed scarcely to be herself,—and it was plainly evident that the + part she was forced to play in the evening’s drama was a most reluctant + one. + </p> + <p> + At last all the lots were taken, and Johan Zegota lit up the gas-burners + in the centre of the room. A sigh of relief came from the lips of many of + the men who, on opening their papers found a blank instead of a name. But + Leroy, unfolding his, sat in dumb amazement,—feeling, and not for + the first time either, that surely God, or some special Providence, is + always on the side of a strong man’s just aim, fulfilling it to entire + accomplishment. For to him was assigned the Red Cross, marked with the + name of ‘The King!’ The words of Sergius Thord, uttered that very night, + rushed back on his mind;—“Whosoever draws the name of the King must + be swift and sure in his business!” + </p> + <p> + His heart beat high; he occupied at that moment a position no man in all + the world had ever occupied before;—he was the centre of a drama + such as had never before been enacted,—he had the greatest move to + play on the chess-board of life that could possibly be desired;—and + the greatest chance to prove himself the Man he was, that had ever been + given to one of his quality. His brain whirled,—his pulses throbbed,—his + eyes rested on Lotys with a passionate longing; something of the god-like + as well as the heroic warmed his soul,—for Danger and Death stood as + intimately close to him as Safety and Victory! What a strange, what a + marvellous card he held in the game of life!—and yet one false move + might mean ruin and annihilation! As in a dream he saw the members of the + Committee go up, one by one, to Sergius Thord, who, as each laid their + open papers before him, declared their contents. When Paul Zouche’s paper + was declared he was found to have drawn Carl Pérousse, whereat he smiled + grimly; and retired to his seat, walking rather unsteadily. Max Graub had + drawn a blank,—so had Axel Regor,—so had Louis Valdor and many + others. + </p> + <p> + At last it came to Leroy’s turn, and as he walked up to the platform and + ascended it, there was a look on his face which attracted the instant + attention of all present. His eyes were singularly bright,—his lithe + handsome figure seemed taller and more erect,—he bore himself with a + proud, even grand air,—and Lotys, moved at last from her chill and + melancholy apathy, gazed at him as he approached, with eyes in which a + profound sadness was mingled with the dark tenderness of many passionate + thoughts and dreams. He laid down his paper before Thord, who, taking it + up read aloud: + </p> + <p> + “Our friend and comrade, Pasquin Leroy, has received the Red Cross + Signal.” + </p> + <p> + Then pausing before uttering his next words he raised his voice a little, + so that he might be heard by everyone in the room, and added slowly: + </p> + <p> + “To Pasquin Leroy, Fate gives—the King!” + </p> + <p> + A low murmur of deep applause ran through the room. Max Graub and Axel + Regor sprang up with a kind of smothered cry, but Leroy stood immovable. + Instead of returning to his seat as the others had done, he remained + standing on the platform in front of the Committee table, between Lotys + and Sergius Thord. A strange smile rested on his lips,—his attitude + was inexplicable. Surveying all the men’s faces which were grouped before + him in a kind of chiaro-oscuro, he studied them for a moment, and then + turned his head towards Thord. + </p> + <p> + “Sergius,—so far, I have served you well! Destiny has now chosen me + out for even a greater service! May I speak a few words?” + </p> + <p> + Thord assented,—but a sudden sense of inquietude stirred in him as + he saw that Lotys had half risen, that her lips quivered, and that great + tears stood in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “She grieves!” he thought, sullenly, in his strange and confused way of + balancing justice and injustice—“She grieves that the worthless life + of the King she saved, is now to be taken by a righteous hand!” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Leroy faced the assembly. + </p> + <p> + “Comrades!” he said; “This is the first time I have assisted in the work + of your Day of Fate,—the first time I have recognised how entirely + Providence moves <i>with</i> you and <i>for</i> you in the ruling of your + destinies! And because it is the first time, our Chief permits me to + address you with the same fraternal liberty which was allowed to me on the + night I became enrolled among you, as one of you! Since then, I have done + my best to serve you—” here he was interrupted by applause—“and + so far as it has been humanly possible, I have endeavoured to carry out + your views and desires because,—though many of them spring from pure + idealism, and are, I fear, impossible of realisation in this world,—they + contain the seed of much useful and necessary reform in many institutions + of this country. I have—as I promised you—shaken the + stronghold of Carl Pérousse;”—again the applause broke out, none the + less earnest because it was restrained. “I have destroyed the press-power + and prestige of that knavish Jew-speculator in false news, David Jost; and + wherever the wishes of this Society could be fulfilled, I have honestly + sought to fulfil them. On this night, of all nights in the year, I should + like to feel, and to know, that you acknowledge me as your true comrade + and faithful friend!” + </p> + <p> + At this, the whole of the company gave vent to an outburst of cheering. + </p> + <p> + “Do you doubt our love, that you ask of it?—or our gratitude that + you seek to have it expressed?” said Thord, leaning forward to clasp his + hand;—“Surely you know you have given new life and impetus to our + work!—and that you have gained fresh triumph for our Cause!” + </p> + <p> + Leroy smiled,—but though returning his grasp cordially, he said + nothing to him in person by way of reply, evidently preferring rather to + address the whole community than one, even though that one was his + acknowledged Chief. + </p> + <p> + “I thank you all!” he said in response to the acclamations around him. “I + thank you for so heartily acknowledging me as your fellow-worker! I thank + you for giving me your confidence and employing my services! Tonight—the + most important night of my destiny—Fate has determined that I shall + perform the greatest task of all you have ever allotted to me; and that + with swiftness and sureness in the business I shall kill the King! He is + my marked victim! I am his chosen assassin!” Here interrupting himself + with a bright smile, he said: “Will someone restrain my two friends, Max + Graub and Axel Regor from springing out of their seats? They are both + extremely envious of the task which has been allotted to me!—both + are disappointed that it did not fall to them to perform,—but I am + not in the humour for arguing so nice a point of honour with them just + now!” + </p> + <p> + A laugh went round the company, and the two delinquents thus called to + order, and who had really been seeking in quite a wild and aimless way, to + scramble out of their seats and make for the platform, resumed their + places with heads bent low, lest those around them should see the deadly + pallor of their countenances. Leroy resumed. + </p> + <p> + “I rejoice, friends and comrades, that I have been elected to the high + task of removing from the Throne one who has long been unworthy of it!—one + who has wasted his opportunities both in youth and middle-age,—and + who, by his own fault in a great measure, has lost much of the love and + confidence of his people! I am glad and proud to be the one chosen to put + an end to the career of a monarch whose vices and follies—which + might have suited a gambler and profligate—are entirely unbecoming + to the Sovereign Ruler of a great Realm! I shall have no fear in carrying + out my appointed duty to the letter! I here declare my acceptance of + whatever punishment may be visited on one who removes from life a King who + brings kingliness into contempt! And,—as our Chief, Sergius Thord, + suggested to-night,—I shall be swift and sure in the business!—there + shall be no delay!” + </p> + <p> + Here, as he spoke he drew a pistol from his pocket and turned the muzzle + towards himself,—at which unexpected action there was a hasty + movement of surprise, terror and confusion among the company. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen all! Friends! Brothers!—as you have been,—and are + to me,—by the binding of our compact in the name of Lotys! It is the + determination of destiny,—as it is your desire,—that I should + kill the King! You have resolved upon it. You are sure that his death will + benefit the country. You have decided not to take into consideration any + of his possible good qualities, or to pity any of the probable sorrows and + difficulties besetting him in the uneasy position he is compelled to + occupy. You are quite certain among yourselves, that somehow or other his + removal will bring about that ideal condition of society which many + philosophers have written of, and which many reformers have desired, but + which has till now, proved itself incapable of being realised. The King’s + death, you think, will better all existing conditions, and you wish me to + fulfil not only the call of destiny, but your own desire. Be it so! I am + ready to obey! I will kill the King at once!—here and now! I <i>am</i> + the King!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. — THE COMRADE OF HIS FOES + </h2> + <p> + This bold declaration, boldly spoken, had the startling effect of a sudden + and sharp flash of lightning in dense darkness. Amazement and utter + stupefaction held every man for the moment paralysed. Had a volcano + suddenly opened beneath their feet and belched forth its floods of fire + and lava, it could not have rendered them more helplessly stricken and + speechless. + </p> + <p> + “I <i>am</i> the King!” + </p> + <p> + The words appeared to blaze on the air before them,—like the + handwriting on the wall at Belshazzar’s feast. The King! He,—their + friend, their advocate, he—Pasquin Leroy,—the most obedient, + the most daring and energetic of all the workers in their Cause—he—even + he—was the King! Was it,—could it be possible! Their eyes—all + riveted in fearful fascination upon him as he stood before them wholly at + their mercy, but cool, dauntless, and smilingly ready to die,—had + the wild uncomprehending stare of delirium;—the silence in the room + was intense, breathless and terrible. Suddenly, like a lion roused, + Sergius Thord, with a half-savage movement, sprang forward and seized him + roughly by the arm. + </p> + <p> + “You,—you are the King?” he said; “You,—Pasquin Leroy?” and + struggling for breath, his words almost choked him. “<i>You</i>! Enemy in + the guise of friend! You have fooled us! You have deceived us—you—!” + </p> + <p> + “Take care, Sergius!” said the monarch smiling, as he gently disengaged + himself from the fierce hand that clutched him; “This pistol is loaded,—not + to shoot you with!—but myself!—at your command! It would be + unfortunate if it went off and killed the wrong man by accident!” + </p> + <p> + His indomitable courage was irresistible; and Thord, relaxing his grasp, + fell back in something like awe. And then the spell of horror and + amazement that had struck the rest of the assemblage dumb, broke all at + once into a sort of wild-beast clamour. Every man ‘rushed’ for the + platform—and Max Graub and Axel Regor, taking swift and conscious + possession of their true personalities as Professor von Glauben and Sir + Roger de Launay, fought silently and determinedly to keep back the + crowding hands that threatened instant violence to the person of their + Royal master. + </p> + <p> + A complete hubbub and confusion reigned;—cries of “Traitor!” and + “Spy!” were hurled from one voice to another; but before a single member + of the Committee could reach the spot where stood the undaunted Sovereign + whom they had so lately idolised as their friend and helper, and whom they + were now ready to tear to pieces, Lotys flung herself in front of him, + while at the same moment she snatched the pistol he held from his hand, + and fired it harmlessly into the air. The loud report—the flash of + fire,—startled all the men, who gaped upon her, thunderstruck. + </p> + <p> + “Through me!” she cried, her blue eyes flashing glorious menace; “Through + me your shots! Through me your daggers! On me your destroying hands! + Through my body alone shall you reach this King! Stand back all of you! + What would you do? King or commoner, he is your comrade and associate! + Sovereign or servant, he is the bravest man among you! Touch him who dare! + Remember your Vow of Fealty!” + </p> + <p> + Transfigured into an almost sublime beauty by the fervour of her emotion, + she looked the supreme incarnation of inspired womanhood, and the + infuriated men fell back, dismayed and completely overwhelmed by the + strong conviction of her words, and the amazing situation in which they + found themselves. + </p> + <p> + It was true!—he, the King,—whom they had accepted and known as + Pasquin Leroy,—was verily their own comrade! He had proved himself a + thousand times their friend and helper!—they had sworn to defend him + at the cost of their own lives, if need be,—to shelter and protect + him in all circumstances, and to accept all the consequences of whatever + danger he might run in the performance of his duty. His duty now,—according + to the fatal drawing of lots,—was that he should kill the King; and + he had declared himself ready to fulfil the task by killing himself! But—as + he was their comrade—they were bound in honour to guard his life! + </p> + <p> + These bewildering and maddening thoughts coursed like fire through the + brain of Sergius Thord,—the while his eyes, grown suddenly dark and + bloodshot, rested wonderingly on the tall upright figure of the monarch, + standing quietly face to face with the blood-thirsty Revolutionary + Committee, entirely unmoved by their fierce and lowering looks, and on + Lotys, white, beautiful and breathless, kneeling at his feet! A crushing + sense of impotence and failure rushed over his soul like a storm wave,—his + brain grew thick with the hurrying confusion, and a great cry, like that + of a wounded animal, broke from his lips. + </p> + <p> + “My God! My God! All my life’s work lost—in a single moment!” + </p> + <p> + The King heard. Gently, and with careful courtesy, raising Lotys from the + position in which she had thrown herself to guard him from attack for the + second time, he pressed her hands tenderly in his own. + </p> + <p> + “Trust me!” he whispered; “Have no fear! Not a man among them will touch + me now!” + </p> + <p> + With a slight gesture he signed her back to the chair she had previously + occupied. She sank into it, trembling from head to foot, but her eyes + feverishly brilliant and watchful, were widely open and alert, ready to + note the least movement or look that indicated further danger. Then the + King addressed himself to Thord. + </p> + <p> + “Sergius, I am entirely in your hands! I wait your word of command! You + are armed,—all my companions here are armed also! But Lotys has + deprived me of the only weapon I possessed,—though there are plenty + more in the room to be had on loan. What say you? Shall I kill the King? + Or will you?” + </p> + <p> + Thord was silent. A strong shudder shook his frame. The King laid a firm + hand on his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Friend!” he said in a low voice; “Believe me, I am your friend more than + ever!—you never had, and never will have a truer one than I! All + your life’s work lost, you say? Nay, not so! It is gained! You conquered + the People before I knew you,—and now you have conquered the + People’s King!” + </p> + <p> + Slowly Thord raised his great, dark, passionate eyes, clouded black with + thoughts which could find no adequate expression. The look in them went + straight to the monarch’s heart. Baffled ambition,—the hunger of + greatness,—the desire to do something that should raise his soul + above such common ruck of human emmets as make of the earth the merest + ant-hill whereon to eat and breed and die;—all this pent-up emotion + swam luminously in the fierce bright orbs, which like mirrors, reflected + the picture of the troubled mind within. The suppressed power of the man, + who, apart from his confused notions of ‘liberty, equality, and + fraternity’ could resort to the sternest and most self-endangering + measures for destroying what he considered the abuses of the law, had + moved the King, while disguised as Pasquin Leroy, to the profoundest + admiration for his bold character;—but perhaps he was never more + moved than at this supreme moment, when, hopelessly entangled in a net of + most unexpected weaving, the redoubtable Socialist had to confess himself + vanquished by the simple friendship and service of the very monarchy he + sought to destroy. + </p> + <p> + “Sergius,” said the King again,—“Trust me! Trust me as your + Sovereign, with the same trust that you gave to me as your comrade, + Pasquin! For I am still your comrade, remember! Nothing can undo the oath + that binds me to you and to the People! I have not become one of you to + betray you; but to serve you! Our present position is certainly a strange + one!—for by the tenets you hold, we should be sworn opponents, + instead of, as we are, sworn friends! Political agitators would have set + us one against the other for their own selfish ends; as matters stand, we + are united in the People’s Cause; and I may perhaps do you more good + living than dead! Give me a chance to serve you even better than I have + done as yet! Still,—if you judge my death would be an advantage to + the country,—you have but to say the word! I have sworn,—and I + am ready to carry out the full accomplishment of my vow! Do you + understand? You are, by the rules of this Committee my Chief!—there + are no kings here; and I am good soldier enough to obey orders! It is for + you to speak!—straightly, plainly, and at once,—to the + Committee,—and to me!” + </p> + <p> + “Before God, you are brave!” muttered Thord, gazing at him in reluctant + admiration. “So brave, that it is almost impossible to believe that you + can be a King!” + </p> + <p> + He smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Speak! Speak, my friend!” he urged; “Our comrades are watching our + conference like famished tigers! Give them food!” + </p> + <p> + Thus adjured, Thord advanced, and confronted the murmuring, gesticulating + crowd of men, some of whom were wrathfully expostulating with Johan + Zegota, because he declined to unlock the door of the room and let them + out, till he had received his Chief’s commands to do so. Others were + grouped round Paul Zouche, who had sat apparently stricken immovable in + his chair ever since the King had declared his identity; and others showed + themselves somewhat inclined to ‘hustle’ Sir Roger de Launay and Professor + von Glauben, who guarded the approach to the platform like sentinels,—though + they were discreet enough to show no weapons of defence. + </p> + <p> + “Comrades!” + </p> + <p> + The rich, deep voice of their leader thrilled through the room, and + brought them all to silence and attention. + </p> + <p> + “Comrades!” said Thord slowly,—his accents vibrating with the + deepest emotion. “I desire and command you all to be satisfied that no + wrong has been done to you! I ask you all to understand, fully and surely, + that no wrong is intended to you! The man whom we have loved,—the + man who has served us faithfully as Pasquin Leroy,—is still the same + man, though the King! Rank cannot alter his proved friendship and service,—nor + kingship break his bond! He is one of us,—signed and sealed in the + blood of Lotys;—and as one of us he must, and will remain! Have I + spoken truly?” he added, turning to the King, “or is there more that I + should say?” + </p> + <p> + Before any reply could be given a hubbub of voices cried:— + </p> + <p> + “Explain! Confess! Bind him to his oath!” + </p> + <p> + Whereat the King, stepping forward a pace or two, confronted his would-be + doubters and detractors with a dauntless composure. + </p> + <p> + “Explain? Confess? Friends, I will do both! but for binding me to my oath, + there is no need,—for it is too strong a compact of faith and + friendship ever to be broken! Would you have me remind <i>you</i> of your + Vow of Fealty pronounced so solemnly this evening? Did you not swear that + ‘Whosoever among us this night shall draw the Red Cross Signal which + destines him to take from life a life proved unworthy, shall be to us a + sacred person, and an object of defence and continued protection’? As + Pasquin Leroy, this vow applied to me,—as King, I ask no better or + stronger pledge of loyalty!” + </p> + <p> + All eyes were fixed upon him as he spoke. For some moments there was a + dead silence. + </p> + <p> + This silence was presently broken by a murmur of conflicting wonder, + impatience and uncertainty,—deepening as it ran,—and then,—as + the full situation became more and more apparent, coupled with the smiling + and heroic calm of the monarch who had thus placed himself voluntarily in + the hands of his sworn enemies, all their struggling passions were + suddenly merged in one great wave of natural and human admiration for a + brave man and a burst of impetuous cheering broke impulsively from every + lip. Once started, the infection caught on like a fever,—and again + and yet again the excited Revolutionists cheered ‘for the King!’—till + they made the room echo. + </p> + <p> + The tumult was extraordinary. Lotys sat silent, with clasped hands, her + eyes dilated with feverish watchfulness and excitement,—the tempest + of emotion in her own poor tortured soul, being of such a character which + no words, no tears, no exclamations could possibly relieve. The memory of + her interview with the King in his own Palace flashed across her like a + scene limned in fire. She had no power to think—she was simply + stunned and overwhelmed,—and held only one idea in her mind, and + that was to save him at all costs, even at the sacrifice of her own life. + Thord, carried away from his very self by the force of such a ‘Revolution’ + as he had never planned or anticipated, stood more in the attitude of one + who was trying to think, rather than of one who was thinking. + </p> + <p> + “For the King!” cried Johan Zegota, suddenly giving vent to the feelings + he had long kept in check,—feelings which had made him a greater + admirer of the so-called “Pasquin Leroy” than of Thord himself;—“For + our sworn comrade, the King!” + </p> + <p> + Again the cheers broke out, to be redoubled in intensity when Louis Valdor + added his voice to the rest and exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “For the first real King I have ever known!” + </p> + <p> + Then the excitement rose to its zenith,—and amidst the tempest of + applause, the King himself stood quiet, watching the turbulence with the + thoughtful eyes of a student who seeks to unravel some difficult problem. + Raising his hand gently, he, by this gesture created immediate silence,—and + so, in this hush remained for an instant, leaning slightly against the + Committee Table, draped as it was in its funereal black,—the lights + at either end of it, and the red lamp in its centre flinging an unearthly + radiance on his fine composed features. Long, long afterwards, his + faithful servants, Sir Roger de Launay and Heinrich von Glauben retained a + mental picture of him in that attitude,—the dauntless smile upon his + lips,—the dreamful look in his eyes,—resting, as it seemed + against a prepared funeral-bier, with the watch-lights burning for burial,—and + the face of Lotys, pale as a marble mask, yet wearing an expression of + mingled triumph and agony, shining near him like a star amid the gloom, + while the tall form of Sergius Thord in the background loomed large,—a + shadow of impending evil. + </p> + <p> + After a pause, he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Comrades! I thank you for the expressed renewal of your trust in me. In + my heart and soul, as a man, I am one of you and with you;—even + though fate has made me a king! You demand an explanation—a + confession. You shall have both! When I enrolled myself as a member of + your Committee, I did so in all honesty and honour,—wishing to + discover the object of your Cause, and prepared to aid it if I found it + worthy. When I sealed my compact with you in the blood of Lotys, the Angel + of our Covenant,”—here the cheering again broke out,—and + Lotys, turning aside, endeavoured to restrain the tears that threatened to + fall;—then, as silence was restored, he resumed;—“When as I + say, I did this,—you will remember that on being asked of my origin + and country, I answered that I was a slave. I spoke truly! There is no + greater slave in all the length and breadth of the world than a king! + Bound by the chains of convention and custom, he is coerced more violently + than any prisoner,—his lightest word is misunderstood—his + smallest action is misconstrued,—his very looks are made the subject + of comment—and whether he walks or stands,—sits to give + wearisome audience, or lies down to forget his sorrows in sleep, he should + assuredly be an object of the deepest pity and consideration, instead of + being as he often is, a target for the arrows of slander,—a pivot + round which to move the wheel of social evil and misrule! The name of + Freedom sounds sweet in your ears, my friends!—how sweet it is—how + dear it is, we all know! You are ready to fight for it—to die for + it! Then remember, all of you, that it is a glory utterly unknown to a + king! Were he to take sword in hand and do battle for it unto the death, + he could never obtain it;—he might win it for his country, but never + for himself! Nothing so glorious as Liberty!—you cry! True!—but + kings are prisoners from the moment they ascend thrones! And you never set + them free, save in the way you suggested this evening;” and he smiled, + “which way is still open to you—and—to me! But while you take + time to consider whether I shall or shall not fulfil the duty which the + drawing of lots on this Day of Fate has assigned to me,—whether you, + on your parts, will or will not maintain the Vow of Fealty which we all + have sworn together,—I will freely declare to you the motives which + led me to depart from the conventional rule and formality of a merely + ‘Royal’ existence, and to become as a Man among men,—for once at + least in the history of modern sovereigns!” + </p> + <p> + He paused,—every eye was fixed upon him; and the stillness was so + intense that the lightest breath might be heard. + </p> + <p> + “I came to the Throne three years ago,” he resumed, “and I accepted its + responsibilities with reluctance. As Heir-Apparent, you all know, or think + you know, my career; for some of you have very freely expressed your + convictions concerning it! It was discreditable,—according to the + opinions formed and expressed by this Committee. No doubt it was! Let any + man among you occupy my place;—and be surrounded by the same + temptations,—and then comport himself wisely—if he can! Such + an one would need to be either god or hero; and I profess to be neither. + But I do not wish to palliate or deny the errors of the past. The present + is my concern,—the present time, and the present People. Great + changes are fermenting in the world; and of these changes, especially of + those directly affecting our own country, I became actively conscious, + shortly after I ascended the Throne. I heard of disaffections,—disloyalties; + I gathered that the Ministry were suspected of personal + self-aggrandisement. I learned that a disastrous policy was on foot + respecting National Education—in which priestcraft would be given + every advantage, and Jesuitry obtain undue influence over the minds of the + rising generation. I heard,—I studied,—and finding that I + could get no true answer on any point at issue from anyone of my supposed + ‘reliable’ ministers, I resolved to discover things for myself. I found + out that the disaffected portion of the metropolis was chiefly under the + influence of Sergius Thord—and accordingly I placed myself in his + way, and became enrolled among you as ‘Pasquin Leroy’; his sworn + associate. I am his sworn associate still! I am proud that he should call + me friend;—and even as we have worked already for the People, so we + will work still—together!” + </p> + <p> + No restraint could have availed to check the wild plaudits that broke out + afresh at these words. Still thoughtfully and with grave kindness + contemplating all the eager and excited faces upturned to him, the King + went on. + </p> + <p> + “You know nearly all the rest. As Pasquin Leroy, I discovered all the + shameful speculations with the public money, carried on by Carl Pérousse,—and + found that so far, at any rate, your accusations against him were founded + in fact. At the first threatening suspicion of possible condemnation the + Marquis de Lutera resigned,—thus evidencing his guilty participation + in the intended plunder. A false statement printed by David Jost, stating + that I,—the King,—had revoked my decision concerning the + refusal of land to the Jesuits, caused me to announce the truth of my own + action myself, in the rival newspaper. Of my excommunication from the + Church it is unnecessary to speak; a man is not injured in God’s sight by + that merely earthly ban. Among other things”—and he smiled,—“I + found myself curiously possessed of a taste for literature!—and + proved, that whereas some few monarchs of my acquaintance cannot be quite + sure of their spelling, I could, at a pinch, make myself fairly well + understood by the general public, as a skilled writer of polemics against + myself!—as well as against the Secretary of State. This, so far as I + personally am concerned, has been the humorous side of my little drama of + disguise!—for sometimes I have had serious thoughts of appearing as + a rival to our friend, Paul Zouche, in the lists of literary Fame!” + </p> + <p> + A murmur of wondering laughter ran round the room,—and all heads + were turned to one corner, as the King, with the kindly smile still + lighting up his eyes and lips, called: + </p> + <p> + “Zouche, are you there? Do you hear me?” + </p> + <p> + Zouche did hear. He had been sitting in a state of semi-stupor all the + evening,—his chaotic mind utterly confused and bewildered by the + events which had taken place;—but now, on being called, his usual + audacious and irrepressible spirit came to his aid, and he answered: + </p> + <p> + “O King, I hear! O King, your Majesty would make the deaf to hear, and the + dumb to speak! And if there is anything to be done to me for abominating + you, O King, who had the impudence to offer me a hundred gold pieces a + year for my poems, I, O King, will submit to the utmost terrors of the + law!” + </p> + <p> + A burst of laughter long and loud, relieved the pent-up feelings of the + company. The King laughed as heartily as the rest, and over the brooding + features of Thord himself came the shadow of a smile. + </p> + <p> + “We will settle our accounts together later on, Zouche!” said the monarch + gaily; “Meanwhile, I beg you to continue your harmless abomination of me + at your leisure!” + </p> + <p> + Another laugh went round, and then the King resuming his speech continued: + </p> + <p> + “I have played two parts at once,—Revolutionist and King! But both + parts are after all but two sides of the same nature. When I first came + among you, I bade you all look at me well,—I asked you to note the + resemblance I bore to the ruling Sovereign. I called myself ‘the living + copy of the man I most despise.’ That was quite true! For there is no one + I despise more utterly than myself,—when I think what I might have + done with my million opportunities, and how much time I have wasted! You + all scrutinised me closely;—and I did not flinch! You all accepted + my service,—and I have served you well! I have noted every one of + your desires. Where possible, I have sought to fulfil them. Every + accusation you have brought against the Ministry has been sifted to the + bottom, and proved down to the hilt. My publicly-proclaimed decision to + nominate Carl Pérousse as Premier was merely thrown out as a test to try + the temper and quality of the nation. That test has answered its purpose + well! But there is no need for fear,—Carl Pérousse will never be + nominated to anything but disgrace! All his schemes are in my hand,—I + hold complete documentary proofs of his dishonesty and guilt; and the very + day which you have chosen as that on which to appeal to the King against + the choice of him as Prime Minister, will see him denounced by myself in + person to the Government.” + </p> + <p> + A storm of applause greeted this welcome announcement. For a moment all + the men went mad with excitement, shouting, stamping and singing,—while + again and yet again the cry: ‘For the King!’ echoed round and round in + tempestuous cheering. + </p> + <p> + Sergius Thord gazed blankly at the Scene with a strange sense of being the + dreaming witness of some marvellous drama enacted altogether away from the + earth. He could hot yet bring himself to realise that by such a simple + method as the independent working of one individual intelligence, all his + own followers had been swept round to loyalty and love for a monarch, whom + previously, though without knowing him, they had hated—and sworn to + destroy! Yet, in very truth, all the hatreds and envys,—all the + slanders and cruelties of the members of the human race towards each + other, spring from ignorance; and when disaffected persons hate a king, + they do so mostly because they do not know him, and because they can form + no true opinion of his qualities or the various difficulties of his + position. If the Anarchist, bent on the destruction of some person in + authority, only had the culture and knowledge to recognise how much that + person already suffers, by being in all probability forced to fulfil + duties for which he has no heart or mind, he would stay his murderous + hand, and pity rather than condemn. For the removal of one ruler only + means the installation of another,—and the wild and often gifted + souls of reformers, stumbling through darkness after some great Ideal + which resolves itself into a shadow and delusion the nearer one approaches + to it, need to be tenderly dealt with from the standpoint of plainest + simplicity and truth,—so that they may feel the sympathetic touch of + human love and care emanating from those very quarters which they seek to + assail. This had been the self-imposed mission of the King who had played + the part of ‘Pasquin Leroy’;—and thus, fearing nothing, doubting + nothing, and relying simply on his own strength, discretion, and + determination, he had gained a moral victory over the passions of his + secret foes such as he had never himself anticipated. When silence was + again restored, he proceeded: + </p> + <p> + “The various suggestions made in my presence during the time I have been a + member of this Committee, will all be carried out. The present Government + will naturally oppose every measure,—but I,—backed by such + supporters as I have now won,—will elect a new Government—a + new Ministry. When I began this bloodless campaign of my own, the present + Ministry were on the edge of war. Determined to provoke hostilities with a + peaceful Power, they were ready even with arms and ammunition, + manufactured by a ‘Company,’ of which Pérousse was the director and chief + shareholder! Contracts for army supplies were being secretly tendered; and + one was already secretly accepted and arranged for,—in which Carl + Pérousse and the Marquis de Lutera were to derive enormous interest;—the + head of the concern being David Jost. This plan was concocted with + devilish ingenuity,—for, if the war had actually broken out, the + supplies of our army would have been of the worst possible kind, in order + to give the best possible profit to the contractors; and Jost, with his + newspaper influence, would have satisfied the public mind by printing + constant reiterations of the completeness and excellence of the supplies, + and the entire contentment and jubilation of the men! But I awoke to my + responsibilities in time to checkmate this move. I forbade the provocation + intended;—I stopped the war. In this matter at least—much loss + of life, much heavy expenditure, and much ill-will among other nations has + been happily spared to us. For the rest,—everything you have been + working for shall be granted,—if you yourselves will help me to + realise your own plans! I want you in your thousands!—ay, in your + tens of thousands! I want you all on my side! With you,—the + representatives of the otherwise unvoiced People,—I will enforce all + the measures which you have discussed before me, showing good and adequate + reason why they should be carried. The taxes you complain of shall be + instantly removed;—and for the more speedy replenishment of the + National Exchequer, I gladly resign one half my revenues from all sources + whatsoever for the space of five years; or longer, if considered + desirable. But I want your aid! Will you all stand by me?” + </p> + <p> + A mighty shout answered him. + </p> + <p> + “To the death!” + </p> + <p> + He turned to Thord. + </p> + <p> + “Sergius,” he said, “my task is finished—my confession made! The + next Order of this meeting must come from you!” + </p> + <p> + Thord looked at him amazedly. + </p> + <p> + “From me? Are you not the King?” + </p> + <p> + “Only so long as the People desire it!” replied the monarch gently; “And + are you not the representative of the People?” + </p> + <p> + Thord’s chest heaved. Burning tears stood in his eyes. The strangeness of + the situation—the deliberate coolness and resolve with which this + sovereign ruler of a powerful kingdom laid his life trustingly in his + hands, was too much for his nerve. + </p> + <p> + “Lotys!” he said huskily; “Lotys!” + </p> + <p> + She rose at once and came to him, moving ghostlike in her white draperies, + her eyes shining—her lips tremulous. + </p> + <p> + “Lotys,” he said, “The King is in our hands! You saved his life once—will + you save it again?” + </p> + <p> + She raised her bent head, and the old courageous light flashed in her + face, transfiguring its every feature. + </p> + <p> + “It is not for me to save!” she replied in clear firm tones; “It is for + you—and for all of us,—to defend!” + </p> + <p> + A ringing cheer answered her. Sergius Thord slowly advanced, and as he did + so, the King, seeing his movement frankly held out his hand. For a moment + the Socialist Chief hesitated—then suddenly yielding to his + overpowering impulse, caught that hand and raised his dark eyes full to + the monarch’s face. + </p> + <p> + “You have conquered me!” he said, “But only by your qualities as a man—not + by your authority as a king! You have won my honour—my respect—my + gratitude—my friendship—and with these, so long as you are + faithful to our Cause, take my allegiance! More I cannot say—more I + will not promise!” + </p> + <p> + “I need no more!” responded the King cheerily, enclosing his hand in a + warm clasp. “We are friends and fellow-workers, Sergius!—we can + never be rivals!” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, his glance fell on Lotys. She shrank from the swift passion + of his gaze,—and her eyelids drooped half-swooningly over the bright + star-windows of her own too ardent soul. Abruptly turning from both her + and Thord, the King again addressed the company: + </p> + <p> + “One word more, my friends! It is arranged that you, with all your + thousands of the People are to convene together in one great multitude, + and march to the Palace to demand justice from the King. There is now no + need to do this,—for the King himself is one of you!—the King + only lives and reigns that justice in all respects may be done! I will + therefore ask you to change your plan;—and instead of marching to + the Palace, march with me to the House of Government. You would have + demanded justice from the King; the King himself will go with you to + demand justice for the People!” + </p> + <p> + A wild shout answered him; and he knew as he looked on the faces of his + hearers that he had them all in his power as the servants of his will. + </p> + <p> + “And now, gentlemen,” he proceeded; “I should perhaps make some excuses + for my two friends, known to you as Max Graub and Axel Regor. I told you I + would be responsible for their conduct, and, so far as they have been + permitted to go, they have behaved well! I must, however, in justice to + them, assure you that whereas I became a member of your Committee gladly, + they followed my example reluctantly, and only out of fidelity and + obedience to me. They have lived in the shadow of the Throne,—and + have learned to pity,—and I think,—to love its occupant! + Because they know,—as you have never known,—the heavy burden + which a king puts on with his crown! They have, however, in their way, + served you under my orders, and under my orders will continue to serve you + still. Max Graub, or, to give him his right name, Heinrich von Glauben, + has a high reputation in this country for his learning, apart from his + position as Household Physician to our Court;—Axel Regor is my very + good friend Sir Roger de Launay, who is amiable enough to support the + monotony of his duty as one of my equerries in waiting. Now you know us as + we are! But after all, nothing is changed, save our names and the titles + we bear; we are the same men, the same friends, the same comrades!—and + so I trust we shall remain!” + </p> + <p> + The cheering broke out again, and Sir Roger de Launay, who was quite as + overwhelmed with astonishment at the courage and coolness of his Royal + master as any Revolutionist present, joined in it with a will, as did Von + Glauben. + </p> + <p> + “One favour I have to ask of you,” proceeded the King, “and it is this: If + you exempt me to-night from killing the King;” and he smiled,—“you + must also exempt all the members of the Revolutionary Committee from any + similar task allotted to them by having drawn the fatal Signal! Our + friend, Zouche, for instance, has drawn the name of Carl Pérousse. Now I + want Zouche for better work than that of killing a rascal!” + </p> + <p> + Loud cheers answered him, and Zouche rising from his place advanced a + little. + </p> + <p> + “Majesty!” he cried, “You are right! I hand your Majesty’s intended + Premier over to you with the greatest, pleasure in the world! Apart from + the fact of your being the King, I am compelled to admit that you have + common sense!” + </p> + <p> + Laughter and cheers resounded through the room again, and the King quietly + turning round, extinguished the red lamp on the table. The thirteenth + light was quenched; the Day of Fate was ended. As the ominous crimson + flare sank out, a sudden silence prevailed, and the King fixed his eyes on + Lotys. + </p> + <p> + “From you, Madame, must come my final exoneration! If you still condemn me + as a King, I shall be indeed unfortunate! If you still think well of me as + a man, I shall be proud! I have to thank you, not only for my life, but + for having helped me to make that life valuable! As Pasquin Leroy, I have + sought to serve you,—as King, I seek to serve you still!” + </p> + <p> + The silence continued. Every man present watched the visible emotion which + swept every vestige of colour from the face of Lotys, and made her eyes so + feverishly bright. Every man gazed at her as she rose from her chair and + came forward a little to the front of the platform. It was with a strong + effort that she raised her eyes to those of the King, and in that one + glance between them, the lightning flash of a resistless love tore the + veil of secrecy from their souls. But she spoke out bravely. + </p> + <p> + “I thank your Majesty!” she said; “I thank you for all you have done for + us as our comrade and associate,—for all you will yet do for us as + our comrade and associate still! It is better to be a brave man than a + weak King—but it is best to be a strong man and a strong king both + together! You have disproved the thoughts I had of you as King! You have + ratified—” here she paused, while the colour suddenly sprang to her + cheeks, and her breath came pantingly and quick,—“and strengthened + the thoughts I had of you as our Pasquin!” Her eyes softened with tears, + though she smiled. “We have believed in you; we believe in you still! All + is as it was,—save in the one thing new,—that where we were + banded together against the King, we are now united for, and with the + King!” + </p> + <p> + These words were all that were needed to reawaken and confirm the + enthusiasm of the Revolutionists, whose ‘revolutionary’ measures were now + accepted and sworn to by the Crowned Head of the Realm. Thereupon, they + gave themselves up to the wildest cheering. + </p> + <p> + “Comrades!” cried Paul Zouche, in the midst of the uproar; “There is one + point you seem to have missed! The King,—God bless him!—doesn’t + see it,—Thord, glowering like an owl in his ivy-bush of hair, + doesn’t see it! It is only left to me to perceive the chief result of this + evening’s disclosures!” + </p> + <p> + All the men laughed. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, Zouche?” demanded Louis Valdor. + </p> + <p> + “Ay! What is it?” echoed Zegota. + </p> + <p> + “Speak, Zouche!” said the King; “Whatever strange conclusion your poetic + brain discovers, doubt not but that we shall accept it,—from!” + </p> + <p> + “Accept it? I should think so!” cried Zouche; “You are bound to accept it + whether you like it or not; there is no other way out of it!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what is it?” repeated Zegota impatiently; “Declare it!” + </p> + <p> + “It is this;” said Zouche, “Simply this,—that, with the King as our + comrade and associate, the Revolutionary Committee is no use! It is + finished! There can be no longer a Revolutionary Committee!” + </p> + <p> + “That is true!” said the King; “It may henceforth be known as a new + Parliament!” + </p> + <p> + Cheer after cheer echoed through the crowded room, and while the noise was + at its height a knocking was heard outside and Sholto, the hunchback + father of Pequita, demanded admittance. Zegota unlocked the door, and in a + few minutes the situation was explained to the astonished landlord of the + Revolutionary Committee quarters. Overwhelmed at the news, and full of + gratitude for the kindness shown to his child, which he now knew had + emanated from the King in person, he would have knelt to kiss the Royal + hand, had not the monarch prevented him. + </p> + <p> + “No, my good Sholto!” he said gently; “Enough of such humility wearies me + in the monotonous routine of Court life; and were it not for custom and + prejudice, I would suffer no self-respecting man to abase himself before + me, simply because my profession is that of King! Tell Pequita that I + would not look at her, or applaud her dancing the other night, because I + wished her to hate the King and to love Pasquin!—but now you must + ask her for me, to love them both!” + </p> + <p> + Sholto bowed low, profoundly overcome. Was this the King against whom they + had all been in league?—this simple, unaffected man, who seemed so + much at home and at one with them all? Amazed and bewildered, he, by + general invitation, mixed with the rest of the men, for each of whom the + King had a kind and appreciative word, or a fresh pledge of his good faith + and intention towards them and the reforms they sought to effect. Von + Glauben was surrounded by a group of those among whom he had made himself + popular; and a hundred eager questions were asked of both him and De + Launay, who were ready enough to eulogise the daring of their Royal + master, and the determination with which he had resolved on making his + secret foes his open friends. + </p> + <p> + “After all,” said Zegota deprecatingly, “it is not so much the King whom + we were against, as the Government.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! You forget, no doubt,” said Von Glauben, “that the King—any + King—is usually a Dummy in the hands of Government, unless, as in + the present instance, he chooses to become a living Personality for + himself!” + </p> + <p> + “The King has created an autocracy!” said Louis Valdor; “and it will last + for his lifetime. But after——!” + </p> + <p> + “After him,—if his eldest son, Prince Humphry, comes to the Throne,—the + autocracy will be continued;” said Von Glauben decisively; “For he is a + young man who is singularly fond of having his own way!” + </p> + <p> + The conversation now became general; and the big, bare, common room + assumed in a few minutes almost the aspect of a Royal levée. This was + curious enough,—and furnished food for meditation to Professor von + Glauben, who was considerably excited by the dramatic dénouement of the + Day of Fate,—a climax for which neither he nor Sir Roger had been in + the least prepared. He said something of it to Sir Roger who was watching + Lotys. + </p> + <p> + “You look at the woman,” he said; “I look at the man! Do you think this + drama is finished?” + </p> + <p> + “Not yet!” answered De Launay curtly; “Nor is the danger over!” + </p> + <p> + The hum of talk continued; and the good feeling of friendship and unity of + the assemblage was intensified with every cordial handshake. When the time + came to break up, someone suggested that a carriage should be sent for to + convey the King and his two companions to the Palace. Whereat the monarch + laughed aloud and right joyously. + </p> + <p> + “By my faith!” he exclaimed; “You, my friends, would actually pamper me + already, by offering me a luxury which you yourselves do not propose to + enjoy! Ah, my friends, here comes in the mischief of the monarchical + system! What of your ‘Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity’? Do I ask to have + anything different to yourselves? Can I not walk, even as you do? Have I + not walked to, and from these meetings often? And even so, I purpose to + walk now! If you are true Revolutionists—as I am—do not + reverse your own theories! You complain,—and justly,—that a + king is over-flattered; do not then flatter him yourselves by insisting on + such convenience for him as he does not even demand at your hands!” + </p> + <p> + “You take us too literally, Sir,” said Louis Valdor; “Even Revolutionists + owe respect to their chief!” + </p> + <p> + “Sergius Thord is your Chief, my friend!” replied the monarch; “And, from + a Revolutionary point of view, mine! But you have never thought of sending + <i>him</i> anywhere in a carriage! Ah!—what children we are! What + slaves of convention! ‘Liberty, Equality and Fraternity’ have been the + ideals of ages;—yet despite them, we are always ready to follow a + Leader,—and form ourselves into one body under a Head!” + </p> + <p> + “Provided the Head has brains in it!” said Zouche. “But otherwise—” + </p> + <p> + “You cut it off!” laughed the monarch—“and quite right too!” + </p> + <p> + They now began to separate. The hunchback Sholto explained that it was + long after midnight, and that he had already put out all the lights in the + basement. + </p> + <p> + Whereupon the King, turning to Sergius Thord said: “Farewell for the + moment, Sergius! Come to me at the Palace with the whole plan of the + meeting you are now organising; I shall hold myself ready to fall in with + your plans! Gather your thousands, and—leave the rest to me!” + </p> + <p> + Thord clasped his extended hand,—and was moved by a curious instinct + to bend down low over it after the fashion of a courtier, but restrained + himself almost by force. The men began to move; one after the other bade + good-night to the King—then to Thord, and last to Lotys, who, + drawing on her cloak, prepared to leave also. + </p> + <p> + “I will see you safely down the stairs,” said the King smilingly, to her. + “It is not the first time I have done so! How now, Zouche?” + </p> + <p> + Paul Zouche stood before him, his eyes full of a strange mingled pathos + and scorn. + </p> + <p> + “I have to thank your Majesty,” he said slowly, “for something I do not in + the least value,—Fame! It has come too late! Had it been my portion + three years ago, the woman I loved would have been proud of me, and I + should have been happy! She is dead now—and nothing matters!” + </p> + <p> + The King was silent. There was something both solemn and pitiful about + this wreck of manhood which was still kept alive by the fire of genius. + </p> + <p> + “With one word you might have saved me—and her!” he went on. “When + you came to the Throne,—and all the wretched versifiers in the + kingdom were scribbling twaddle in the way of ‘Coronation odes’ and + medleys, I wrote ‘The Song of Freedom’ for your glory! All the people of + the land know that song now!—but you might have known it then! For + now it is too late!—too late to call her back;—too late to + give me peace!” + </p> + <p> + He paused;—then—without another word—turned, and went + out. + </p> + <p> + “Poor Zouche!” said the King gently; “I accept his reproach and understand + it! He is right! The recognition of his genius is one of the thousand + chances I have missed! But, as God lives, I will miss no more!” + </p> + <p> + A great quietude fell on the house as the Revolutionary Committee + dispersed. The last to leave was the King, his two friends, and Lotys. + Lotys declined all escort somewhat imperatively, refusing to allow Sergius + Thord to see her to her own home. + </p> + <p> + “I must be alone!” she said; “Do you not understand! I want to think—I + want to realise our change of position. I cannot talk to you, Sergius,—no—not + till to-morrow—you must let me be!” + </p> + <p> + He drew back, chilled and hurt by her tone, but forbore to press his + company on her. With another farewell to the King, he stood at the top of + the long dark winding stair watching the group descend,—first Von + Glauben, next De Launay,—thirdly, the King,—and lastly, Lotys. + </p> + <p> + “Good-night!” he called, as her white robes vanished in the gloom. + </p> + <p> + “Good-night!” she answered tremulously, as she disappeared. + </p> + <p> + And he, returning to the empty room, stared vacantly at the table draped + with black, and the funeral urn set upon it,—stared at the empty + chairs and bare walls, and listened as it were, to the midnight silence,—realising + that he as Chief of the Revolutionary Committee, was no longer a chief but + a servant!—and that the power he sought—that power which he + had endeavoured to attain in order that he might make of Lotys, as he had + said, ‘a queen among women!’ was only to be won through,—the King! + The King knew all his secret plans and his aims,—he held the clue to + the whole network of his Revolutionary organisation,—and the only + chance he now had of ever arriving at the highest goal of his ambition was + in the King’s hands! Thus was he,—Socialist and Revolutionist,—made + subject to the Throne; the very rules he had drawn up for himself and his + Committee making it impossible that he could be otherwise than loyal, to a + monarch who was at the same time his comrade! + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, in the thick darkness of the hall below, while Von Glauben and + De Launay were groping their way to the door which was cautiously held + open by Sholto, Lotys, moving with hesitating steps down the stairs, felt + rather than saw a head turned back upon her,—a flash of eyes in the + darkness, and heard her name breathed softly: + </p> + <p> + “Lotys!” + </p> + <p> + She grew dizzy and uncertain of her footing; she could not answer. + Suddenly a strong arm caught her,—she was drawn into a close, + fierce, jealous clasp; warm lips caressed her hair, her brow, her eyes; + and a voice whispered in her ear: + </p> + <p> + “You love me, Lotys! You love me! Hush!—do not deny it—you + cannot deny it!—you know it, as I know it!—you have told me + you love me! You love me, my Love! You love me!” + </p> + <p> + Another moment—and the King passed quietly out of the door with a + bland ‘Good-night’ to Sholto, and joining his two companions, raised his + hat to Lotys with a courteous salutation. + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, Madame!” + </p> + <p> + She stood in the doorway, shuddering violently from head to foot,—watching + his tall figure disappear in the shadows of the street. Then stretching + out her hands blindly, she gave a faint cry, and murmuring something + inarticulate to the alarmed Sholto, fell senseless at his feet. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. — KING AND SOCIALIST + </h2> + <p> + To many persons of the servile or flunkey habit, the idea that a king + should ever comport himself as an ordinary,—or extraordinary,—man, + seems more or less preposterous; while to conceive him as endowed with + dash, spirit, and a love of adventure is judged almost as absurd and + impossible. The only potentate that ever appears, in legendary lore, to + have indulged himself to his heart’s content in the sport of adopting a + disguise and going about unrecognised among his subjects, is the witty and + delightful hero of the ‘Arabian Nights’ Entertainment,’ Caliph Haroun + Alraschid, who, as Tennyson describes him, had + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Deep eyes, laughter-stirred + With merriment of kingly pride; + Sole star of all that place and time, + I saw him in his golden prime. + The good Haroun Alraschid!” + </pre> + <p> + We accept Haroun; and acknowledge him to have been wise in the purport of + his wanderings through the streets of the city,—gaining new + experience with every hour, and studying the needs and complaints of his + people for himself;—but if we should be told of a modern monarch + doing likewise in our own day, we should mount on the stiff hobby-horse of + our ridiculous conventionality, and accuse him of having brought the + dignity of the Throne into contempt. Yet nothing perhaps can be more + contemptible than a monarch who is too surrounded by flunkeyism to be a + Man,—and, on the other hand, nothing could be more beneficial than + the feeling that perhaps a monarch may be so much of a man after all that + no one can be quite certain as to his whereabouts. It would be well if + some rowdy ‘clubs’ could be restrained by the idea that the Sovereign of + the Realm might step in unexpectedly,—or if the ‘slums’ could + scarcely be able to tell when he might not be among their inmates, + disguised as one of them, studying and knowing more in a day than his + ministers would tell him in several years. It is generally admitted that + no man is fit for a profession till he has thoroughly mastered its + possibilities,—yet it is not too much to declare that in the + profession of Sovereignty the few who practise it, have mastered it to so + little purpose, that they are almost entirely blind to the singular + advantages which they might obtain, not only for themselves, but for the + entire world, if they chose to put forth their own individuality, and, + instead of wasting their time on the scheming and self-seeking sections of + Society, elected to try their powers on the working and trade communities + of the nation. But throughout all history, the various careers of kings + and emperors contain instructive lessons of Lost Opportunity. Allowing for + the differences of climate and temperament, it may be taken for granted + that no people of any country are constitutionally able to rise above a + certain height of enthusiasm; and that when the high-water mark is + reached, their enthusiasm cools, and a reaction invariably sets in. For + this cause a monarch should never rely too much on the plaudits of the mob + in a time of conquest, or public festival of jubilation. He should look + upon such acclamation as the mere rising of a wave, which must in due time + sink again,—and if he would know his people thoroughly, he should + study that same shouting mob, not when it is affected by hysteria, but + during its everyday level condition of stubborn and patient toil. So will + he perhaps be able to lay his finger on the sore places of life, and to + find out where the seed of mischief is planted, before it begins to grow. + But he must give an individual interest to such work; no information must + be obtained or given through this person or that person,—for the old + maxim that ‘if you want anything done, do it yourself’ applies to kings as + well as to all other classes of men. + </p> + <p> + That the old adage had been amply practised by one king at least, was soon + known throughout the capital of the country over which the monarch here + written of held dominion. Somehow, and by some means or other, the story + oozed out bit by bit and in guarded whispers, that the King had ‘trapped’ + Carl Pérousse, as well as several other defaulting ministers,—and + that, strange and incredible as it appeared, he himself was the very + ‘Pasquin Leroy’ whose political polemics had created such a stir. Once + started, the rumour flew;—some disbelieved it;—others + listened, with ears stretched wide, greedy for more detail,—but + presently the scattered threads of gossip became woven into a consecutive + web of certainty so far as one point, at least, was concerned,—and + this was, that the King would personally address his Parliament during the + ensuing week on matters of national safety and importance. Such an + announcement was altogether unprecedented, and excited the whole country’s + attention. Plenty of discussion there was, as to whether the King had any + right to so address the members of the Government,—and some oracular + journals were of the opinion that he was acting in an ‘unconstitutional + manner.’ On the other hand, it was discovered and proved that there was no + actual law forbidding the Sovereign to speak when any question of urgency + appeared to call for his expressed opinion. + </p> + <p> + While this affair was being contested and argued, a considerable sensation + was created by the news that the Marquis de Lutera had suddenly left the + country,—ostensibly for his health, which, everyone was assured, had + completely broken down. People shook their heads ominously, and wondered + when the King would give M. Pérousse the task of forming a new Ministry,—while + they watched with deepening interest the progress of the various + Government debates, which were carried on in the usual way, following the + lines laid down by the absent Premier, Marquis de Lutera. Carl Pérousse, + confronted by a thousand difficulties, maintained his usual equable and + audacious attitude, scouting with scorn the rumour that the Socialist + writer, ‘Pasquin Leroy’ was merely a disguise adopted by the King himself,—and + he was as cool and imperturbable as ever when one morning David Jost + succeeded in finding him at home, and obtaining an audience. + </p> + <p> + “It was the King!” burst out Jost, as soon as he found himself alone with + his ally; “It was the King himself who wore Lutera’s signet, and came to + me disguised so well that his own father would not have known him! The + King himself, I say! And I told him everything!” + </p> + <p> + “More fool you!” returned Pérousse quietly; “However, fools generally have + to pay the price of their folly!” + </p> + <p> + “And knaves!” said Jost furiously; “But there is a power which cannot be + controlled, even by kings or statesmen—and that is—the pen!” + </p> + <p> + “And do you think you can use the pen?” queried Pérousse indolently; + “Excellent Shylock, you know you cannot! You can pay others to use it for + you! That is all!” + </p> + <p> + “I can make short work of <i>you</i> at any rate!” said Jost, his little + eyes sparkling with rage; “For I see plainly enough now that even if our + plans had succeeded, you would have left me in the lurch!” + </p> + <p> + “Of course!” smiled Pérousse; “Are you so simple in the world’s ways as + not to be able to realise that such Jew pressmen as you are only made for + the use of politicians? We drop you, when we have done with you! Go to + London, Jost! Start a paper there! It is the very place for you! Get a + Cardinal to back you up, with funds to be used for the ‘conversion’ of + England! Or give a hundred thousand pounds to a hospital! You can become + naturalised as an Englishman if you like; any country does for a Jew! And + you will be a power of the realm in no time! They manage these sort of + things capitally there!” + </p> + <p> + “By God!” said Jost; “I could kill you!” + </p> + <p> + “What for?” demanded Pérousse; “Because you think I am going to be proved + a political fraud? Wait and see! If the King denounces me, I am prepared + to denounce the King!” + </p> + <p> + Jost stared, then laughed aloud. + </p> + <p> + “Denounce the King! You are bold! But you make up your sum with the wrong + numerals this time! The King holds the complete list of your speculations + in his hand,—he has got them through the agency of the Revolutionary + Committee, to which your stockbroker’s confidential clerk belongs! You + fool! All your schemes—all your ‘companies’ are known to him root + and branch—and you say you will ‘denounce’ him! If you do, it will + be a real comedy!—the case of a thief denouncing the officer who has + caught him red-handed in the act of thieving!” + </p> + <p> + With this parting shot, he made a violent exit. Pérousse left alone, + dismissed him, with all other harassments from his mind; for being + entirely without a conscience, he had very little care as to the results + of the King’s reported intentions. He was preparing a brilliant speech, + which he intended to deliver if occasion demanded; and on his own + coolness, mendacity and pluck, he staked his future. + </p> + <p> + “If I fail,” he said to himself; “I will go to the United States, and end + by becoming President! There are many such plans open to a man of + resources!” + </p> + <p> + During the ensuing few days there were some extra gaieties at the Palace,—and + the King and Queen were seen daily in public. Everywhere, they were + greeted with frantic outbursts of cheering, and the recent riotous + outbreaks seemed altogether forgotten. The Opera was crowded nightly, and + undeterred by the fear of any fresh manifestations of popular discontent, + their Majesties were again present. This time the King was the first to + lead off the applause that hailed Pequita’s dancing. And how her little + feet flew!—how her eyes sparkled with rapture—how the dark + curls tossed, and the cherry lips smiled! To her the King remained + Pasquin!—a kind of monarch in a fairy tale, who scattered benefits + at a touch, and sunshine with a glance, and who deserved all the love and + loyalty of every subject in the kingdom! But she had never had any idea of + ‘Revolution,’ poor child!—save such a revolving of chance and + circumstance as should enable her father to live in comfort, without + anxiety for his latter days. And perhaps at the bottom of all political or + religious fanaticism we should find an equally simple root of cause for + the effect. + </p> + <p> + The day at last came when Sergius Thord held his mighty ‘mass meeting,’ + convened in the Cathedral square,—all ready for marching orders. No + interference was offered either from soldiery or police; and the people + came pouring up from every quarter of the city in their thousands and tens + of thousands. By noon, the tall lace-like spire of the Cathedral towered + above a vast sea of human heads, which from a distance looked like + swarming bees; and as the bells struck the hour, Thord, mounting the steps + of a monument erected to certain heroes who had long ago fallen in battle, + was greeted with a roar of acclamation like the thunder of heaven’s own + artillery. But even while the multitude still shouted and cheered, the + sight of another figure, which quietly ascended to the same position, + caused a sudden hush,—a gradually deepening silence of amazement and + awe,—and then finally swift recognition. + </p> + <p> + “The King!” cried a voice. + </p> + <p> + “Pasquin Leroy!” shouted another, who was answered by yells and shrieks of + derision. + </p> + <p> + “The King!” was again the cry. And as the vast crowd circled round and + round, its million eyes wonderingly upturned, Sergius Thord suddenly + lifted his cap and waved it: + </p> + <p> + “Ay! The King!” His voice rang over the heads of the people with a rich + thrill of command. “The King, who here declares himself the friend of our + Cause! The King, who is with us to-day of his own will, at his own + request, by his own choice!—without escort,—unarmed—defenceless! + The King! The King who has resolved to go with us, and demand justice for + his overtaxed and suffering subjects! The King, who is one with us!—who + seeks no greater kingliness than that of being loved and trusted by his + People!” + </p> + <p> + The surprise of this announcement was so truly overpowering, that for the + moment the mighty mass of men stood inert; then,—as the situation + flashed upon them, such a thunder of cheering broke out as seemed to make + the very earth rock and the houses in the square tremble. The King + himself, standing by Thord, grew pale as he heard it, and his eyes were + suffused with something like tears. + </p> + <p> + “By Heaven!” he murmured; “The love of this people is worth having!” + </p> + <p> + “Did you ever doubt it?” queried Thord slowly, eyeing him with a touch of + wonder not unmixed with jealousy; “There is only one power which keeps a + king on his throne—the confidence of the nation! You had nearly lost + that! For though there is nothing so easy to win, there is nothing so easy + to lose!” + </p> + <p> + “True!” said the monarch, his eyes still resting tenderly on the excited + multitude below him. “I have deserved little at the people’s hands—but + perhaps—when I am gone—” he paused abruptly, then with a smile + added—“Give us our marching orders, Sergius!” + </p> + <p> + Thord obeyed,—and very soon, under his command, the huge multitude + arranged itself in blocks, or regiments, perfectly organised in different + companies, and entirely prepared to keep order. Dividing into equal lines + they made way quickly and with enthusiasm as they perceived the King’s + charger, which, richly caparisoned, had been brought for his Majesty at + Thord’s own earnest request. + </p> + <p> + When all was ready, the King sprang into the saddle, and gathering the + reins in one hand, sat for a moment bare-headed, the people surging round + him with repeated outbursts of applause. Without a weapon,—without a + single man of his own household to bear him company,—without any + armed escort,—he remained there enthroned;—the centre,—not + of ‘society,’—but of the People, who gathered round him as their + visible Head, with as much shouting and enthusiasm and worship, as if he + had, in his own person, made the conquest, single-handed, of a hundred + nations! Never, in his most gorgeous apparel,—never, even when robed + and crowned in state, had he looked so noble; never had he seemed so + worthy of the highest honour, reverence and admiration, as now! At a + signal from Thord, who led the way on foot, the thousands of the city + began to march to the House of Government, all gathering round one + principal figure, that of their King. A group of workmen constituted + themselves his body-guard, protecting his proudly-stepping charger from so + much as a stone that might startle it or check its progress, and thus—liberated + from the protection of flunkeys and flatterers,—the monarch, + surrounded by his true subjects advanced together as one Body, to + challenge and overthrow a fraudulent Ministry, whose measures had been + drawn up and passed, not for the good of the country, but for the + financial advantage and protection of themselves. + </p> + <p> + Never was such a wondrous sight seen, as that almost interminable + procession through the broad thoroughfares of the city, headed by a + Socialist, and centred by a King! No Royal ceremonial, overburdened with + snobbish conventionalities and hypocritical parade, ever presented so + splendid and imposing a sight as that concentrated mass of the actual + people,—the working muscle and sinew of the land’s common weal, + marching in steady and triumphant order,—surging like the billows of + the sea around that brave ship, their Sovereign, cheering him to the echo, + and waving around him the flags of the country, while he, still + bare-headed, rode dauntless in their midst looking every inch a king!—more + kingly indeed than he had ever seemed, and more established in the + affections of his subjects than any living monarch of the time. So was he + brought with ceaseless acclamation to the Government House, where, as all + knew, he purposed denouncing Carl Pérousse;—and thus did he assert + in his own person that a king, supported by a nation, is more powerful + than any government built up by mere party agency! + </p> + <p> + And even so, at his best and bravest, two women looked upon him and loved + him! One, from the outskirts of the great crowd where, shrouded close in + her veil, she waited tremblingly near the Government buildings, and saw + him alight from his charger, and enter there, amid the wild shoutings of + the populace,—the other, from a high window in the Royal Palace, + where she leaned watching the crowd,—the sunlight catching the + diamonds at her breast and sparkling in her proud cold eyes. And over the + whole city rang the continuous and exultant cry: + </p> + <p> + “The King! The King!” + </p> + <p> + And perhaps only one soul, prophetic in instinct, foresaw any terror in + the triumph!—only one voice, low and tremulous and weighted with + tears and prayers, murmured: + </p> + <p> + “Ah, dear God! Would he were not a King!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. — A VOTE FOR LOVE + </h2> + <p> + Next day it was known through the length and breadth of the city that the + King, so long judged as a political Dummy, had proved himself a living, + acting authority. Every journal in city and province led off its news + under the one chief heading,—‘The King’s Speech.’ The King had + spoken;—and with no uncertain voice. Cool, brilliant in wording, + concise in statement,—cuttingly correct in facts, convincing in + argument, his unexpected denouncement of Carl Pérousse, and the Pérousse + ‘majority,’ swept the Government off their feet by its daring courage, and + still more daring veracity. Documentary evidence of the dishonourable + speculations with the public money which had been so freely indulged in by + the Secretary of State, aided and abetted by the Premier, was handed by + the King in person to the authorities whose business it was to examine + such proofs,—the dishonourable measures used to retain the + ‘majority’ were fully exposed, and the whole House stood thunderstruck and + mentally paralysed, under the straight accusation and merciless + condemnation launched at their own lax tolerance of such iniquitous + practices, by their reigning monarch. With perfect dignity and impressive + calm, the King quietly demanded whether M. Carl Pérousse would be pleased + to explain his actions? Whether he had anything to say in response to the + charges brought against him? To this last query, after a dead silence, + during which every eye was fixed on the defaulting Minister, who, in the + course of the Royal speech had seen every bulwark of his own intended + defence torn away from him, Pérousse, with an ashy white countenance + answered: + </p> + <p> + “Nothing!” + </p> + <p> + And the silence around him continued; a silence more expressive than any + outspoken word of scorn. + </p> + <p> + But more surprises were in store for the Ministry, which found itself thus + suddenly overthrown. The King announced the marriage of his son, the Crown + Prince, to ‘a daughter of the People’! Boldly, and with an ardent passion + of truth lighting up every feature of his handsome countenance, he stated + this overwhelming piece of news in a perfectly matter-of-fact way, adding, + that in consequence of the step taken,—a step which he did not + himself in any way regret,—the Crown Prince asked to be allowed to + resign the Throne in favour of his brother Rupert. + </p> + <p> + “Unless,” continued his Majesty, “the Nation should be proved ready to + accept the wife he has chosen. It is needless to add that my son has + married without my consent, and this is the reason of his present absence + from the country. If the Nation accepts his wife, he will return to the + Nation; if not, I am bound to say, knowing his mind, that there is nothing + to be done, but to declare Prince Rupert Heir to the Throne. This, + however, I personally desire may be left to the consideration and vote of + the people!” + </p> + <p> + And when the House rose on that astonishing afternoon, they knew they were + no longer a House,—they knew the Government was entirely overthrown, + and that there would be a new Ministry and a General Election. They had to + realise also, that their ‘Bills’ for imposing fresh taxes on the people + were mere waste paper,—and they heard likewise with redoubled + amazement that the King had decided to resign half his revenues for the + space of five years, to assist the deficit in the National Exchequer. + </p> + <p> + At the conclusion of the whole unprecedented scene, they saw the King + received, as it were, into the arms of a frenzied crowd, numbering many + tens of thousands, which spread round all the Government buildings, and + poured itself in thick streams through every street and thoroughfare, and + they had to accept the fact that their ‘majority’ was reduced to a + minority so infinitesimal, amid the greater wave of popular resolve, that + it was not worth counting. + </p> + <p> + Carl Pérousse, leaving the House by a private door of egress, shamed, + disgraced and crestfallen as he was, dared not trust the very sight of + himself to such an overwhelming multitude, and managed by lucky chance to + escape unobserved. He was assisted in this manoeuvre by General Bernhoff. + The Chief of the Police perceived him slinking cautiously along the + side-wall of an alley where the crowd had not penetrated, and helped him + into a passing cab that he might be driven rapidly and safely to his home. + </p> + <p> + “You will no doubt excuse me”—said the General with a slight smile—“for + not having acted more rigorously in the matter of the suspected ‘Pasquin + Leroy’! I am afraid I should never have summed up sufficient impudence to + ask the King to sign a warrant against himself!” + </p> + <p> + Pérousse muttered an inarticulate oath by way of reply. He realised fully + that the game for him was lost. His speech of defence, so carefully + prepared had been useless, for he could not have uttered it in the face of + the damnatory evidence against him pronounced by the King, and verified by + his own public actions. Yet his audacity had not, in the main, deserted + him. He knew that, owing to his proved defalcations and fraudulent use of + the public money, his own property would be confiscated to the Crown,—but + he had always kept himself well prepared for emergencies, and had invested + in foreign securities under various assumed names. Turning his attention + to America, he felt pretty sure he could do something there,—but so + far as his own country was concerned, he submitted to the inevitable, + feeling that his day was done. + </p> + <p> + “The Jew is always triumphant!” he said, as he opened Jost’s newspaper + next morning, and read a full account of the proceedings in the House, + described with all the ‘colour’ and gush of Jost’s most melodramatic + reporter. “There is no doubt a ‘leader’ on my ‘unhappy position’ as a + fallen, but once trusted Minister!” + </p> + <p> + He was right; there was! A gravely-reproachful, sternly-commiserating + ‘leader,’ wherein the apparently impeccable and highly conscientious + writer ‘deplored’ the laxity of those who supported M. Carl Pérousse in + his ‘regrettable’ scheme of self-aggrandisement. + </p> + <p> + “The rascal!” ejaculated Pérousse, as he read. “If I ever get a fresh + start in the United States or South Africa, I’ll put him on a gridiron, + and roast him to slow music!” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the whole country went mad over the King. No man was ever so + idolised; no man was ever made the centre of more hero-worship. In all the + excitement of a General Election, the wave of loyalty rose to its + extremest height, and no candidate that was not ready to follow the lines + of reform laid down by the monarch, had a ghost of a chance of being + returned as a deputy. With the abolition of the tax on bread, the popular + jubilation increased; bonfires were lit on every hill,—rockets + flared up star-like from every rocky point upon the coast, and the Nation + gave itself entirely up to joy. + </p> + <p> + All the long dormant sentiment of the multitude was roused to a fever-heat + by the story of Prince Humphry’s marriage, and he too, next to his father, + became a veritable hero of romance in the eyes of the people, for whom + Love, and all pertaining to love-matters form the most interesting part of + life. Following his announcement in the House, the King issued a + ‘manifesto,’ setting forth the facts of his son’s union with ‘One Gloria + Ronsard, of The Islands,’ and requesting the vote of the people for, or + against, the Prince as Heir-Apparent to the Throne. + </p> + <p> + The result of this bold and candid reliance on the Nation was one which + could never have been foreseen by so-called ‘diplomatic’ statesmen, who + are accustomed to juggle with simple facts, and who strive to cover up and + conceal the too distinct plainness of truth. An electric thrill of + chivalrous enthusiasm pulsated through the entire country; and the + unanimous vote of the people was returned to the King in entire favour of + the Crown Prince and his chosen bride. Perhaps no one was more astonished + at this than the King himself. He had been prepared for considerable + friction; he had been quite sure of opposition on the part of ‘Society,’ + but, Society, moved for once from its usual selfishness by the boldness + and daring of a heroic king, had ranked itself entirely on his side, and + was ready and even anxious to accept in Prince Humphry a new kind of + ‘Cophetua,’ even if he had chosen to wed a beggar-maid! And it so chanced + that there were many persons who had seen Gloria,—and among these + was Sergius Thord, He had not only seen her, but known her;—he had + studied her character and qualities,—and was aware that she + possessed one of the most pure and beautiful of womanly souls;—and + though taken by surprise at the discovery that the young ‘sailor’ she had + wedded was no other than the Crown Prince, yet, after the experience he + had personally gone through with one ‘Pasquin Leroy,’ he could scarcely + feel that any news, even of the most wonderful kind, was so wonderful + after all! So that, as soon as he learned the truth, he brought all his + enormous ‘following’ into unanimity as regarded the Prince’s romantic + love-story; and ere long there was not one in the metropolis at least, who + did not consider the marriage a good thing, and likely to weld even more + closely together the harmonious relationship between people and Throne. + </p> + <p> + And so it chanced, that even while the General Election was still going on + all over the country, an incessant popular clamour was made for the + instant return of the Prince to his native land. The papers teemed with + suggestions as to the ‘welcoming home’ of the young hero of romance and + his bride, and Professor von Glauben, mentally giddy with the whirl of + events, was nevertheless triumphantly elated. + </p> + <p> + “Now that you know everything,” he said to Sir Roger de Launay, “I hope + you are satisfied! My ‘jam-pot’ that you spoke of, has turned out to be a + special Sweetmeat for the whole nation!” + </p> + <p> + “I am very much surprised, I confess!” said Sir Roger slowly; “I should + hardly have thought such a love-story possible in these modern days. And I + should certainly never have given the nation credit for so much + sentiment!” + </p> + <p> + “A nation is always sentimental!” declared the Professor; “What does a + Government exist for? Merely to keep national sentiment in order. + Ministers know well enough, that despite the various ‘Bills’ brought in + for material advantage and improvement, they have always to deal with the + imaginative aspiration of the populace, rather than their conception of + logic. For truly, the masses have no logic at all; they will not stop to + count the cost of an Army, but they will shout themselves hoarse at the + sight of the Flag! The Flag is the Sentiment; the Army is the Fact. The + King has secured all the votes of the nation on a question of Sentiment + only,—but there is this pleasant scientific ‘fact underlying the + sentiment,—Gloria is fit to be the mother of kings! And that is what + I will not say of any royally-born woman I know!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger was silent. + </p> + <p> + “Consider our present Queen as a mother only!” he went on; “Beautiful and + impassive as a snow-peak with the snow shining upon it! What of her sons? + The Crown Prince is the best of them,—but he has only been saved + from inherited mischief by his love for Gloria. The other two boys, Rupert + and Cyprian, will probably be selfish libertines!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger opened his eyes in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you say that?” he asked; “They are harmless lads enough! Cricket + and football are enough to make them happy.” + </p> + <p> + “For the present, no doubt!” agreed Von Glauben; “But it sometimes happens + that the young human animal who expends all his brains on kicking a + football, is quite likely to expend another sort of force when he grows + up, in morally kicking other things! At least, that is how I regard it. + The over-cultivation of physical strength leads to mental callousness and + brutality. These are scientific points which require discussion,—not + with you,—but with a scientist. Nothing should be overdone. Too much + enervation and lack of athleticism leads to moral deterioration certainly,—but + so does too much ‘sport’ as they call it. There is a happy medium to be + obtained on both sides, but human beings generally miss it. Prince + Humphry, born of a beautiful, introspective, selfish—yes, I repeat + it!—selfish mother, would, if he had married a hard-natured, cold + and conventional wife, probably have been the most indifferent, casual, + and careless sovereign that ever reigned; but, united as he is to a + trusting, warm-hearted, loving, womanly woman like Gloria, he will + probably make himself the idol of the Nation.” + </p> + <p> + “Not more so than his father is!” said Sir Roger, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “Ach so! That would be difficult, I grant you!” agreed the Professor; “As + I told you, Roger, at the beginning of this drama in which we have both + played our little parts; no harm ever came undeservedly to a brave man + with a good conscience!” + </p> + <p> + “True! And no harm has come to the King—as yet!” said Sir Roger + thoughtfully. “But I sometimes fear one man——!” + </p> + <p> + “Sergius Thord?” suggested Von Glauben; “To speak honestly, so do I! But I + watch him—I watch him closely! He loves Lotys, as a tiger loves its + mate,—and if he should ever suspect——!” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” said Roger quickly; “Do not speak of it! I assure you I am always + on guard!” + </p> + <p> + “Good! So am I! But Thord is too busy just now climbing the hill to look + either backward or aside. When he reaches the summit, it is possible he + may see the whole landscape at a glance!” + </p> + <p> + “He will reach the summit very soon!” said De Launay; “His election as + deputy for the city, is certain. From the moment he announced himself as + candidate, there has been no opposition.” + </p> + <p> + “He will be returned by an overwhelming majority,” said the Professor; + “And he will gain all the power he has been working for. Also, with the + power, he will obtain all the difficulty, responsibility, disappointment + and bitterness. Power is a dangerous possession, unless it is accompanied + by a cool head; and in that our friend Sergius Thord is lacking. He is a + creature of impulse—and a savage creature too!—a half-educated + genius,—than which nothing in the shape of humanity is more + desperately difficult to manage!” + </p> + <p> + “Lotys can manage him!” said Sir Roger. + </p> + <p> + “That depends!” And the Professor rubbed his nose irritably. “Women are + excellent diplomatists up to a certain point, but their limit is reached + when they fall in love! Passion and enthusiasm transform them into quite + as absurd fools as—men!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger smiled, and changed the subject. + </p> + <p> + But in a few days, what had been foreshadowed in their conversation came + true. One of the chief results of the General Election was the triumphal + return of Sergius Thord as Deputy for the Metropolis by an enormous + majority; and in the evening of the day on which the polling was declared, + great crowds assembled beneath the windows of his house,—that house + so long known as the quarters of the Revolutionary Committee,—roaring + themselves hoarse with acclamation. He was, of course, called out before + them to speak,—and he yielded to the clamorous demand, as perforce + he was bound to do, but strangely enough, with extreme reluctance. + </p> + <p> + A certain vague weariness depressed his spirits; his undisputed election + as one of the most important Government-representatives of the people, + lacked the savour of the triumph he had expected;—and like all those + who have worked for years to win a coveted post and succeed at last in + winning it, he was filled with the fatal satiety of accomplishment. Power,—temporal + power,—was after all not so great as it had seemed! He had climbed—he + had striven; but all the joy was contained in the climbing and the + striving. Now that he had gained his point there seemed nothing left to + prick afresh his flagging ambition. Nevertheless, he succeeded in + addressing his enthusiastic followers and worshippers with something of + his old fervour and fire,—sufficiently well, at any rate, to satisfy + them, and send them off with renewed shouts of exultation, expressive of + their continued reliance on his courage and ability. But, when left alone + at last, his heart suddenly failed him. + </p> + <p> + “What is the use of it!” he thought wearily; “True, I now represent the + city,—I lead its opinions—I am its mouth-piece for the State,—and + the wrongs and injuries done to the million are mine to bring before the + Government; and my business it will be to force remedial measures for the + same. But what then? There will be, there must be, constant discussion, + argument, contradiction,—for there are always conflicting opinions + in every aspect of human affairs,—and it will be my work to put down + all contradiction,—all opposition,—and to carry the People’s + Cause with a firm hand. Yet—after all, if I succeed, it will be the + King’s doing,—not mine! To him I partly owe my present power; the + power I had before, was <i>all</i> my own!” + </p> + <p> + Sullen and silent he brooded on the changes in his fortunes with no very + satisfied mind. While he could not, as a brave man, refuse his respect and + homage to the monarch who had quietly made himself complete master of the + ‘Revolutionary’ organisation, and who had succeeded in turning thousands + of disaffected persons into ardent Loyalists, he was nevertheless troubled + by a lurking suspicion that Lotys had secretly known and favoured the + King’s scheme. Vaguely ashamed in his own mind of the idea, he yet found + himself giving way to it now and again, as he remembered how she had + defended his life,—not once but twice,—and how she had often + frankly declared her admiration for the unselfishness, heroism, and + tireless energy of the so-called ‘Pasquin Leroy.’ After much perplexed + meditation, he came at last to one resolve. + </p> + <p> + “She must be my wife!” he said, his eyes gleaming with a sudden fire of + passion and determination combined; “If,—as she says,—she does + not love me, she must learn to love me! Then, all will be well! With her, + it is possible I may reach still greater heights; without her, I can do + nothing!” + </p> + <p> + Meantime, while the results of the Election to what was now called ‘The + Royal Government,’ were being daily recorded in all parts of the world, + and the King himself, from a selection of the ablest and most + honourably-proved men of the time, was forming a new Ministry, the news of + these radical changes in the kingdom’s affairs, spreading rapidly + everywhere by cable, as news always spreads nowadays, reached a certain + far corner in one of the most beautiful provinces of India,—a corner + scarcely known to the conventional traveller,—where, in a wondrous + palace, lent to them by one of the most civilised and kindly of Oriental + potentates,—a palace surrounded by gardens that might have been a + true copy of the fabled Eden, Prince Humphry and the fair ‘Gloria’ of his + life, were passing a happy, ‘hidden-away’ time of perfect repose. + </p> + <p> + The evening on which they learned that their own nation demanded their + return was ‘like the night of Al-Kadir, better than a thousand months.’ + All day long the heat had been intense,—and they had remained + indoors enjoying the coolness of marble courts and corridors, and plashing + fountains,—but with the sunset a soft breeze had sprung up, and + Gloria, passing into the shadiest corner of the gardens, had laid herself + down in a silken hammock swung between two broad sycamore trees, and + there, gently swaying to and fro, she watched her husband reading the + various European journals that had arrived for his host by that day’s + mail. Beautiful always, she had grown lovelier than ever in these halcyon + days of rest, when ‘Love took up the harp of Life and smote on all the + chords with might; Smote the chord of Self, that, trembling, pass’d in + music out of sight.’ To her native grace she now united a distinctive + dignity which added to her always gracious and queenly charm, and never + had she looked more exquisite than now, when rocking gently in the + suspended network of woven turquoise silk fringed with silver, she rested + her head against cushions of the same delicate hue, and turned her + expressive eyes enquiringly towards her husband,—wondering what kept + him so silent, and what was the cause of the little line of anxiety which + furrowed his brow. Clad in a loose diaphanous robe of white, with a simple + band of silver clasping it round her supple form, her rich hair caught + carelessly back with a knot of scarlet passion-flowers, she looked a + creature too fair for earth, a being all divine; and the Prince presently + turning his glances towards her, evidently thought so, from the adoring + tenderness with which he bent over her and kissed the ripe, red, smiling + lips which pouted so deliciously to take the offered caress. + </p> + <p> + “They want us back, my Gloria!” he said; “The Nation asks for me—and + for <i>you</i>!” + </p> + <p> + She raised herself a little on one arm. + </p> + <p> + “Do they know all?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes! The King, my father, has announced everything concerning our + marriage, not only to the Government, but by special ‘manifesto’ to the + People. I did not think he would be so brave!” + </p> + <p> + “Or so true!” said Gloria, her eyes darkening and deepening with the + intensity of her thought. “Let me read this strange news, Humphry!” + </p> + <p> + He gave her the papers,—and a few tears sparkled on her lashes like + diamonds and fell, as with a beating heart she read of the complete + triumph of the King over the Socialist and Revolutionary party,—of + his march with the multitude to the Government House,—of his bold + denunciation of Carl Pérousse, ending in the utter overthrow of a + fraudulent Ministry,—and of his determination to renounce for five + years, one half his royal revenues in order to personally assist the + deficit in the National Exchequer. + </p> + <p> + “He is, in very truth a King!” she said, looking up with flushed cheeks + and sparkling eyes,—“Surely the noblest in the world!” + </p> + <p> + Prince Humphry’s face expressed wonderment as well as admiration. + </p> + <p> + “I have been utterly mistaken in him,”—he confessed,—“Or else, + something has greatly changed his ideas. I should never have deemed him + capable of running so much risk of his position, or of showing so much + heroism, candour and self-sacrifice. All my life I have been accustomed to + see him more or less indifferent to everything but his own pleasure, and + more or less careless of the griefs of others; but now it seems as if he + had kept himself back on purpose, only to declare his true character more + openly and boldly in the end!” + </p> + <p> + Gloria read on, with eagerness and interest, till she came to the King’s + ‘manifesto’ regarding his son’s marriage with ‘a daughter of the People.’ + She pointed to this expression with the tapering, rosy point of her + delicate little finger. + </p> + <p> + “That is me!” she said; “I <i>am</i> a daughter of the People! I am proud + of the name!” + </p> + <p> + “You are my wife!” said the Prince; “And you are Crown Princess of the + realm!” + </p> + <p> + She looked meditative. + </p> + <p> + “I am not sure I like that title so well!” she said surveying him archly + under the shadow of her long lashes; “Indeed—if <i>you</i> were not + Crown Prince,—I should not like it at all!” + </p> + <p> + Prince Humphry smiled, and tenderly touched the scarlet passion-flowers in + her hair. + </p> + <p> + “But as I am Crown Prince, you will try to put up with it, my Gloria!” and + he kissed her again. “We must return home, Sweetheart!—and as + speedily as possible,—though I am sorry our restful honey-time is + over!” + </p> + <p> + Gloria looked wistfully around her,—over the long smooth undulating + lawns, the thickets of myrtle and orange, the lovely deep groves of trees, + and away to the peaks of the distant dark blue hills, over which a great + golden moon was slowly rising. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry too!” she said; “I could live always like this, in peace with + you, far, far away from all the world! Hark!” + </p> + <p> + She held up her hand to invite attention, as the delicious warble of a + nightingale, or ‘bul-bul’ broke the heated silence into liquid melody. Her + lover-husband took that little uplifted hand, and drawing it in his own, + kissed it fondly,—and so for a moment they were very quiet, while + the little brown bird of music poured from its palpitating throat a + cadence of heart-moving song. Gradually, the golden splendour of the + Indian moonlight widened through the trees, enveloping them in its clear + luminous radiance; and the two beautiful human creatures, gazing into each + other’s eyes with all the unspeakable rapture of a perfect love, touched + that wondrous height of pure mutual passion which makes things temporal + seem very far off, and things eternal very near. + </p> + <p> + “If life could always be like this,” murmured Gloria; “We should surely + understand God better! We should feel that He truly loved us, and wished + us to love each other! Ah, if only all the world were as happy as I am!” + </p> + <p> + “You will help to make a great part of it so, my beloved!” said the + Prince; “You will bring with you into our kingdom, comfort for the + sorrowful, aid to the poor, sympathy for the lonely, thought for all! You + will forget nothing that calls for your remembrance, my Sweet! And one + nation at least, will know what it is to have a true woman’s love to light + up the darkness of a Throne!” + </p> + <p> + That night a cable message was sent by the Prince to his father, stating + his intention to return home immediately. The Oriental potentate who had + generously placed his palace at the Royal lovers’ disposal, and had + religiously preserved the secret of their identity and whereabouts, being + himself much fascinated and interested by the romance of their story, now + commanded festivals and illuminations for their entertainment before their + departure, and within a fortnight of the despatch of his message, the + Prince’s yacht had left the mystic shores of the East, and started on its + homeward journey. + </p> + <p> + The news that the Crown Prince was returning with his bride, set all the + country in a flutter of excitement, and the General Election being + concluded, and the meeting of the new Government being deferred until + after the Heir-Apparent’s return, the people of every city and town and + province set themselves busily to work to prepare suitable festivities for + the homecoming of the Royal pair. At The Islands especially the spirit of + enthusiasm was complete—all sorts of ideas for fêtes and sports, and + bonfires and illuminations, exercised the minds of the simple fisher-folk, + who were wild with joy at the singular destiny that had befallen their + ‘waif of the sea’ as they were wont to call the beautiful girl who had + grown up among them,—and the aged Réné Ronsard was made the centre + of their interest and attention,—even of their adulation. But + Ronsard had grown very listless of late. His age began to tell heavily + upon him, and the news that Gloria was returning in all triumph as Crown + Princess, moved him but little. + </p> + <p> + “She would have been happier as a simple sailor’s wife!” he averred, when + Professor von Glauben, who visited him constantly, sought to rouse him + from the apathy into which he appeared to have sunk. “The greater the + position, the heavier the burden!—the more outwardly brilliant the + appearance of life, the deeper its secret bitterness!” + </p> + <p> + “But Gloria has Love with her, my friend!” urged the Professor; “And Love + makes the bitterest things sweet!” + </p> + <p> + Ronsard’s aged eyes sparkled faintly. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Love!” he echoed; “A dream—a delusion—and a snare! Unless + it be a love strong enough to drag one down to death!—and then it is + the strongest power in the world! It is a terror and a martyrdom,—and + in nothing shall its desire be thwarted! If It calls—even kings + obey!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII. — BETWEEN TWO PASSIONS + </h2> + <p> + Slowly, and with hesitating steps, Sergius Thord mounted the long flight + of stairs leading to the quiet attic which Lotys called ‘home.’ Here she + lived; here she had chosen to live ever since Thord had made her, as he + said, the ‘Soul of the Revolutionary Ideal.’ Here, since the King had + conquered the Revolutionary Ideal altogether, and had made it a Loyalist + centre, did she dwell still, though she had now some thoughts of yielding + to the child Pequita’s earnest pleading, and taking up her abode with her + and her father, in a pretty little house in the suburbs which, since + Pequita’s success as <i>première danseuse</i> at the Opera, Sholto had + been able to afford, and to look upon as something like a comfortable + dwelling-place. For with the election of Thord to the dignity of a Deputy, + had, of course, come the necessity of resigning his old quarters where his + ‘Revolutionary’ meetings had been held,—and he now resided in a more + ‘respectable’ quarter of the city, in such sober, yet distinctive fashion + as became one who was a friend of the King’s, and who was likely to be a + Minister some day, when he had further proved his political mettle. So + that Sholto had no longer any need to try and eke out a scanty subsistence + by letting rooms to revolutionists and ‘suspects’ generally,—and + Thord himself had helped him to make a change for the better, as had also + the King. + </p> + <p> + But Lotys had not as yet moved. She had lived so long among the + desperately poor, who were accustomed to go to her for sympathy and aid, + that she could not contemplate leaving so many sick and suffering and + sorrowful ones alone to fight their bitter battle. So had she said, at + least, to Thord, when he had endeavoured to persuade her to establish + herself in greater comfort, and in a part of the city which had a + ‘better-class’ reputation. She had listened to his suggestions with a + somewhat melancholy smile. + </p> + <p> + “Once,—and not so very long ago,—for you there was no such + thing as the ‘better-class,’ Sergius!” she said; “You were wont to declare + that rich and poor alike were all one family in the sight of God!” + </p> + <p> + “I have not altered my opinion,” said Thord, a slight flush colouring his + cheek; “But—you are a woman—and as a woman should have every + care and tenderness.” + </p> + <p> + “So should my still poorer sisters,” she replied; “And it is for those who + have least comfort, that comfort should be provided. I am perfectly well + and happy where I am!” + </p> + <p> + Remembering her fixed ideas on this point, there was an uneasy sense of + trouble in Thord’s mind as he ventured again on what he feared would be a + fruitless errand. + </p> + <p> + “If I could command her!” he thought, chafing inwardly at his own + impotence to persuade or lead this woman, whose character and will were so + much more self-contained and strong than his own. “If I could only + exercise some authority over her! But I cannot. What small debt of + gratitude she owed me as a child, has long been cleared by her constant + work and the assistance she has given to me,—and unless she will + consent to be my wife, I know I shall lose her altogether. For she will + never submit to live on money that she has not earned.” + </p> + <p> + Arrived at the summit of the staircase he had been climbing, he knocked at + the first door which faced him on the uppermost landing. + </p> + <p> + “Come in!” said the low, sweet voice that had thrilled and comforted so + many human souls; and entering as he was bidden, he saw Lotys seated in a + low chair near the window, rocking a tiny infant, so waxen-like and + meagre, that it looked more like a corpse than a living child. + </p> + <p> + “The mother died last night,” she said gently, in response to his look of + interrogation; “She had been struggling against want and sickness for a + long time. God was merciful in taking her at last! The father has to go + out all day in search of work,—often a vain search; so I do what I + can for this poor little one!” + </p> + <p> + And she bent over the forlorn waif of humanity, kissing its pale small + face, and pressing it soothingly to her warm, full breast. She looked + quite beautiful in that Madonna-like attitude of protection and love,—her + gold hair drooping against the slim whiteness of her throat,—her + deep blue eyes full of that tenderness for the defenceless and weak, which + is the loveliest of all womanly expressions. + </p> + <p> + Sergius Thord drew a chair opposite to her, and sat down. + </p> + <p> + “You are always doing good, Lotys!” he said, with a slight tremor in his + voice; “There is no day in your life without its record of help to the + helpless!” + </p> + <p> + She shook her head deprecatingly, and went on caressing and soothing the + tiny babe in silence. + </p> + <p> + After a pause, he spoke again. + </p> + <p> + “I have come to you, Lotys, to ask you many things!” + </p> + <p> + She looked up with a little smile. + </p> + <p> + “Do you need advice, Sergius? Nay, surely not!—you have passed + beyond it—you are a great man!” + </p> + <p> + He moved impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “Great? What do you mean? I am Deputy for the city, it is true—but + that is not the height of my ambition; it is only a step towards it.” + </p> + <p> + “To what do you aspire?” she queried. “A place in the Ministry? You will + get that if you wait long enough! And then—will you be satisfied?” + </p> + <p> + “No—I shall never be satisfied—never till—” + </p> + <p> + He broke off and shifted his position. His fierce eyes rested tenderly + upon her as she sat holding the motherless infant caressingly in her arms. + </p> + <p> + “You have heard the latest news?” he asked presently, “That Carl Pérousse + has left the country?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I have not heard that,” said Lotys; “But why was he allowed to go + without being punished for his dishonesty?” + </p> + <p> + “To punish him, would have involved the punishment of many more associated + with him,” replied Thord; “His estates are confiscated;—the + opportunity was given him to escape, in order to avoid further Ministerial + scandals,—and he has taken the chance afforded him!” + </p> + <p> + She was silent. + </p> + <p> + “Jost too has gone,” pursued Thord; “He has sold his paper to his chief + rival. So that now both journals are amalgamated under one head, and work + for the same cause—our cause, and the King’s.” + </p> + <p> + Lotys looked up with a slight smile. + </p> + <p> + “It is the same old system then?” she said. “For whereas before there was + one newspaper subsidised by a fraudulent Ministry, there are now two, + subsidised by the Royal Government;—with which the Socialist party + is united!” + </p> + <p> + He frowned. + </p> + <p> + “You mistake! We shall subsidise no newspaper whatever. We shall not + pursue any such mistaken policy.” + </p> + <p> + “Believe me, you will be compelled to do so, Sergius!” she declared, still + smiling; “Or some other force will step in! Do you not see that politics + always revolve in the same monotonous round? You have called me the Soul + of an Ideal,—but even when I worked my hardest with you, I knew it + was an Ideal that could never be realised! But the practice of your + theories led me among the poor, where I felt I could be useful,—and + for this reason I conjoined what brains I had, what strength I had, with + yours. Yet, no matter how men talk of ‘Revolution,’ any and every form of + government is bound to run on the old eternal lines, whether it be + Imperial, Socialistic or Republican. Men are always the same children—never + satisfied,—ever clamouring for change,—tired of one toy and + crying for another,—so on and on,—till the end! I would rather + save a life”—and she glanced pityingly down upon the sleeping infant + she held-“than upset a throne!” + </p> + <p> + “I quite believe that;” said Sergius slowly; “You are a woman, most + womanly! If you could only learn to love——” + </p> + <p> + He paused, startled at the sudden rush of colour that spread over her + cheeks and brow; but it was a wave of crimson that soon died away, leaving + her very pale. + </p> + <p> + “Love is not for me, Sergius!” she said; “I am no longer young. Besides, + the days of romance never existed for me at all, and now it is too late. I + have grown too much into the habit of looking upon men as poor little + emmets, clambering up and down the same tiny hill of earth,—their + passions, their ambitions, their emotions, their fightings and conquests, + their panoply and pride, do not interest me, though they move me to pity; + I seem to stand alone, looking beyond, straight through the glorious world + of Nature, up to the infinite spaces above, searching for God!” + </p> + <p> + “Yet you care for that waif?” said Thord with a gesture towards the child + she held. + </p> + <p> + “Because it is helpless,” she answered; “only that! If it ever lives to + grow up and be a man, it will forget that a woman ever held it, or + cherished it so! No wild beast of the forest—no treacherous serpent + of the jungle, is more cruel in its inherited nature, than man when he + deals with woman;—as lover, he betrays her,—as wife, he + neglects her,—as mother, he forgets her!” + </p> + <p> + “You have a bad opinion of my sex!” said Thord, half angrily; “Would you + say thus much of the King?” + </p> + <p> + She started, then controlled herself. + </p> + <p> + “The King is brave,—but beyond exceptional courage, I do not think + he differs from other men.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you seen him lately?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + The answer came coldly, and with evident resentment at the query. Thord + hesitated a minute or two, looking at her yearningly; then he suddenly + laid his hand on her arm. + </p> + <p> + “Lotys!” he said in a half-whisper; “If you would only love me! If you + would be my wife!” + </p> + <p> + She raised her dark-blue pensive eyes. + </p> + <p> + “My poor Sergius! With all your triumphs, do you still hanker for a + wayside weed? Alas!—the weed has tough roots that cannot be pulled + up to please you! I would make you happy if I could, dear friend!—but + in the way you ask, I cannot!” + </p> + <p> + His heart beat thickly. + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Why? Ask why the rain will not melt marble into snow! I love you, Sergius—but + not with such love as you demand. And I would not be your wife for all the + world!” + </p> + <p> + He restrained himself with difficulty. + </p> + <p> + “Again—why?” + </p> + <p> + She gave a slight movement of impatience. + </p> + <p> + “In the first place, because we should not agree. In the second place, + because I abhor the very idea of marriage. I see, day by day, what + marriage means, even among the poor—the wreck of illusions—the + death of ideals—the despairing monotony of a mere struggle to live—” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not be poor now;” said Thord; “All my work would be to make you + happy, Lotys! I would surround you with every grace and luxury—with + love, with worship, with tenderness! With your intelligence and + fascination you would be honoured,—famous!” + </p> + <p> + He broke off, interrupted by her gesture of annoyance. + </p> + <p> + “Let me hear no more of this, Sergius!” she said. “You were very good to + me when I was a castaway child, and I do not forget it. But you must not + urge a claim upon me to which I cannot respond. I have given some of the + best years of my life to assist your work, to win you your followers,—and + to advance what I have always recognised as an exalted, though impossible + creed—but now, for the rest of the time left to me, I must have my + own way!” + </p> + <p> + He sprang up suddenly and confronted her. + </p> + <p> + “My God!” he cried. “Is it possible you do not understand! All my work—all + my plans—all my scheming and plotting has been for you—to make + you happy! To give you high place and power! Without you, what do I care + for the world? What do I care whether men are rich or poor—whether + they starve or die! It is you I want to serve—you! It is for your + sake I have desired to win honour and position. Have pity on me, Lotys! + Have pity! I have seen you grow up to womanhood—I have loved every + inch of your stature—every hair of the gold on your head—every + glance of your eyes—every bright flash of your intelligent spirit! + Oh, I have loved you, and love you, Lotys, as no man ever loved woman! + Everything I have attempted—everything I have done, has been that + you might think me worthier of love. For the Country and the People I care + nothing—nothing! I only care for you!” + </p> + <p> + She rose, holding the sleeping child to her like a shield. Her features + seemed to have grown rigid with an inflexible coldness. + </p> + <p> + “So then,” she said, “You are no better than the men you have blamed! You + confess yourself as false to the People as the Minister you have + displaced! You have served their Cause,—not because you love them, + but simply because you love Me!—and you would force me to become + your wife, not because you love Me, so much as you love Yourself! Self + alone is at the core of your social creed! Why, you are not a whit higher + than the vulgarest millionaire that ever stole a people’s Trade to further + his own ends!” + </p> + <p> + “Lotys! Lotys!” he cried, stung to the quick; “You judge me wrongly—by + Heaven, you do!” + </p> + <p> + “I judge you only by your own words;” she answered steadily; “They condemn + you more than I do. I thought you were sincere in your love for the + People! I thought your work was all for them,—not for me! I judged + that you sought to gain authority in order to remedy their many wrongs;—but + if, after all, you have been fighting your way to power merely to make + yourself, as you thought, more acceptable to me as a husband, you have + deceived me in the honesty of your intentions as grossly as you have + deceived the King!” + </p> + <p> + “The King!” he cried; “The King!” + </p> + <p> + She flashed a proud and passionate glance upon him—and then—he + suddenly found himself alone. She had left the room; and though he knew + there was only one wall, one door between them, he dared not follow. + </p> + <p> + Glancing around him at the simple furniture of the chamber he stood in, + which, though only an attic, was bright and fresh and sweet, with bunches + of wildflowers set here and there in simple and cheap crystal vases, he + sighed heavily. The poor and ‘obscure’ life was perhaps, after all, the + highest, holiest and best! All at once his eyes lighted on one large + cluster of flowers that were neither wild nor common, a knot of rare roses + and magnificent orchids, tied together with a golden ribbon. He looked at + them jealously, and his soul was assailed by sudden resentment and + suspicion. His face changed, his teeth closed hard on his under lip, and + he clenched his hand unconsciously. + </p> + <p> + “If it is so—if it should be so!” he muttered; “There may be yet + another and more complete Day of Fate!” + </p> + <p> + He left the room then, descending the stairs more rapidly than he had + climbed them, and as he went out of the house and up the street, he + stumbled against Paul Zouche. + </p> + <p> + “Whither away, brave Deputy?” cried this irresponsible being; “Whither + away? To rescue the poor and the afflicted?—or to stop the King from + poaching on your own preserves?” + </p> + <p> + With a force of which he was himself unconscious, he gripped Zouche by the + arm. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” he whispered thickly;—“Speak! What do you know?” + </p> + <p> + Zouche laughed stupidly. + </p> + <p> + “What do I know?” he echoed; “Why, what should I know, blockhead, save + what all who have eyes to see, know as well as I do! Sergius, your grasp + is none of the lightest; let me go!” Then as the other’s hand fell from + his arm, he continued. “It is you who are the blind man leading the blind! + You—who like all thick-skulled reformers, can never perceive what + goes on under your own nose! But what does it matter? What does anything + matter? I told you long ago she would never love you; I knew long ago that + she loved his Majesty, ‘Pasquin Leroy!’” + </p> + <p> + “Curse you!” said Thord suddenly, in such low infuriated accents that the + oath sounded more like a wild beast’s snarl. “Why did you not tell me? Why + did you not warn me?” + </p> + <p> + Zouche shrugged his shoulders, and began to sidle aimlessly along the + roadway. + </p> + <p> + “You would not have believed me!” he said; “Nobody believes anything that + is unpleasant to themselves! If you had not some suspicion in your own + mind, you would not believe me now! I am foolish—you are wise! I am + a poet—you are a reformer! I am drunk—you are sober! And with + it all, Lotys is the only one who keeps her head clear. Lotys was always + the creature of common-sense among us; she understood you—she + understood me—and better than either of us—she understood the + King!” + </p> + <p> + “No, no!” whispered Thord, more to himself than his companion; “She could + not—she could not have known!” + </p> + <p> + “Now you look as Nature meant you to look!” exclaimed Zouche, staring + wildly at him; “Savage as a bear;—pitiless as a snake! God! What men + can become when they are baulked of their desires! But it is no use, my + Sergius!—you have gained power in one direction, but you have lost + it in another! You cannot have your cake, and eat it!” Here he reeled + against the wall,—then straightening himself with a curious effort + at dignity, he continued: “Leave her alone, Sergius! Leave Lotys in peace! + She is a good soul! Let her love where she will and how she will,—she + has the right to choose her lover,—the right!—by Heaven!—it + is a right denied to no woman! And if she has chosen the King, she is only + one of many who have done the same!” + </p> + <p> + With a smothered sound between a curse and a groan, Thord suddenly wheeled + round away from him and left him. Vaguely surprised, yet too stupefied to + realise that his rambling words might have worked serious mischief, Zouche + gazed blinkingly on his retreating figure. + </p> + <p> + “The same old story!” he muttered, with a foolish laugh; “Always a woman + in it! He has won leadership and power,—he has secured the + friendship of a King,—but if the King is his rival in matters of + love—ah!—that is a worse danger for the Throne than the spread + of Socialism!” + </p> + <p> + He rambled off unthinkingly, and gave the only part of him which remained + still active, his poetic instinct, up to the composition of a delicate + love-song, which he wrote between two taverns and several drinks. + </p> + <p> + Late in the afternoon—just after sundown—a small close + brougham drove up to the corner of the street where stood the tenement + house,—divided into several separate flats,—in which the attic + where Lotys dwelt was one of the most solitary and removed portions. The + King alighted from the carriage unobserved, and ascended the stairs on + which Sergius Thord’s steps had echoed but a few hours gone by. Knocking + at the door as Sergius had done, he was in the same way bidden to enter, + but as he did so, Lotys, who was seated within, quite alone, started up + with a faint cry of terror. + </p> + <p> + “You here!” she exclaimed in trembling accents; “Oh, why, why have you + come! Sir, I beg of you to leave this place!—at once, before there + is any chance of your being seen; your Majesty should surely know——!” + </p> + <p> + “Majesty me no majesties, Lotys!” said the King, lightly; “I have been + forbidden this little shrine too long! Why should I not come to see you? + Are you not known as an angel of comfort to the sorrowful and the lonely?—and + will you not impart such consolation to me, as I may, in my many griefs + deserve? Nay, Lotys, Lotys! No tears!—no tears, dearest of women! To + see you weep is the only thing that could possibly unman me, and make even + ‘Pasquin Leroy’ lose his nerve!” + </p> + <p> + He approached her, and sought to take her hand, but she turned away from + him, and he saw her bosom heave with a passion of repressed weeping. + </p> + <p> + “Lotys!” he then said, with exceeding gentleness; “What is this? Why are + you unhappy? I have written to you every day since that night when your + lips clung to mine for one glad moment,—I have poured out my soul to + you with more or less eloquence, and surely with passion!—every day + I have prayed you to receive me, and yet you have vouchsafed no reply to + one who is by your own confession ‘the only man you love’! Ah, Lotys!—you + will not now deny that sweet betrayal of your heart! Do you know that was + the happiest day of my life?—the day on which I was threatened by + Death, and saved by Love!” + </p> + <p> + His mellow voice thrilled with its underlying tenderness;—he caught + her hand and kissed it; but she was silent. + </p> + <p> + With all the yearning passion which had been pent up in him for many + months, he studied the pure outlines of her brow and throat—the + falling sunlight glow of her hair—the deep azure glory of the + pitying eyes, half veiled beneath their golden lashes, and just now + sparkling with tears. + </p> + <p> + “All my life,” he said softly, still holding her hand; “I have longed for + love! All my life I have lacked it! Can you imagine, then, what it was to + me, Lotys, when I heard you say you loved my Resemblance,—the poor + Pasquin Leroy!—and even so I knew you loved me? When you praised me + as Pasquin, and cursed me as King, how my heart burned with desire to + clasp you in my arms, and tell you all the truth of my disguise! But to + hear you speak as you did of me, so unconsciously, so tenderly, so + bravely, was the sweetest gladness I have ever known! I felt myself a king + at last, in very deed and truth!—and it was for the love of you, and + because of your love for me, that I determined to do all I could for my + son Humphry, and the woman of his choice! For, finding myself loved, I + swore that he should not be deprived of love. I have done what I could to + ensure his happiness; but after all, it is your doing, and the result of + your influence! You are the sole centre of my good deeds, Lotys!—you + have been my star of destiny from the very first day I saw you!—from + the moment when I signed my bond with you in your own pure blood, I loved + you! And I know that you loved me!” + </p> + <p> + She turned her eyes slowly upon him,—what eyes!—tearless now, + and glittering with the burning fever of the sad and suffering soul behind + them. + </p> + <p> + “You forget!” she said in hushed, trembling accents; “You are the King!” + </p> + <p> + He lifted her hand to his lips again, and pressed its cool small palm + against his brows. + </p> + <p> + “What then, my dearest? Must the King, because he is King, go through life + unloved?” + </p> + <p> + “Unless the King is loved with honour,” said Lotys in the same hushed + voice; “He must go unloved!” + </p> + <p> + He dropped her hand and looked at her. She was very pale—her breath + came and went quickly, but her eyes were fixed upon him steadily,—and + though her whole heart cried out for his sympathy and tenderness, she did + not flinch. + </p> + <p> + “Lotys!” he said; “Are you so cold, so frozen in an ice-wall of + conventionality that you cannot warm to passion—not even to that + passion which every pulse of you is ready to return? What do you want of + me? Lover’s oaths? Vows of constancy? Oh, beloved woman as you are, do you + not understand that you have entered into my very heart of hearts—that + you hold my whole life in your possession? You—not I—are the + ruling power of this country! What you say, that I will do! What you + command, that will I obey! While you live, I will live—when you die, + I will die! Through you I have learned the value of sovereignty,—the + good that can be done to a country by honest work in kingship,—through + you I have won back my disaffected subjects to loyalty;—it is all + you—only you! And if you blamed me once as a worthless king, you + shall never have cause to so blame me again! But you must help me,—you + must help me with your love!” + </p> + <p> + She strove to control the beating of her heart, as she looked upon him and + listened to his pleading. She resolutely shut her soul to the persuasive + music of his voice, the light of his eyes, the tenderness of his smile. + </p> + <p> + “What of the Queen?” she said. + </p> + <p> + He started back, as though he had been stung. + </p> + <p> + “The Queen!” he repeated, mechanically—“The Queen!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, the Queen!” said Lotys. “She is your wife—the mother of your + sons! She has never loved you, you would say,—you have never loved + her. But you are her husband! Would you make me your mistress?” + </p> + <p> + Her voice was calm. She put the plain question point-blank, without a note + of hesitation. His face paled suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “Lotys!” he said, and stretched out his hands towards her; “Lotys, I love + you!” + </p> + <p> + A change passed over her,—rapid and transfiguring as a sudden + radiance from heaven. With an impulsive gesture, beautiful in its wild + abandonment, she cast herself at his feet. + </p> + <p> + “And I love you!” she said. “I love you with every breath of my body, + every pulse of my heart! I love you with the entire passion of my life! I + love you with all the love pent up in my poor starved soul since childhood + until now!—I love you more than woman ever loved either lover or + husband! I love you, my lord and King!—but even as I love you, I + honour you! No selfish thought of mine shall ever tarnish the smallest + jewel in your Crown! Oh, my beloved! My Royal soul of courage! What do you + take me for? Should I be worthy of your thought if I dragged you down? + Should I be Lotys,—if, like some light woman who can be bought for a + few jewels,—I gave myself to you in that fever of desire which men + mistake for love? Ah, no!—ten thousand times no! I love you! Look at + me,—can you not see how my soul cries out for you? How my lips + hunger for your kisses—how I long, ah, God! for all the tenderness + which I know is in your heart for me,—I, so lonely, weary, and + robbed of all the dearest joys of life!—but I will not shame you by + my love, my best and dearest! I will not set you one degree lower in the + thoughts of the People, who now idolise you and know you as the brave, + true man you are! My love for you would be poor indeed, if I could not + sacrifice myself altogether for your sake,—you, who are my King!” + </p> + <p> + He heard her,—his whole soul was shaken by the passion of her words. + </p> + <p> + “Lotys!” he said,—and again—“Lotys!” + </p> + <p> + He drew her up from her kneeling attitude, and gathering her close in his + arms, kissed her tenderly, reverently—as a man might kiss the lips + of the dead. + </p> + <p> + “Must it be so, Lotys?” he whispered; “Must we dwell always apart?” + </p> + <p> + Her eyes, beautiful with a passion of the highest and holiest love, looked + full into his. + </p> + <p> + “Always apart, yet always together, my beloved!” she answered; “Together + in thought, in soul, in aspiration!—in the hope and confidence that + God sees us, and knows that we seek to live purely in His sight! Oh, my + King, you would not have it otherwise! You would not have our love + defiled! How common and easy it would be for me to give myself to you!—as + other women are only too ready to give themselves,—to take your + tenderness, your care, your admiration,—to demand your constant + attendance on my lightest humour!—to bring you shame by my + persistent companionship!—to cause an open slander, and allow the + finger of scorn to be pointed at you!—to see your honour made a + mockery of, by base, persons who would judge you as one, who, + notwithstanding his brave espousal of the People’s Cause, was yet a slave + to the caprice of a woman! Think something more of me than this! Do not + put me on the level of such women as once brought your name into contempt! + They did not love you!—they loved themselves! But I—I love + you! Oh, my dearest lord, if self were concerned at all in this great love + of my heart, I would not suffer your arms to rest about me now!—I + would not let your lips touch mine!—but it is for the last time, + beloved!—the last time! And so I put my hands here on your heart—I + kiss your lips—I say with all my soul in the prayer—God bless + you!—God keep you!—God save you, my King! Though I shall live + apart from you all my days, my spirit is one with yours! God will know + that truth when we meet—on the other side of Death!” + </p> + <p> + Her tears fell fast, and he bent over her, torn by a tempest of + conflicting emotions, and kissing the soft hair that lay loosely ruffled + against his breast. + </p> + <p> + “Then it shall be so, Lotys!” he murmured, at last. “Your wish is my law!—it + shall be as you command! I will fulfil such duties as I must in this + world,—and the knowledge of your love for me,—your trust in + me,—shall keep me high in the People’s honour! Old follies shall be + swept away—old sins atoned for;—and when we meet, as you say, + on the other side of Death, God will perchance give us all that we have + longed for in this world—all that we have lost!” + </p> + <p> + His voice shook,—he could not further rely on his self-control. + </p> + <p> + “I will not tempt you, Lotys!” he whispered—“I dare not tempt + myself! God bless you!” + </p> + <p> + He put her gently from him, and stood for a moment irresolute. All the + hope he had indulged in of a sweeter joy than any he had ever known, was + lost,—and yet—he knew he had no right to press upon her a love + which, to her, could only mean dishonour. + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, Lotys!” he said, huskily; “My one love in this world and the + next! Good-bye!” + </p> + <p> + She gazed at him with her whole soul in her eyes,—then suddenly, and + with the tenderest grace in the world, dropped on her knees and kissed his + hand. + </p> + <p> + “God save your Majesty!” she said, with a poor little effort at smiling + through her tears; “For many and many a long and happy year, when Lotys is + no more!” + </p> + <p> + With a half cry he snatched her up in his arms and pressed her to his + heart, showering kisses on her lips, her eyes, her hair, her little hands!—then, + with a movement as abrupt as it was passion-stricken, put her quickly from + him and left her. + </p> + <p> + She listened with straining ears to the quick firm echo of his footsteps + departing from her, and echoing down the stairs. She caught the ring of + his tread on the pavement outside. She heard the grinding roll of the + wheels of his carriage as he was rapidly driven away. He had gone! As she + realised this, her courage suddenly failed her, and sinking down beside + the chair in which he had for a moment sat, she laid her head upon it, and + wept long and bitterly. Her conscience told her that she had done well, + but her heart—the starving woman’s heart,—was all unsatisfied, + and clamoured for its dearest right—love! And she had of her own + will, her own choice, put love aside,—the most precious, the most + desired love in the world!—she had sent it away out of her life for + ever! True, she could call it back, if she chose with a word—but she + knew that for the sake of a king, and a country’s honour, she would not so + call it back! She might have said with one of the most human of poets: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Will someone say, then why not ill for good? + Why took ye not +your pastime? To that man My word shall answer, since I knew the Right + And did it.” [Footnote: Tennyson ] +</pre> + <p> + A shadowy form moving uncertainly to and fro near the corner of the + street, appeared to spring forward and to falter back again, as the King, + hurriedly departing, glanced up and down the street once or twice as + though in doubt or questioning, and then walked to his brougham. The soft + hues of a twilight sky, in which the stars were beginning to appear, fell + on his face and showed it ashy pale; but he was absorbed in his own sad + and bitter thoughts,—lost in his own inward contemplation of the + love which consumed him,—and he saw nothing of that hidden watcher + in the semi-gloom, gazing at him with such fierce eyes of hate as might + have intimidated even the bravest man. He entered his carriage and was + rapidly driven away, and the shadow,—no other than Sergius Thord,—stumbling + forward,—his brain on fire, and a loaded pistol in his hand,—had + hardly realised his presence before he was gone. + </p> + <p> + “Why did I not kill him?” he muttered, amazed at his own hesitation; “He + stood here, close to me! It would have been so easy!” + </p> + <p> + He remained another moment or two gazing around him at the streets, at the + roofs, at the sky, as though in a wondering dream,—then all at once, + it seemed as if every cell in his brain had suddenly become superhumanly + active. His eyes flashed fury,—and turning swiftly into the house + which the King had just left, he ran madly up the stairs as though + impelled by a whirlwind, and burst without bidding, straight into the room + where Lotys still knelt, weeping. At the noise of his entrance she started + up, the tears wet on her face. + </p> + <p> + “Sergius!” she cried. + </p> + <p> + He looked at her, breathing heavily. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,—Sergius!” he said, his voice sounding thick and husky, and + unlike itself. “I am Sergius! Or I was Sergius, before you made of me a + nameless devil! And you—you are Lotys!—you are weeping for the + lover who has just parted from you! You are Lotys—the mistress of + the King!” + </p> + <p> + She made him no answer. Drawing herself up to her full height, she flashed + upon him a look of utter scorn, and maintained a contemptuous silence. + </p> + <p> + “Mistress of the King!” he repeated, speaking in hard gasps; “You,—Lotys,—have + come to this! You,—the spotless Angel of our Cause! You!—why,—I + sicken at the sight of you! Oh, you fulfil thoroughly the mission of your + sex!—which is to dupe and betray men! You were the traitor all + along! You knew the real identity of ‘Pasquin Leroy’! He was your lover + from the first,—and to him you handed the secrets of the Committee, + and played Us into his hands! It was well done—cleverly done!—woman’s + work in all its best cunning!—but treachery does not always pay!” + </p> + <p> + Amazed and indignant, she boldly confronted him. + </p> + <p> + “You must be mad, Sergius! What do you mean? What sudden accusations are + these? You know they are false—why do you utter them?” + </p> + <p> + He sprang towards her, and seized her roughly by the arm. + </p> + <p> + “How do I know they are false?” he said. “Prove to me they are false! Who + saved the King’s life? You! And why? Because you knew he was ‘Pasquin + Leroy’! How was it he gained such swift ascendancy over all our Committee, + and led the work and swayed the men,—and made of me his tool and + servant? Through you again! And why? Because you knew he was the King! Why + have you scorned me—turned from me—thrust me from your side—denied + my love,—though I have loved and cared for you from childhood! Why, + I say? Because you love the King!” + </p> + <p> + She stood perfectly still,—unmoved by his frantic manner—by + the glare of his bloodshot eyes, and his irrepressible agony of rage and + jealousy. Quietly she glanced him up and down. + </p> + <p> + “You are right!” she said tranquilly; “I do love the King!” + </p> + <p> + A horrible oath broke from his lips, and for a moment his face grew + crimson with the rising blood that threatened to choke the channels of his + brain. An anxious pity softened her face. + </p> + <p> + “Sergius!” she said gently, “You are not yourself—you rave—you + do not know what you say! What has maddened you? What have I done? You + know my life is free—I have a right to do with it as I will, and + even as my life is free, so is my love! I cannot love where I am bidden—I + must love where Love itself calls!” + </p> + <p> + He stood still, staring at her. He seemed to have lost the power of + speech. + </p> + <p> + “You have insulted me almost beyond pardon!” she went on. “Your + accusations are all lies! I love the King,—but I am not the King’s + mistress! I would no more be his mistress than I would be your wife!” + </p> + <p> + Slowly, slowly, his hand got at something in his pocket and clutched it + almost unconsciously. Slowly, slowly, he raised that hand, still clutching + that something,—and his lips parted in a breathless way, showing the + wolfish glimmer of white teeth within. + </p> + <p> + “You—love—the King!” he said in deliberate accents. “And you + dare—you dare to tell me so?” + </p> + <p> + She raised her golden head with a beautiful defiance and courage. + </p> + <p> + “I love the King!” she said—“And I dare to tell you so!” + </p> + <p> + With a lightning quickness of movement the hand that had been groping + after an unseen evil now came out into the light, with a sudden sharp + crash, and flame of fire! + </p> + <p> + A faint cry tore the air. + </p> + <p> + “Ah—Sergius!—Sergius! Oh—God!” + </p> + <p> + And Lotys staggered back—stunned, deafened—sick, dizzy—— + </p> + <p> + “Death, death!” she thought, wildly; “This is death!” + </p> + <p> + And, with a last desperate rallying of her sinking force, as every memory + of her life swept over her brain in that supreme moment, she sprang at her + murderer and wrenched the weapon from his hand, clutching it hard and fast + in her own. + </p> + <p> + “Say—say I did it—myself—!” she gasped, in short quick + sobs of pain; “Tell the King—I did it myself—myself! Sergius—save + your own life!—I—forgive!” + </p> + <p> + She reeled, and with a choking cry fell back heavily—dead! Her hair + came unbound with her fall, and shook itself round her in a gold wave, as + though to hide the horror of the oozing blood that trickled from her lips + and breast. + </p> + <p> + With a horrid sense of unreality Thord stared upon the evil he had done. + He gazed stupidly around him. He listened for someone to come and explain + to him what had happened. But up in that remote attic, there was no one to + hear either a pistol-shot or a cry. There was only one thing to be + understood and learnt by heart,—that Lotys, once living, was now + dead! Dead! How came she dead? That was what he could not determine. The + heat of his wild fury had passed,—leaving him cold and passive as a + stone. + </p> + <p> + “Lotys!” + </p> + <p> + He whispered the name. Horrible! How she looked,—with all that + blood!—all that golden hair! + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell the King I did it myself!’ Yes—the King would have to be told—something! + Stooping, he tried to detach the pistol from the lifeless hand, but the + fingers, though still warm were tightened on the weapon, and he dared not + unclasp them. He was afraid! He stood up again, and looked around him. His + glance fell on the knot of regal flowers he had noticed in the morning,—the + great roses,—the voluptuous orchids—tied with their golden + ribbon. He took them hastily and flung them down beside her,—then + watched a little trickling stream of blood running, running towards one of + the whitest and purest of the roses. It reached it, stained it,—and + presently drowned it in a little pool. Horrified, he covered his eyes, and + staggered backward against the door. The evening was growing dark,—through + the small high window he could see the stars beginning to shine as usual. + As usual,—though Lotys was dead! That seemed strange! Putting one + hand behind him, he cautiously opened the door, still keeping his guarded + gaze on that huddled heap of clothes, and blood, and glittering hair which + had been Lotys. + </p> + <p> + “I must get home,” he muttered. “I have business to attend to—as + Deputy to the city, there is much to do—much to do for the People! + The People! My God! And Lotys dead!” + </p> + <p> + A kind of hysteric laughter threatened him. He pressed his mouth hard with + his hand to choke back this strange, struggling passion. + </p> + <p> + “Lotys! Lotys is dead! There she lies! Someone, I know not who, killed + her! No,—no! She has killed herself,—she said so! There she + lies, poor Lotys! She will never speak to the People—never comfort + them,—never teach them any more—never hold little motherless + infants in her arms and console them,—never smile on the sorrowful, + or cheer the sick—never! ‘I love the King!’ she said,—and she + died for saying it! One should not love kings! ‘Tell the King I did it + myself!’ Yes, Lotys!—lie still—be at peace—the King + shall know—soon enough!” + </p> + <p> + Still muttering uneasily to himself, he went out, always moving backwards—and + with a last look at that fallen breathless form of murdered woman, shut + the door stealthily behind him. + </p> + <p> + Then, stumbling giddily down the stairs, he wandered, blind and half + crazed, into the darkening night. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII. — SAILING TO THE INFINITE + </h2> + <p> + Great calamities always come suddenly. With the swiftness of lightning + they descend upon the world, often in the very midst of fancied peace and + security,—and the farcical, grinning, sneering apes of humanity, for + whom even the idea of a God has but furnished food for lewd jesting, are + scattered into terror-stricken hordes, who are forced to realise for the + first time in their lives, that whether they believe in Omnipotence or no, + an evident Law of Justice exists, which may not be outraged with impunity. + Sometimes this Law works strangely,—one might almost say obliquely. + It sweeps away persons whom we have judged as useful to the community, and + allows those to remain whom we consider unnecessary. But ‘we,’—all + important ‘we,’—are not allowed to long assert or maintain our petty + opinions against this unknown undetermined Force which makes havoc of all + our best and most carefully conceived arrangements. For example, we are + not given any practical reason why Christ,—the Divine Man,—was + taken from the world in His youthful manhood, instead of being permitted + to live to a great age for the further benefit, teaching, and + sanctification of His disciples and followers. Pure, sinless, noble, and + truly of God, He was tortured and crucified as though He were the worst of + criminals. And apart from the Church’s explanation of this great Mystery, + we may take it as a lesson that misfortune is like everything else, + two-sided;—it falls equally upon the ungodly and the godly,—with + merely this difference—that when it falls on the ungodly it is, as + we are reluctantly forced to admit, ‘the act of God’—but when it + falls on the godly, it is generally the proved and evident work of Man. + </p> + <p> + In this last way, and for no fault at all of her own, had cruel death + befallen Lotys. Such as her career had been, it was unmarked by so much as + a shadow of selfishness or wickedness. From the first day of her life, + sorrow had elected her for its own. She had never known father or mother;—cast + out as an infant in the street, and picked up by Sergius Thord, she had + secured no other protector for her infancy and youth, than the brooding, + introspective man, who was destined in the end to be her murderer. As a + child, she had been passionately grateful to him; she had learned all she + could from the books he gave her to study, and with a quick brain, and a + keen sense of observation, she had become a proficient in literature, so + much so indeed, that more than one half the Revolutionary treatises and + other propaganda which he had sent out to different quarters of the globe, + were from her pen. Her one idea had been to please and to serve him,—to + show her gratitude for his care of her, and to prove herself useful to him + in all his aims. As she grew up, however, she quickly discerned that his + affection for her was deepening into the passion of a lover; whereupon she + had at once withdrawn from his personal charge, and had made up her mind + to live alone and independently. She desired, so she told him, to subsist + on her own earnings,—and he who could do nothing successfully + without her, was only too glad to give her the rightful share of such + financial results as accrued from the various workings of the + Revolutionary Committee,—results which were sometimes considerable, + though never opulent. And so she had worked on, finding her best happiness + in succouring the poor, and nursing the sick. Her girlhood had passed + without either joy or love,—her womanhood had been bare of all the + happiness that should have graced it. The people had learned to love her, + it is true,—but this more or less distantly felt affection was far + from being the intimate and near love for which she had so often longed. + When at last this love had come to her,—when in ‘Pasquin Leroy’ she + thought she had found the true companion of her life and heart,—when + he had constantly accompanied her by his own choice, on her errands of + mercy among the poor; and had aided the sick and the distressed by his own + sympathy and tenderness, she had almost allowed herself to dream of + possible happiness. This dream had been encouraged more than ever, after + she had saved the King from assassination. ‘Pasquin Leroy’ had then become + her closest comrade,—always at hand, and ever ready to fulfil her + slightest behest;—while from his ardent and eloquent glances,—the + occasional lingering pressure of his hand, and the hastily murmured words + of tenderness which she could not misunderstand, she knew that he loved + her. But when he had disclosed his real identity to be that of the King + himself, all her fair hopes had vanished!—and her spirit had shrunk + and fallen under the blow. Worse than all,—when she learned that + this great and exalted Personage, despite his throned dignity, did still + continue to entertain a passion for herself, the knowledge was almost + crushing in its effect upon her mind. Pure in soul and body, she would + have chosen death any time rather than dishonour; and in the recent + developments of events she had sometimes grown to consider death as good, + and even desirable. Now death had come to her through the very hand that + had first aided her to live! And so had she fulfilled the common lot of + women, which is, taken in the aggregate, to be wronged and slain (morally, + when not physically) by the very men they have most unselfishly sought to + serve! + </p> + <p> + The heavy night passed away, and all through its slow hours the murdered + creature lay weltering in her blood, and shrouded in her hair,—looked + at by the pitiless stars and the cold moon, as they shed their beams in + turn through the high attic window. Morning broke; and the sun shot its + first rays down upon the dead,—upon the fixed white countenance, and + on the little hand grown icy cold, but clenched with iron grip upon the + pistol which had been so bravely snatched in that last moment of life with + the unselfish thought of averting suspicion from the true murderer. With + the full break of day, the mistress of the house going to arouse her + lodgers, came up the stairs with a bright face, cheerfully singing, for + her usual morning chat with Lotys was one of her principal pleasures. + Knocking at the door, and receiving no answer, she turned the handle and + pushed it open,—then, with a piercing scream of horror, she rushed + away, calling wildly for help, and sending frantic cries down the street. + </p> + <p> + “Lotys! Lotys! Lotys is dead!” + </p> + <p> + The news flew. The houses poured out their poverty-stricken occupants from + garret to basement; and presently the street was blocked with a stupefied, + grief-stricken crowd. A doctor who had been hastily summoned, lifted the + poor corpse of her whose life had been all love and pity, and laid it upon + the simple truckle-bed, where the living Lotys had slept, contented with + poverty for many years; and after close and careful examination pronounced + it to be a case of suicide. The word created consternation among all the + people. + </p> + <p> + “Suicide!” they murmured uneasily; “Why should she kill herself? We all + loved her!” + </p> + <p> + Ay! They all loved her!—and only now when she was gone did they + realise how great that love had been, or how much her thought and + tenderness for them all, had been interwoven with their lives! They had + never stopped to think of the weariness and emptiness of her own life, or + of the longing she herself might have had for the love and care she so + freely gave to others. By and by, as the terrible news was borne in upon + them more convincingly, some began to weep and wail, others to kneel and + pray, others to recall little kindnesses, thoughtful deeds, unselfish + tendernesses, and patient endurances of the dead woman who, friendless + herself, had been their truest friend. + </p> + <p> + “Who will tell Sergius Thord?” asked a man in the crowd; “Who will break + the news to him?” + </p> + <p> + There was an awe-stricken silence. No one volunteered such heart-rending + service. + </p> + <p> + “Who will tell the King?” suddenly exclaimed a harsh voice, that of Paul + Zouche, who in his habit of hardly ever going to bed, had seen the crowd + gather, and had quickly joined it. “Lotys saved his life! He should be + told!” + </p> + <p> + His face, always remarkable in its thin, eager, intellectual aspect, + looked ghastly, and his eyes no longer feverish in their brilliancy, were + humanised by the dew of tears. + </p> + <p> + “The King!” + </p> + <p> + The weeping people looked at one another. The King had now become a part + of their life and interest,—he was one with them, not apart from + them as once he had been; therefore he must have known how Lotys had loved + them. Yes,—someone should surely tell the King! + </p> + <p> + “The King must be informed of this,” went on Zouche; “If there is no one + else to take the news to him,—I will!” + </p> + <p> + And before any answer could be given, or any suggestion made, he was gone. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, no person volunteered to fetch Sergius Thord. Every man who + knew him, dreaded the task of telling him that Lotys was dead, self-slain. + Some poor, but tender-hearted women sorrowfully prepared the corpse for + burial, removing the bloodstained clothes with gentle hands, smoothing out + and parting on either side the glorious waves of hair, while with the + greatest care and difficulty they succeeded by slow degrees in removing + the pistol so tightly clenched in the dead hand. While engaged in this sad + duty, they found a sealed paper marked ‘My Last Wish,’ and this they put + aside till Thord should come. Then they robed her in white, and laid white + flowers upon her breast; and so came in turns by groups of tens and + twenties to kneel beside her and kiss her hands and say prayers, and weep + for the loss of one who had never uttered a harsh word to any poor or + sorrowful person, but whose mission had been peace and healing, love and + resignation, and submission to her own hard fate until the end! + </p> + <p> + Meantime Zouche, who had never been near any Royal precincts before, + walked boldly to the Palace. All irresolution had left him;—his step + was firm, his manner self-contained, and only his eyes betrayed the deep + and bitter sorrow of his soul. He was allowed to pass the sentinel at the + outer gates, but at the inner portico of the Palace he was denied + admittance. He maintained his composure, however, and handed in his + written name. + </p> + <p> + “If I cannot see the King, I must see Sir Roger de Launay!” he said. + </p> + <p> + At this the men in authority glanced at one another, and began to unbend;—if + this shabby, untidy being knew Sir Roger de Launay, he was perhaps someone + of importance. After a brief consultation together, they asked him to wait + while a messenger was despatched to Sir Roger. + </p> + <p> + Zouche, with a curious air of passive toleration sat quietly on the chair + they offered, and waited several minutes glancing meanwhile at the display + of splendour and luxury about him with an indifference bordering on + contempt. + </p> + <p> + “All this magnificence,” he mused; “all this wealth cannot purchase back a + life, or bring comfort to a stricken heart! Nor can it vie with a poet’s + rhyme, which, often unvalued, and always unpaid for, sometimes outlasts a + thousand thrones!” + </p> + <p> + Here, seeing the tall figure of Sir Roger de Launay coming between him and + the light, he rose and advanced a step or two. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Zouche,” said Sir Roger kindly, greeting him with a smile; “You are + up betimes! They tell me you want to see the King. Is it not a somewhat + early call? His Majesty has only just left his sleeping-apartment, and is + busy writing urgent letters. Will you entrust me with your message?” + </p> + <p> + Paul Zouche looked at him fixedly. + </p> + <p> + “My message is from Lotys!” he said deliberately; “And it must be + delivered to the King in person!” + </p> + <p> + Vaguely alarmed, Sir Roger recoiled a step. + </p> + <p> + “You bring ill news?” he whispered. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know whether it will prove ill or well;” answered Zouche + wearily; “But such news as I have, must be told to his Majesty alone.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger paused a moment, hesitating; then he said: + </p> + <p> + “If that is so—if that must be so,—then come with me!” + </p> + <p> + He led the way, and Zouche followed. Entering the King’s private library + where the King himself sat at his writing-desk, Sir Roger announced the + unexpected visitor, adding in a low tone that he came ‘from Lotys!’ + </p> + <p> + The King started up, and threw down his pen. + </p> + <p> + “From Lotys!” he echoed, while through his mind there flew a sudden sweet + hope that after all the star was willing to fall!—the flower was + ready to be gathered!—and that the woman who had sent him away from + her the day before, had a heart too full of love to remain obdurate to the + pleadings of her kingly lover!—“Paul Zouche, with a message from + Lotys? Let him come in!” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon Zouche, bidden to enter, did so, and stood in the Royal presence + unabashed, but quite silent. An ominous presentiment crept coldly through + the monarch’s warm veins, as he saw the dreary pain expressed on the + features of the man, who had so persistently scorned him and his offered + bounty,—and with a slight, but imperative sign, he dismissed Sir + Roger de Launay, who retired reluctantly, full of forebodings. + </p> + <p> + “Now Zouche,” he said gently; “What do you seek of me? What is your + message?” + </p> + <p> + Zouche looked full at him. + </p> + <p> + “As King,” he answered, “I seek nothing from you! As comrade”—and + his accents faltered—“I would fain break bad news to you gently—I + would spare you as much as possible—and give you time to face the + blow,—for I know you loved her! Lotys——” + </p> + <p> + The monarch’s heart almost stood still. What was this hesitating tone—these + great tears in Zouche’s eyes? + </p> + <p> + “Lotys!” he repeated slowly, and in a faint whisper; “Yes, yes—go + on! Go on, comrade! Lotys?” + </p> + <p> + “Lotys is dead!” + </p> + <p> + An awful stillness followed the words. Stiff and rigid the King sat, as + though stricken by sudden paralysis, giving no sign. Minute after minute + slipped away,—and he uttered not a word, nor did he raise his eyes + from the fixed study of the carpet at his feet. + </p> + <p> + “Lotys is dead!” went on Zouche, speaking in a slow monotonous way. “This + morning, the first thing—they found her. She had killed herself. The + pistol was in her hand. And they are laying her out with flowers,—like + a bride, or a queen,—and you can go and see her at rest so,—for + the last time,—if you will! This is my message! It is a message from + the dead!” + </p> + <p> + Still the King spoke not a word; nor did he lift his eyes from his + brooding observation of the ground. + </p> + <p> + “To be a great King, as you are,” said Zouche; “And yet to be unable to + keep alive a love when you have won it, is a hard thing! She must have + killed herself for your sake!” + </p> + <p> + No answer was vouchsafed to him. He began to feel a strange pity for that + solemn, upright figure, sitting there inflexibly silent,—and he + approached it a little nearer. + </p> + <p> + “Comrade!” he said softly; “I have hated you as a King! Yes, I have always + hated you!—even when I found you had played the part of ‘Pasquin + Leroy,’ and had worked for our Cause, and had helped to make what is now + called my ‘fame’! I hated you,—because through it all, and whatever + you did for me, or for others, it seemed to me you had never known hunger + and cold and want!—never known what it was to have love snatched + away from you! I watched the growth of your passion for Lotys—I knew + she loved you!—and had you indeed been the poor writer and thinker + you assumed to be, all might have been well for you both! But when you + declared yourself to be King, what could there be for such a woman but + death? She would never have chosen dishonour! She has taken the straight + way out of trouble, but—but she has left <i>you</i> alone! And I am + sorry for you! I know what it is—to be left alone! You have a palace + here, adorned with all the luxuries that wealth can buy, and yet you are + alone in it! I too have a palace,—a palace of thought, furnished + with ideals and dreams which no wealth can buy; and I am alone in it too! + I killed the woman who loved me best; and you have done the same, in your + way! It is the usual trick of men,—to kill the women who love them + best, and then to be sorry for ever afterwards!” + </p> + <p> + He drew still nearer—then very slowly, very hesitatingly, dropped on + one knee, and ventured to kiss the monarch’s passive hand. + </p> + <p> + “My comrade! My King! I am sorry for you now!” + </p> + <p> + For answer, his own hand was suddenly caught in a fierce convulsive grip, + and the King rose stiffly erect. His features were grey and drawn, his + lips were bloodless, his eyes glittering, as with fever. Stricken to the + heart as he was, he yet forced himself to find voice and utterance. + </p> + <p> + “Speak again, Zouche! Speak those horrible, horrible words again! Make me + feel them to be true! Lotys is dead!” + </p> + <p> + Zouche, with something like fear for the visible, yet strongly suppressed + anguish of the man before him, sighed drearily as he repeated—— + </p> + <p> + “Lotys is dead! It is God’s way—to kill all beautiful things, just + as we have learned to love them! She,—Lotys,—used to talk of + Justice and Order,—poor soul!—she never found either! Yet she + believed in God!” + </p> + <p> + The King’s stern face never relaxed in its frozen rigidity of woe. Only + his lips moved mutteringly. + </p> + <p> + “Dead! Lotys! My God!—my God! To rise to such a height of hope and + good—and then—to fall so low! Lotys gone from me!—and + with her goes all!” + </p> + <p> + Then a sudden delirious hurry seemed to take possession of him. + </p> + <p> + “Go now, Zouche!” he said impatiently—“Go back to the place where + she lies—and tell her I am coming! I must—I will see her + again! And I will see you again, Zouche!—you too!” He forced a pale + smile—“Yes, poor poet! I will see you and speak with you of this—you + shall write for her a dirge!—a threnody of passion and regret that + shall make the whole world weep! Poor Zouche!—you have had a hard + life—well may you wonder why God made us men! And Lotys is dead!” + </p> + <p> + He rang the bell on his desk violently. Sir Roger de Launay at once + returned,—but started back at the sight of his Royal master’s + altered countenance. + </p> + <p> + “Have the kindness, De Launay”—said the King hurriedly, not heeding + his dismayed looks—“to place a carriage at the disposal of our + friend Zouche! He has much business to do;—sad news to bear to all + the quarters of the city—he will tell you of it,—as he has + just told me! Lotys,—you know her!—Lotys, who saved my life at + the risk of her own,—Lotys is dead!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger recoiled with an ejaculation of horror and pity. + </p> + <p> + “It is sudden—and—and strange!” continued the King, still + speaking in the same rapid manner, and beginning to push aside the various + letters and documents on his table—“It is a kind of darkness fallen + without warning!—but—such tragedies always do happen thus—unpreparedly! + Lotys was a grand creature,—a noble and self-sacrificing woman—the + poor will miss her—yes—the poor will miss her greatly!——” + </p> + <p> + He broke off, and with a speechless gesture of agonised entreaty, + intimated that he must be left alone. De Launay hustled Zouche out of the + apartment in a kind of impotent fury. + </p> + <p> + “Why have you brought the King such news?” he demanded—“It will kill + him!” + </p> + <p> + “He has killed <i>her</i>!” returned Zouche, grimly—“If he had never + crossed her path, she would have been alive now! Why should not a King + suffer like other men? He does the same foolish things,—he has his + private loves and hatreds in the same foolish manner,—why should he + escape punishment for his follies? It is only in suffering that he grows + human,—stripped by grief and pain of his outward pomp and temporal + power, he even becomes lovable! God save us from this bauble of ‘power’! + It is what Sergius Thord has worked for all his life!—it is what + this King claims over his subjects—and yet—both monarch and + reformer would give it all for the life of one woman back again! Look you, + the King has had a dozen or more mistresses, and Heaven knows how many + bastards—but he has only loved once! And it is well that he should + learn what real love means,—Sorrow always, and Death often!” + </p> + <p> + That afternoon the whole city knew of the tragic end of Lotys. Nothing + else was thought of, nothing else talked of. Thousands gathered to look up + at the house where her body lay, stiffening in the cold grasp of death, + and a strong body of police were summoned to guard all the approaches to + the premises, in order to prevent a threatening ‘crush’ and disaster among + the increasing crowd, every member of which sought to look for the last + time on the face of her who had unselfishly served them and loved them in + their hours of bitterest need. The sight of Sergius Thord passing through + their midst, with bent head, and ashy, distraught countenance, had not + pacified the clamorous grief of the people, nor had it elicited such an + outburst of sympathy for him as one might have thought would have been + forthcoming. An idea had gotten abroad that since his election as Deputy + for the city, he had either neglected or set aside the woman who had + assisted him to gain his position. It was a wrong idea, of course,—but + the trifling fact of his having taken up his abode in a more + ‘aristocratic’ part of the metropolis, while Lotys had still remained in + the ‘quarter of the poor,’ was sufficient to give it ground in the minds + of the ignorant, who are always more or less suspicious of even their best + friends. Had they made a more ominous guess,—had they imagined that + Sergius Thord was the actual murderer of the woman they had idolised, + there would have been no remembrance whatever of the work he had done to + aid them in the various reforms now being made for their benefit;—they + would have torn him to pieces without a moment’s mercy. The rough justice + of the mob is a terrible thing! It knows nothing of legal phraseology or + courtesy—it merely sees an evil deed done, and straightway proceeds + to punish the evil-doer, regardless of consequences. Happily for the sake + of peace and order, however, no thought of the truth, no suspicion of the + real cause of the tragedy occurred to any one person among the + sorrow-stricken multitude. A faint, half-sobbing cheer went up for the + King, as his private brougham was recognised, making its way slowly + through the press of people,—and it was with a kind of silent awe, + that they watched his tall figure alight and pass into the house where lay + the dead. Sergius Thord had already entered there,—the King and his + new Deputy would meet! And with uneasy movements, rambling up and down, + talking of Lotys, of her gentleness, patience and never-wearying sympathy + for all the suffering and the lonely, the crowds collected, dispersed, and + collected again,—every soul among them heavily weighted and + depressed by the grief and the mystery of death, which though occurring + every day, still seems the strangest of fates to every mortal born into + the world. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, the King with slow reluctant tread, ascended into the room of + death. Sergius Thord stood there,—but his brooding face and bulky + form might have been but a mote of dust in a sunbeam for the little heed + the stricken monarch took of him. His whole sight, his whole soul were + concentrated on the white recumbent statue with the autumn-gold hair, + which was couched in front of him, strewn with flowers. That was Lotys—or + rather, that had been Lotys! It was now a very beautiful, still, smiling + Thing,—its eyes were shut, but the eyelashes lay delicately on the + pallid cheeks like little fringes of dark gold, tenderly slumbrous. Those + eyelashes matched the hair—the soft, silken hair—so fine—so + lustrous, so warm and bright!—the hair was surely yet living! With a + shuddering sigh, the King bent over the piteous sight,—and stooping + lower and lower still, touched with trembling lips the small, crossed + hands. + </p> + <p> + As he did this, his arm was caught roughly, and Thord thrust him aside. + </p> + <p> + “Do not touch her!” he muttered hoarsely—“Let her rest in peace!” + </p> + <p> + Slowly the King raised his face. It was ashen grey and stricken old. The + dark, clear, grey eyes were sunken and dim,—the light of hope, + ambition, love and endeavour, was quenched in them for ever. + </p> + <p> + “Was she unhappy, that she killed herself?” he asked, in a hushed voice. + </p> + <p> + Thord drew back, shuddering. Those sad, lustreless eyes of his Sovereign + seemed to pierce his soul! He—the murderer of Lotys—could not + face them! A vague whirl of thoughts tormented his brain,—he had + heard it said that a murdered person’s corpse would bleed in the presence + of the murderer,—would the dead body of Lotys bleed now, he wondered + dully, if he waited long enough? If so—the King would know! He + started guiltily, as once more the sad, questioning voice broke on his + ears. + </p> + <p> + “Was she unhappy, think you? You knew her better than I!” + </p> + <p> + Huskily, and with dry lips, Thord forced an answer. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, it is possible your Majesty knew her best!” + </p> + <p> + Again the sunken melancholy eyes searched his face. + </p> + <p> + “She was endowed with genius,—rich in every good gift of womanhood! + I would have given my life for hers—my kingdom to spare her a + moment’s sorrow!” went on the King; “But she would have nothing from me—nothing!” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,—not even love!” said Thord recklessly. + </p> + <p> + “That she had, whether she would or no!”—replied the King, slowly,—“That + she will have, till time itself shall end!” + </p> + <p> + Thord was silent. A passion of mingled fury and remorse consumed him,—his + heart was beating rapidly,—there were great pulsations in his brain + like heavy hammer-strokes,—he was afraid of himself, lest on a + savage impulse he should leap like a beast of prey on this grave composed + figure,—this King,—who was his acknowledged ruler,—and + kill him, even as he had killed Lotys! And then,—he thought of the + People!—the People by whose great force and strong justice he had + sworn to abide!—the People who had worshipped and applauded him,—the + People who, if they ever knew the truth of him and his crime, would snatch + him up and tear his body to atoms, as surely as he stood branded with + Murder in God’s sight this day! With a powerful effort he rallied his + forces, and drawing from his breast the small folded paper which had been + found on the body of Lotys, and which was inscribed with the words ‘My + Last Wish,’ he held it out to the King. + </p> + <p> + “Then your Majesty will perhaps grant her the burial she here demands?” he + said—“It is a strange request!—but not difficult to gratify!” + </p> + <p> + Taking the paper, the monarch touched it tenderly with his lips before + opening it. In all the blind stupefaction of his own grief, he was struck + by the fact that there was something strained and unnatural about Thord’s + appearance,—something wild and forced even in his expression of + sorrow. He studied his face closely, but to no purpose;—there was no + clue to the mystery packed within the harsh lines of those dark, fierce + features,—he seemed no more and no less than the same brooding, + leonine creature that had mercilessly planned the deaths of men in his own + Revolutionary Committee. There was no touch of softness in his eyes,—no + tears, even at the sight of Lotys smiling coldly in her flower-strewn + shroud. And now, unfolding her last message, the King beheld it thus + expressed: + </p> + <p> + “To THOSE WHO SHALL FIND ME DEAD + </p> + <p> + “I pray you of your gentle love and charity, not to bury my body in the + earth, but in the sea. For I most earnestly desire no mark, or remembrance + of the place where my sorrows, with my mortal remains, shall be rendered + back to nature; and kinder than the worms in the mould are the wild waves + of the ocean which I have ever loved! And there,—at least to my own + thoughts,—if any spiritual part of me remains to watch my will + performed,—shall I be best pleased and most grateful to be given my + last rest. LOTYS.” + </p> + <p> + This document had been written and signed some years back, and had, + therefore, nothing to do with any idea of immediate departure from the + world, or premeditated suicide. And once again the King looked searchingly + at Thord, as he returned him the paper. + </p> + <p> + “Her will shall be performed!” he said—“And in a manner befitting + her memory,—befitting the love borne to her by a People—and—a + King!” + </p> + <p> + He paused,—then went on softly. + </p> + <p> + “To you Sergius, my friend and comrade!—to you will be entrusted the + task of committing this sweet casket of a sweeter soul to the mercy of the + waves!—you, the guardian of her childhood, the defender of her + womanhood, the protector of her life——” + </p> + <p> + “O God! No more—no more!” cried Thord, suddenly falling on his knees + by the couch of the dead—“No more—in mercy! I will do all—all! + But leave me with her now!—leave me alone with her, this last little + while!” + </p> + <p> + And breaking into great sobs, he buried his head among the death-flowers + in an utter abandonment of despair. + </p> + <p> + Silently the King watched him for a little space. Then he turned his eyes + towards the pale form of the woman he had loved, and who had taught him + the noblest and most selfless part of love, sleeping her last sleep, with + a fixed sweet smile upon her face. + </p> + <p> + “We shall meet again, my Lotys!” he whispered—“On the other side of + Death!” + </p> + <p> + And so,—with the quiet air of one who knows a quick way out of + difficulty, he departed. + </p> + <p> + Some five days later, a strange and solemn spectacle was witnessed by + thousands of spectators from all the shores and quays of the sea-girt + city. A ship set sail for the Land of the Infinite!—a silent + passenger went forth on a voyage to the borders of the Unknown! Coffined + in state,—with a purple velvet pall trailing its rich folds over the + casket which enshrined her perished mortality,—and with flowers of + every imaginable rareness, or wildness, scattered about it,—the body + of Lotys was, with no religious or formal ceremony, placed on the deck of + a sailing-brig, and sent out to the waves for burial. So Sergius Thord had + willed it; so Sergius Thord had planned it. He had purchased the vessel + for this one purpose, and with his own hands he had strewn the deck with + blossoms, till it looked like a floating garden of fairyland. Garlands of + roses trailed from the mast,—wreaths from every former member of the + now extinct ‘Revolutionary Committee’ were heaped in profusion about the + coffin which lay in the centre of the deck,—the sails were white as + snow, and one of them bore, the name ‘Lotys’ upon it, in letters of gold. + It was arranged that the brig should be towed from the harbour, and out to + sea for about a couple of miles,—and when there, should be cut free + and set loose to the wind and tide to meet its fate of certain wreckage in + the tossing billows beyond. In strange contrast to this floating funeral + were the brilliant flags and gay streamers which were already being put up + along the streets and quays, as the first signs of the city’s welcome to + the Crown Prince and his bride, who were expected to arrive home somewhere + within the next ten days. Eager crowds watched the unique ceremony, + unknown save in old Viking days, of sending forth a dead voyager to sail + the pitiless seas; and countless numbers of small boats attended the + funeral vessel in a long flotilla,—escorting it out to that verge + where the ocean opened widely to the wider horizon, and spread its high + road of silver waves invitingly out to the approaching silent adventurer. + Comments ran freely from lip to lip,—Sergius Thord had been seen, + pale as death, laying flowers on the deck to the last,—the King,—yes!—the + King himself had sent a wreath, as a token of remembrance, to the + obsequies of the woman who had saved his life,—the purple velvet + pall, with its glittering fringes of gold, had been the gift of the city + of which Thord was the lately-elected Deputy,—Louis Valdor had sent + that garland of violets,—the great wreath of roses which lay at the + head of the coffin, was the offering of the famous little dancer, Pequita, + who, it was said, now lay sick of a fever brought on by grief and fretting + for the loss of her best friend,—and rich and poor alike had vied + with one another in assisting the weird beauty of this exceptional and + strange burial, in which no sexton was employed but the wild wind, which + would in due time scoop a hollow in the sea, and whirl down into + fathomless deeps all that remained of a loving woman, with the offerings + of a People’s love around her! + </p> + <p> + From the Palace windows the Queen watched the weird pageant, with + straining eyes, and a sense of relief at her heart. This unknown rival of + hers,—this Lotys—was dead! Her body would soon be drifting out + on the wild waste of waters, to be caught by the first storm and sunk in + the depths of eternal silence. She was glad!—almost she could have + sung for joy! The colour mantled on her fair cheeks,—she looked + younger and more beautiful than ever. She had learned her long-neglected + lesson,—the lesson of, ‘how to love.’ And to herself she humbly + confessed the truth—that she loved no other than her husband! The + King had now become the centre of her heart, as he had become the centre + of his People’s trust. And she watched the vessel bearing the corpse of + Lotys, gliding, gliding over the waves—she tracked the circling + concourse of boats that went with it—and waited, with quickened + breath and eager eyes, till she saw a sudden pause in the procession—when, + riding lightly on a shining wave, the funeral-ship seemed to stop for an + instant—and then, with a bird-like dip forward, scurried out with + full, bulging sails to the open sea! The crowding spectators began to + break up and disperse—the flotilla of attendant boats turned back to + shore—the dead woman who had held such magnetic influence over the + King, was gone!—gone for ever into the watery caverns of endless + death! + </p> + <p> + It was with a light heart that the Queen at last rose from her watch at + the window, and prepared to array herself for the return of her sovereign + lord. Her eyes sparkled, her lips smiled; she looked the very incarnation + of love and tenderness. The snow-peak had melted at last, and underneath + the ice, love’s late violets had begun to bloom! She glanced once more out + at the sea, where the vanishing death-ship now seemed but a speck on the + far horizon, and saw a bank of solemn purple clouds darkening the golden + sunset line,—clouds that rose up thickly and swiftly, like magic + mountains conjured into sudden existence by some witch in a fairy tale. A + gust of wind shook the lattice—and moaned faintly through the chinks + of the door. + </p> + <p> + “There will be a storm to-night!” she said musingly, her eyes following + the dispersing crowds, as they poured along the terrace from the shore, or + climbed up from the quays to the higher streets of the town:—“There + will be a storm!—and the woman who was called Lotys, will know + nothing of it! The vessel she sails in will be crushed like a shell in the + teeth of the blast, and her body will sink like a stone in the angry sea! + So will she sleep—so does her brief power over the King come to an + end!” + </p> + <p> + Turning, she smiled at her lady-in-waiting, Teresa de Launay, who had also + watched the sea funeral of Lotys with wondering and often tear-filled + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “How the people must have loved her!” the girl murmured softly; “No poor + person or child came to these strange obsequies without flowers!—many + wept—and some swear there is no happiness at all for them now, + without Lotys! She must have been a sweet, unselfish woman!” + </p> + <p> + The Queen was silent. + </p> + <p> + “Since she saved the life of our lord the King, I have often thought of + her!” went on Teresa—“I have even hoped to see her! Dearest Madam, + would you not have been glad to thank her once before she died?” + </p> + <p> + The Queen’s face hardened. + </p> + <p> + “She only did her duty!” was the cold answer—“Every subject in the + realm would be proud to have the chance of being the King’s defender!” + </p> + <p> + At that moment the door opened, and Sir Roger de Launay entered,—then + drew back in some surprise and hesitation. + </p> + <p> + “I crave your pardon, Madam!” he said, bowing low—“I thought the + King was here!” + </p> + <p> + “Truly the King should be here by now,”—replied the Queen gently—“But + he is doubtless detained among the people, who wait upon his footsteps, as + though he were a demi-god!” She smiled happily. “He went out to see yonder + strange funeral pageant—and left no word of the hour of his return.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger looked perplexed. The Queen noticed his expression of anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “Stay but a moment, Sir Roger,” she added—“Now I remember, he bade + me at sunset, go to my own room and fetch a packet I would find from him + there,—he may be waiting for me now!” + </p> + <p> + She retired, the radiant smile still upon her face, and Sir Roger looked + at his sister with concern for her tearful eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Weeping, Teresa?” he said—“What is the trouble?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing!” she answered quickly—“Only a presentiment of evil! That + funeral-ship has made me sad!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Roger said nothing for the moment. He was too preoccupied with his own + forebodings to give much heed to hers. He walked to the window. + </p> + <p> + “There will be a storm to-night!” he said. “Look at those great clouds! + They are big with thunder and with rain!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes!” murmured Teresa—“There will be a storm—Madam!” + </p> + <p> + She turned with a cry to feel the Queen’s grip on her shoulder—to + see the Queen, white as marble, with blazing eyes, possessed by a very + frenzy of grief and terror. A tragic picture of despairing Majesty, she + confronted the startled De Launay with an open paper in her hand. + </p> + <p> + “Where is the King?” she demanded, in accents that quivered with fear and + passion. “From you, Sir Roger de Launay, must come the answer! To you, his + friend and servant, I trusted his safety! And of you I ask again—Where + is the King?” + </p> + <p> + Stupefied and stunned, Sir Roger stared helplessly at this enraged + splendour of womanhood, this embodied wrath of royalty. + </p> + <p> + “Madam!” he stammered,—“I know nothing—save that the King has + been sorely stricken by a great sorrow—” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him with flashing eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Sorrow for what?—for whom?” + </p> + <p> + De Launay gazed at her amazedly;—why did she ask of what she knew so + well? + </p> + <p> + “Madam, to answer that is not within my province!” + </p> + <p> + She was silent, breathing quickly. Great tears gathered on her lashes, but + did not fall. + </p> + <p> + “When saw you his Majesty last?” + </p> + <p> + “But three hours since, Madam! He bade me leave him alone, saying he would + walk a while in the further grounds away from the sight of the sea. He had + no mind, he said, to look upon the passing away of Lotys!” + </p> + <p> + A strange grey pallor crept over the Queen’s face. She stood proudly + erect, yet tottered as though about to fall. Teresa de Launay ran to her + in terror. + </p> + <p> + “Dearest Madam!” cried the trembling girl—“Be comforted! Be patient! + The King will come!” + </p> + <p> + “He will never come!” said the Queen in a low choked voice;—“Never + again—never, never again! I feel—I know—that I have lost + him for ever! He has gone—but where?—O God!—where!” + </p> + <p> + “Madam!” said Sir Roger, shaken to the soul by the sight of her suppressed + agony—“That paper in your hand—” + </p> + <p> + “This paper,” she said, with a convulsive effort at calmness, “makes me + Regent till the return of my son, the Crown Prince—and—at the + same time—bids me farewell! Farewell!—and why farewell? Oh, + faithless servant!” and she advanced a step, fixing her burning eyes on + the stricken De Launay—“I thought you loved me!” + </p> + <p> + His face flushed—his lips quivered. + </p> + <p> + “As God lives, Madam, I yield to no one in my love and service of you!” + </p> + <p> + “Then find the King!” and she stretched out her arm with a gesture of + authority—“Bring back to me my husband!—the one man of the + world!—the one man I have learned to love! Follow the King!—whether + on land or sea, whether alive or dead,—in heaven or hell, follow + him! Your place is not with me—but by your master’s side! If you + know not whither he has fled, make it your business to learn!—and + never let me see your face again till <i>his</i> face shines beside yours, + like sunshine against darkness!—till his eyes, his smile make + gladness where your presence without him is a mocking misery! Out of my + sight! And nevermore return again, save in your duty and attendance on the + King!” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,—Madam!” exclaimed Teresa—“Would you condemn my brother + to a lasting banishment? What if the King were dead?” + </p> + <p> + “Dead!” The word left the Queen’s lips in a sharp sob of pain—“The + King cannot die!—he is too strong—too bold and brave! He has + met death ere now and conquered it! Dead? No—that is not possible—that + could not be!” + </p> + <p> + She turned again upon Sir Roger, standing mute and pale, a very statue of + despair. + </p> + <p> + “I give you a high mission!” she said—“Fulfil it!” + </p> + <p> + He started from his unhappy reverie. + </p> + <p> + “Be sure that I will do so!” he said—“I will—as your Majesty + bids me—follow the King! And—till the King returns with me—I + also say farewell!” + </p> + <p> + Catching his sister in his arms, he kissed her with a murmured blessing—and + profoundly saluting the woman for whose love’s sake his very life was now + demanded, he left the room. + </p> + <p> + “Roger, Roger!” cried Teresa in an anguish, as the sound of his footsteps + died away—“Come back! Come back!” + </p> + <p> + And falling on her knees by the Queen’s side, she burst into wild weeping. + </p> + <p> + “If the King has gone for ever, my brother is gone too,” she sobbed—“Oh, + dearest Majesty, have you no heart?” + </p> + <p> + “None!” said the Queen with a strained smile, while the slow, hot tears + began to fall from her aching eyes—“None! What heart I had is gone! + It follows the King!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV. — ABDICATION + </h2> + <p> + A great storm was gathering. The heavy purple clouds which had arisen in + the west at sunset, when all that was mortal of Lotys had been sent forth + to a lonely burial in the sea, had gradually spread over the whole sky, + darkening in hue as they moved, and rolling together in huge opaque + masses, which presently began to close in and become denser as the night + advanced. By and by a wild wind awoke, as it were, from the very cavities + of ocean, and the waves began to hiss warnings all along the coast, and to + rise higher and higher over each other’s shoulders as the gale steadily + increased. Réné Ronsard, sitting in his cottage, feeble and somewhat + ailing, heard the beginnings of the tempest with long-accustomed ears. He + was depressed in spirit, yet not altogether solitary, for he had with him + a kindly companion in Professor von Glauben. The Professor had been one of + the many who had attended the strange funeral-pageant of the afternoon, + not only out of interest in, and regret for, the fate of the woman whose + unique character he had admired, and whose difficult position he had + pitied; but also because he had suffered from an unpleasant presentiment + to which he could give no name. If he could have described his forebodings + at all, he would have said they were more or less connected with the King,—but + how or why, he would not have been able to explain, save that since the + death of Lotys, his Sovereign master had no longer looked the same man. + Stricken as with a blight, and grown suddenly old, his manner and + appearance were as of one devoured by a secret despair,—a corroding + disease,—of which the end could only be disastrous. Overcome by the + pain and distress of being the constant witness of a sorrow which he felt + to the heart, yet could not relieve, the Professor, on returning from the + scene of Lotys’s impressive funeral, had put ashore on The Islands, + instead of going back to the mainland. He had sought permission from the + King to remain with Ronsard for the night,—and the permission had + been readily, almost eagerly granted. The King, indeed, had seemed glad to + be relieved of the too anxious solicitude of his physician, who, he knew, + was well aware of the concealed agony of mind which tortured and well-nigh + maddened him,—and the Professor, keenly observant, was equally + conscious that, under the immediate circumstances, his attendance might + seem more of an intrusion than a duty. + </p> + <p> + “De Launay was not far wrong when he prophesied danger for the King as the + result of his beginning to think for himself;” he mused—“Yet it has + come—this danger—in a different way to that in which we + expected it! It is a bold move for the ruler of a country to make personal + examination into the needs of his people,—but it is seldom that, + while engaged in such a task, the ruler himself becomes ruled, by a + stronger force than even his own temporal power!” + </p> + <p> + And now, sitting with old Réné Ronsard, by a fire which had been kindled + on this somewhat chilly night for his better comfort, he was, despite the + impression of sadness and disaster which hung upon his mind as darkly as + the clouds were hanging in heaven, doing his best to rouse both himself + and his companion to greater cheerfulness. The wind, shaking the lattice, + and now and then screaming dismally under the door, did not inspire him to + gaiety, but his thoughts were principally for Ronsard, who was inclined to + yield to an overpowering despondency. + </p> + <p> + “This will never do, Ronsard!” he said after a pause, during which he had + noticed a tear or two steal slowly down the old man’s furrowed cheek; + “What sort of a welcome will such a face as yours be to our Crown Princess + Gloria? She will soon be here; think of it! And what a triumphant entry + she will make, acclaimed by the whole nation!” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not be wanted in her life!” said Ronsard, slowly. “After all, I + am nothing to her, and have no claim upon her. I found her, as a poor man + may by chance find a rare jewel,—that the jewel is afterwards found + worthy to be set in a king’s crown, is not the business of that same poor + man. He who merely hews a diamond out of the mine, is not the maker of the + diamond!” + </p> + <p> + “Gloria loves you!” said the Professor; “And she will love you always!” + </p> + <p> + Ronsard smiled faintly. + </p> + <p> + “My friend, I understand, and I accept the law of change!” he said. “To + me, as to all, it must come! The old must die, and the young succeed them. + As for me, I shall be glad to go—the sooner the better, I truly + think, for then none will taunt my Gloria with the simple manner of her + bringing up;—none will remember aught, save her exceeding beauty, or + blame her that the sun and sea were her only known parents. And if we + credit legend, hers is not the first birth of loveliness from the bosom of + the waves!” + </p> + <p> + Here the wind, tearing round the rafters, rattled and roared for a space + like a demon threatening the whole construction of the house, and then + went galloping away with a shriek among the pines down to the shore. + </p> + <p> + “A wild night!” said the Professor, with a slight shiver. “Alas! poor + Lotys!—poor ‘Soul of an Ideal’ as Sergius Thord called her,—her + frail mortal tenement will soon be drawn down to the depths in such a + storm as this!” + </p> + <p> + “I never saw her!” said Ronsard musingly; “Thord I have seen often. Lotys + was to me a name merely,—but I knew it was a name to conjure with—a + name beloved of the People. Gloria longed to see her,—she had heard + of her often.” + </p> + <p> + “She was a psychological phenomenon,” said the Professor slowly; “And I + admit that her composition baffled me. No one have I ever seen at all like + her. She was beautiful without any of the accepted essentials of beauty—and + it is precisely such a woman as that who possesses the most dangerous + fascination over men—not over boys—but over men. She had a + loving, passionate, feminine heart, with a masculine brain,—the two + together are bound to constitute what is called Genius. The only thing I + cannot understand is the unexpected weakness she displayed in committing + suicide. That I should never have thought of her. On the contrary, I + should have imagined, knowing as much of her as I did, that the greater + the sorrow, the greater the fight she would have made against it.” + </p> + <p> + A silence fell between them, filled by the thundering noise of the wind. + </p> + <p> + “Where is Thord?” asked Ronsard presently. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know. The last I saw of him was on board the vessel that bore + her coffin;—he was laying flowers on the deck. He was not, I think, + in any of the smaller boats that accompanied it; he must have returned + with the crowd on shore. He has his duties as Deputy for the city now, we + must remember!” + </p> + <p> + Ronsard’s eyes flashed with a glimmer of satire in the firelight. + </p> + <p> + “If it had not been for Lotys, he would not be a Deputy, or anything else,—save + perchance a Communist or an Anarchist!” he said; “he used to be one of the + fiercest malcontents in all the country when I first came here. Many and + many is the time I have heard him threaten to kill the King!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said the Professor meaningly, the while he bent his eyes on the + flickering fire. + </p> + <p> + Again a silence fell. The wind roared and screamed around the building, + and in the pauses of the gale, the minutes seemed weighted with a strange + dread. Every tick of the clock sounded heavy and long, even to the + equable-minded Professor. The storm outside was growing louder and even + louder, and his thoughts, despite himself, turned to the + ocean-wildernesses over which Prince Humphry’s home-returning vessel must + be now on its way—while that other solitary barque, unhelmed and + unmanned, whose sail bore the name of ‘Lotys’ was also voyaging, but in a + darker direction, down to death and oblivion, carrying with it, as he + feared, all the love and heart of a King! Suddenly a loud knocking at the + door startled them; and as Ronsard rose from his chair, amazed at the + noise and Von Glauben did the same with more alacrity, a man with wind + blown hair and excited gestures burst into the little room. + </p> + <p> + “Ronsard!” he cried; “The King—the King!” + </p> + <p> + He paused, gasping for breath. Ronsard looked at him wonderingly. His + clothes were saturated with sea-water,—his face was pale—and + his eyes expressed some fear that his tongue seemed incapable of uttering. + He was one of the coral-fishers of the coast, and Ronsard knew him well. + </p> + <p> + “What ails you, man?” he asked; “What say you of the King?” + </p> + <p> + Holding the door of the cottage open with some difficulty, the + coral-fisher pointed to the sky overhead. It was flecked with great masses + of white cloud, through which the moon appeared to roll rapidly like a + ball of yellow fire. The wind howled furiously, and the pines in the near + distance could be seen bending to and fro like reeds in its breath, while + the roar of the sea beyond the rocks was fierce and deafening. + </p> + <p> + “It is all storm!” cried the man, excitedly; “The billows are running + mountains high!—there is no chance for him!” + </p> + <p> + “No chance for whom?” demanded Von Glauben, impatiently; “What would you + tell us? Speak plainly!” + </p> + <p> + “It was the King!” said the coral-fisher again, trying to express himself + more collectedly—“I saw his face lit up by the after-glow of the sky—white—white + as the foam on the wave! Listen! When the body of the woman Lotys was + borne away on that vessel, a man came to me out of the thickest of the + crowd (I was on one of the furthest quays)—and offered me a purse of + gold to take him out to sea—and to steer him in such a way that we + should meet the funeral barque just as she was cut adrift and sent forth + to be wrecked in the ocean. I did not know him then. He kept his face + hidden,—he spoke low, and he was evidently in trouble. I thought he + was a lover of the dead woman, and sought perhaps to comfort himself by + looking at her coffin for the last time. So I consented to do what he + asked. I had my sailing skiff, and we went at once. The wind was strong; + we sailed swiftly—and at the appointed place—” He paused to + take breath. Ronsard seized him by the arm. + </p> + <p> + “Quick! Go on—what next?” + </p> + <p> + “At the appointed place when the vessel stopped,—when her ropes were + cut and she afterwards sprang out to sea, I, by his orders, ran my skiff + close beside her as she came,—and before I knew how it happened, my + passenger sprang aboard her—Ay!—with a spring as light and + sure as the flight of a bird! ‘Farewell!’ he said, and flung me the + promised gold; ‘May all be prosperous with you and yours!’ And then the + wind swooped down and bore the ship a mile or more ere I could follow it; + but the strong light in the west fell full upon the man’s face—and I + saw—I knew it was the King!” + </p> + <p> + “Gott in Himmel! May you for ever be confounded and mistaken!” exclaimed + Von Glauben,—“I left the King in his own grounds but an hour before + I myself started to witness this accursed sea-funeral!” + </p> + <p> + “I say it was the King!” repeated the man emphatically. “I would swear it + was the King! And the vessel going out to meet the storm tonight, holds + the living, as well as the dead!” + </p> + <p> + With a sudden movement, as active as it was decided, old Ronsard went to a + corner in the room and drew out a thick coil of rope with an iron hook at + the end, and slinging it round his waist with the alert quickness of + youth, made for the open door. + </p> + <p> + “Where is your skiff?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + “Ashore down yonder;” answered the coral-fisher; “But you—what are + you going to do? You cannot sail her in such a night as this!” + </p> + <p> + “I will adventure!” said Ronsard. “If, as you say, it was the King, I will + save him if he can be saved! Once a King’s life was nothing to me; now it + is something! The tide veers round these Islands, and the vessel on which + they have placed the body of Lotys, can scarcely drift away from the + circle till morning, unless the waves are too strong for it—” + </p> + <p> + “They are too strong!” cried the coral-fisher; “Ronsard, believe me! There + is no rain to soften or abate the wind—and the sea grows greater + with every breath of the rising gale!” + </p> + <p> + “I care nothing!” replied Ronsard; “Let be! If you are afraid, I will go + alone!” + </p> + <p> + At these words, the Professor suddenly awoke to the situation. + </p> + <p> + “What would you attempt, Ronsard?” he exclaimed; “You can do nothing! You + are weak and ailing!—there is no force in you to combat with the + elements on such a night as this—” + </p> + <p> + “There <i>is</i> force!” said Ronsard; “The force of my thirst for + atonement! Let me be, for God’s sake! Let me do something useful in my + life!—let me try to save the King! If I die, so much the better.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will go with you!” said Von Glauben, desperately. + </p> + <p> + Ronsard shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “You? No, my friend! You will not! You will remain to welcome Gloria—to + tell her that I loved her to the last!—that I did my best!” + </p> + <p> + He seemed to have grown young in an instant,—his eyes flashed with + alertness and vigour, and instead of an old decaying man, full of cares + and despondencies, he seemed like a bold adventurer, before whom a new + land of promise opens. Von Glauben looked at him, and in a moment made up + his mind. He turned to the coral-fisher. + </p> + <p> + “What think you truly of the night, my friend? Is it for life or death we + go?” + </p> + <p> + “Death! Certain death!” answered the man; “It is madness to set sail in + such a storm as this!” + </p> + <p> + “You are married, no doubt? And little ones eat your earnings? Ach so! + Then you shall not be asked to go with us. Ronsard, I am ready! I can pull + an oar and manage a sail, and I am not afraid of death by drowning! For + Gloria’s sake, let me go with you!” + </p> + <p> + “For Gloria’s sake, stay here!” cried Ronsard; and with an abrupt movement + he escaped Von Glauben’s hold, and ran with all the speed of a boy out of + the cottage into the garden beyond. + </p> + <p> + Von Glauben rushed after him, but found himself in the thicket of pines, + trapped and hemmed in by the darkness of their stems and branches. The + wind was so fierce and strong, that he could scarcely keep his feet,—every + now and again the moon flew out of a great cloud-pinnacle and glared on + the scene, but not with sufficient clearness to show him his way. Yet he + knew the place well—often had he and Gloria trodden that path down + to the sea, and yet to-night it seemed all unfamiliar. How the sea roared! + Like a thousand lions clamouring for prey! Against the rocks the rising + billows hissed and screamed, rattling backward among stones and shells + with the grinding noise of artillery wagons being hastily dragged off a + lost field of battle. + </p> + <p> + “Ronsard!” he called as loudly as he could, and again “Ronsard!” but his + voice, big and stentorian though it was, made but the feeblest wail in the + loud shriek of the wind. Yet he stumbled on and on, and by slow and + difficult degrees found his way down to the foot of the high rocks which + formed a pinnacled wall between him and the sea,—the rocks he had so + often climbed with Gloria, and of which she had sung in such matchless + tones of triumph and tenderness. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Here, by the sea. + My King crown’d me! + Wild ocean sang for my Coronation, + With the jubilant voice of a mighty nation! +</pre> + <p> + The memory of this song came back to his ears in a ringing echo, amid the + howling of the boisterous wind, which now blew harder and harder, + scattering masses of blown froth from the waves in his face, with flying + sand and light shells, and torn-up weed. Scarcely able to stand against + it, he paused to get his breath, realising that it would be worse than + useless to climb the rocks in the teeth of such a gale, or try to reach + the old accustomed winding way down to the shore. He endeavoured to + collect his scattered wits;—if the ceaseless onslaught of the storm + would only have allowed him to think coherently, he fancied he might have + found another and easier path to lead him in the direction whither + Ronsard, in his mad, but heroic impulse, had gone. But the gale was so + terrific, and the booming of the great waves on the other side of the + rocky barrier so awful, that it seemed as if the water must be rolling in + like a solid wall, bent on breaking down the coast, and grinding it to + powder. His heart ached heavily;—tears rose to his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “What a grain of dust I am in this world of storm!” he ejaculated; “Here I + stand,—a strong man, utterly useless! Powerless to save the life I + would die to serve! But maybe the story is not true!—the man can + easily have been mistaken! Surely the King would not give up all for the + sake of one woman’s love!” + </p> + <p> + But though he said this to himself, he knew that such things have been; + indeed, that they are common enough throughout all history. He had not + studied humanity to so little purpose as not to be aware that there are + certain phases of the passion of love which make havoc of a man’s wisest + and best intentions; and that even as Marc Antony lost all for Cleopatra’s + smile, and Harry the Eighth upset a Church for a woman’s whim, so in + modern days the same old story repeats itself; and no matter how great and + famous the position of a king or an emperor, he may yet court and obtain + his own ruin and disaster, ay, lose his very Throne for love;—deeming + it well lost! + </p> + <p> + Restless, miserable and troubled by the confusion of his thoughts, which + seemed to run wild with the wild wind and the thundering sea, the unhappy + Professor retraced his steps to the cottage, hoping against hope that + Ronsard, physically unable to cope with the storm, would have returned, + baffled in his reckless attempt to put forth a boat to sea. But the little + home was silent and deserted. There was the old man’s empty chair;—the + clock against the wall ticked the minutes away with a comfortable + persistence which was aggravating to the nerves; the fire was still + bright. Before entering, Von Glauben looked up and down everywhere + outside, but there was no sign of any living creature. + </p> + <p> + Nothing remained for him to do but to resign himself passively to + whatsoever calamity the Omnipotent Forces above him chose to inflict,—and + utterly weary, baffled and helpless, he sank into Ronsard’s vacant chair, + unconscious that tears were rolling down his face from the excess of his + anxiety and exhaustion. The shrieking of the wind, the occasional glare of + the moonlight through the rattling lattice windows, and the apparent + rocking of the very rafters above him thrilled him into new and ever + recurring sensations of fear—yet he was no coward, and had often + prided himself on having ‘nerves of steel and sinews of iron.’ Presently, + he began to see quaint faces and figures in the glowing embers of the + fire; old scraps of song and legend haunted him; fragments of Heine, mixed + up with long-winded philosophical phrases of Schopenhauer, began to make + absurd contradictions and glaring contrasts in his mind, while he listened + to the awful noises of the storm; and the steady ticking of the clock on + the wall worried him to such an almost childish degree, that had he not + thought how often he had seen Gloria winding up that clock and setting it + to the right hour, he could almost have torn it down and broken it to + pieces. By and by, however, tired Nature had her way, and utterly heavy + and worn out in mind and body, and weary of the disturbed and incoherent + thoughts in his brain, he lay back and closed his eyes. He would rest a + little while, he said to himself, and ‘wait.’ And so he gradually fell + asleep, and in his sleep wrote, so he imagined, a whole eloquent chapter + of his ‘Political History of Hunger’ in which he described Sergius Thord + as a despot, who, after proving false to the cause of the People, and + grinding them down by unlimited taxation such as no Government had ever + before inflicted, seized the rightful king of the country, and sent him + away to be drowned in company with a woman of the People, whose body was + fastened to his by ropes and iron chains, in the fashion of ‘Les Noyades’ + of Nantes. And he thought that the King rejoiced in his doom, and said + strange words like those of the poet who sang of a similar story: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “For never a man like me + Shall die like me till the whole world dies, + I shall drown with her, laughing for love, and she + Mix with me, touching me, lips and eyes!” + </pre> + <p> + Meanwhile, Ronsard, true to the instinct within him, had fulfilled his + intention and had put out to sea. The fisherman who had brought the + tidings which had moved him to this desperate act, was too much of a hero + in himself to let the old man venture forth alone,—and so, following + him down to the shore, had, despite all commands and entreaties to the + contrary, insisted on going with him. The sailing skiff he owned was a + strong boat, stoutly built,—and at first it seemed as if their + efforts to ride the mountainous billows would be crowned with success. Old + Rene had a true genius for the management of a sail; his watchfulness + never flagged:—his strenuous exertions would have done credit to a + man less than half his age. With delicate precision he guided the ropes, + as a jockey might have guided the reins of a racehorse, and the vessel + rose and fell lightly over the great waves, with such ease and rapidity, + that the man who accompanied him and took the helm, an experienced sailor + himself, began to feel confident that after all the voyage might not be + altogether futile. + </p> + <p> + “The sea may be calmer further out from land!” he shouted to Rene, who + nodded a quiet aquiescence, while he kept his eyes earnestly fixed on the + horizon, which the occasional brightness of the moon showed up like a line + of fretted silver. Everywhere he scanned the waves for a glimpse of the + fatal vessel bearing Death—and perhaps Life—on board; but over + the whole expanse of the undulating hills and valleys of wild water, there + was no speck of a boat to be seen save their own. They swept on and on, + the wind aiding them with savage violence—when suddenly the man at + the helm shouted excitedly: + </p> + <p> + “Ronsard! See yonder! There she sails!” + </p> + <p> + With an exclamation of joy, Ronsard sprang up, and looking, saw within + what seemed an apparently short distance, the drifting funeral-barque he + sought. So far she seemed intact; her sails were bellying out full to the + wind, and she was rising and plunging bravely over the great breakers, + which rolled on in interminable array, one over the other,—with + rugged foam-crests that sprang like fountains to the sky. A five or ten + minutes’ run with the wind would surely bring them alongside,—and + Ronsard turned with an eager will to his work once more. Over the heads of + the monstrous waves, rising with their hills, sinking in their valleys, he + guided the few yielding planks that were between him and destruction, + trimming the straining sail to the ferocious wind, and ever keeping his + eyes fixed on the vessel which was the object of his search,—the + sole aim and end of his reckless voyage, and which seemed now to recede, + and then to almost disappear, the more earnestly he strove to reach it. + </p> + <p> + “To save the King!” he muttered—“To save—not to kill! For + Gloria’s sake!—to save the King!” + </p> + <p> + A capricious gust from the beating wings of the storm swooped down upon + him sideways, as he twisted the ropes and tugged at them in a herculean + effort to balance the plunging boat and keep her upright,—and in the + loud serpent-like hiss of the waves around him, he did not hear his + companion’s wild warning cry—a cry of despair and farewell in one! A + toppling dark-green mass of water, moving on shoreward, lifted itself + quite suddenly, as it were, to its full height, as though to stare at the + puny human creatures who thus had dared to oppose the fury of the + elements, and then, leaping forward like a devouring monster, broke over + their frail skiff, sweeping the sail off like a strip of ribbon, snapping + the mast and rolling over and over them with a thousand heads of foam + that, spouting upwards, again fell into dark cavernous deeps, covering and + dragging down everything on the surface with a tumult and roar! It passed + on thundering,—but left a blank behind it. Skiff and men had + vanished,—and not a trace of the wreck floated on the angry waves! + </p> + <p> + For one blinding second, Ronsard, buffeting the wild waves, saw the face + of Gloria,—that best-beloved fair face,—angelic, pitying, + loving to the last,—shine on him like a star in the darkness!—the + next he was whelmed into the silence of the million dead worlds beneath + the sea! So at last he paid his life’s full debt. So, at last his + atonement was fulfilled. If it was true,—as he had in an unguarded + moment confessed,—that he had once killed a King, then the + resistless Law of Compensation had worked its way with him,—inasmuch + as he had been forced to render up what he cherished most,—the love + of Gloria,—to the son of a King, and had ended his days in an effort + to save the life of a King! For the rest, whatever the real nature of his + long-hidden secret,—whatever the extent of the torture he had + suffered in his conscience, his earthly punishment was over; and the story + of his past crime would never be known to the living world of men. One + sinner,—one sufferer among many millions, he was but a floating + straw on the vast whirlpools of Time,—and whether he prayed for + pardon and obtained it, whether he had worked out his own salvation or had + lost it, may not be known of him, or of any of us, till God makes up the + sum of life, in which perchance none of even the smallest numerals shall + be found missing! + </p> + <p> + Wilder grew the night, and more tempestuous the sea, while the sky became + a mountainous landscape of black and white clouds fitfully illumined by + the moon, which appeared to run over their fleecy pinnacles and sable + plains like some scared white creature pursued by invisible foes: The + vessel on which the corpse of Lotys lay, palled in purple, and decked with + flowers, flew over the waves, to all seeming with the same hunted rapidity + as the moon rushed through the heavens,—and so far, though her masts + bent reed-like in the wind, and her sails strained at their cordage, she + had come to no harm. Tossed about as she was, rudderless and solitary, + there was something almost miraculous in the way she had weathered a storm + in which many a well-guided ship must inevitably have gone down. The + purple pall with its heavy fringe of gold, that shrouded the coffin she + carried, was drenched through and through by the sea, and the flowers on + the deck were beaten and drowned in the salt spray that dashed over them. + </p> + <p> + But amid all the ruined blossoms of earth, by the side of the dead, and + full-fronted to the tempest, stood one living man, for whom life had no + charm, and death no terror—the King! What had been reported of him + was true—he had resigned his Throne and left his kingdom for the + sake of adventuring forth on this great voyage of Discovery,—this + swift and stormy sail with Lotys to the Land of the Unknown! Whether it + was a madness, or a sick dream that fevered his blood, he knew not—but + once the woman he loved was dead, every hope, every ambition in him died + too—and he felt himself to be a mere corpse of clay, unwillingly + dragged about by a passionate soul that longed, and strove, and fought in + its shell for larger freedom. All his life, so to speak, save for the last + few months, he had been a prisoner;—he had never, as he had himself + declared, known the sweetness of liberty;—but for the sake of Lotys,—had + she lived,—he would have been content to still wear the chains of + monarchy, and would have endeavoured to accomplish such good as he might, + and make such reforms as could possibly benefit his country. But, after + all, it is only a ‘possibility ‘that any reforms will avail to satisfy any + people long; and he was philosopher and student enough to know that + whatsoever good one may endeavour to do for the wider happiness and + satisfaction of the multitude, they are as likely as not to turn and cry + out—“Thy good is our evil! Thy love to us is but thine own serving!”—and + so turn and rend their best benefactors. With the loss of Lotys, he lost + the one mainspring of faith and enthusiasm which would have helped him to + match himself against his destiny and do battle with it. A great weariness + seized upon him,—a longing for some wider scope of action than such + futile work as that of governing, or attempting to govern, a handful of + units whose momentary Order was bound, in a certain period of time to + lapse into Disorder—then into Order again, and so on till the end of + all. + </p> + <p> + Hence his resolve to sail the seas with Lotys to that ‘other side of + Death’ of which she had spoken,—that ‘other side’ which an inward + instinct told him was not Death, but Life! He could not of himself analyse + the emotions which moved him. He could not take the measure of his grief; + it was too wide and too painful. He might have said with Heine: “Go, + prepare me a bier of strong wood, longer than the bridge at Mayence, and + bring twelve giants stronger than the vigorous St. Christopher of Cologne + Cathedral on the Rhine;—they will carry the coffin and fling it in + the sea,—so large a coffin needs a large grave! Would you know why + the bier must be so long and large? With myself, I lay there at the same + time all my love and my sorrow!” + </p> + <p> + Sovereignty,—a throne,—a kingdom,—even an Empire—seemed + poor without love to grace them. Had he never known the pure ideal + passion, he would still have missed it;—but having known it—having + felt its power environing him day and night with a holy and spiritual + tenderness, he could not but follow it when it was withdrawn—follow + it, ay, even into the realms of blackest night! Like the ‘Pilgrim of + Love,’ delineated by one of the greatest painters in the world, he recked + nothing of the darkness closing in,—of the pain and bewilderment of + the road, which could only lead to interminable, inexplicable mystery;—he + felt the hand of the great Angel upon him—the Angel of Love whom + alone he cared to serve,—and if Love’s way led to Death, why then + Death would be surely as sweet as Love! A great and almost divine calm had + taken possession of him from the moment he had fulfilled his intention of + boarding the ship which carried away from him all that was mortal of the + woman he had secretly idolised. The wild turbulence of Nature around him + had only intensified his perfect content. He had pleased himself by taking + care of the sleeping Lotys—such tender care! He had tried to shield + her coffin from the onslaughts of the fierce waves; he had protected many + of the funeral flowers from destruction, and had lifted the gold fringe of + the purple pall many and many a time out of the drenching spray cast over + it. There was a strange delight in doing this. Lotys knew! That was his + chief reflection. And ‘on the other side of Death,’ as she had said, they + would meet—and to that ‘other side’ they were sailing together with + all the speed Heaven’s own forces could give to their journey. Oh, that + ‘other side’! What brightness, what peace, what glory, what mutual + comprehension, what deep and perfect and undisturbed love would be found + there! He smiled as he watched the swollen and angry sea,—the rising + billows shouldering each other and bearing each other down;—how much + grander, how much more spiritual and near to God, he thought, was this + conflict of the elements, than the petty wars of men!—their desires + of conquest, their greed of gold, their thirst for temporal power! + </p> + <p> + “My Lotys!” he said aloud; “You knew the world! You knew the littleness of + worldly ambition! You knew that there is only one thing worth living and + dying for, and that is Love! Your heart was all love, my Lotys! Deprived + of love for yourself, you gave all you had to those who needed it, and + when you found my love for you might do me harm in the People’s honour, + you sacrificed your life! Alas, my Lotys! If you could but have realised + that through you, and the love of you, I a King, who had long missed my + vocation, could alone be truly worthy of sovereignty!” + </p> + <p> + He laid his hand on her coffin with a tender touch, as though to soothe + its quiet occupant. + </p> + <p> + “My beloved!” he said, “We shall meet very soon!—very soon now! ‘on + the other side of death’—and God will understand,—and be + pitiful!” + </p> + <p> + The storm now seemed to be at its height. The monstrous waves, as they + arose to combat the frail vessel in her swift career, made a bellowing + clamour, and once or twice the ship reeled and staggered, as though about + to lurch forward and go under. But the King felt no fear,—no horror + of his approaching fate. He watched the wild scene with interest, even + with appreciation,—as an artist or painter might watch the changes + in a landscape which he purposes immortalising. His past life appeared to + him like a picture in a magic crystal,—blurred and uncertain,—a + mist of shapes without decided meaning or colour. He thought of the + beautiful cold Queen, his wife,—and wondered whether she would weep + for his loss. + </p> + <p> + “Not she!”—and he almost smiled at the idea—“Perhaps there + will be a ballad written about it—and she will listen, unchanged, + unmoved—as she listened that night when her minstrels sang: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ‘We shall drift along till we both grow old + Looking back on the days that have passed us by, + When “what might have been,” can no longer be, + When I lost you and you lost me!’ +</pre> + <p> + That was a quaint song—and a true one! She will not weep!” + </p> + <p> + Then he went over in memory the various scenes of his life—brilliant, + useless, and without results—when he was Heir-Apparent;—he + thought of his two young sons, Rupert and Cyprian, who were as indifferent + to him as young foals to their sire,—and anon, his mind turned more + tenderly to his eldest-born, Prince Humphry, and the fair girl he had so + boldly wedded,—the happy twain, who, returning homeward, would find + the Throne ready for their occupancy, and a whole nation waiting to + welcome them. + </p> + <p> + “God bless them both!” he said aloud, lifting his calm eyes to the wild + heavens—“They have the one shield and buckler against all misfortune—Love! + And I thank God that I have not the sin upon my conscience of having + broken that shield away from them; or of having forced their young lives + asunder! Wiser than I, they took their own way and kept it!—may they + so keep it always!” + </p> + <p> + Then a thought of ‘the People’ came to him—the People who had + latterly taken to idolising him, and making of him a hero greater than any + monarch whose deeds have ever been glorified since history began. + </p> + <p> + “They will forget!” he said—“Nowadays Nations have short memories! + Battles and conquests, defeats and victories pass over the national mind + as rapidly and changefully as the clouds are flying over the sky to-night!—the + People remember neither their disgraces nor their triumphs in the life of + individual Self which absorbs each little unit. Their idolatry of one + monarch quickly changes to their idolatry of another! I shall perhaps be + regretted for six months as my father was—and then—consigned + with my ancestors to oblivion! Nothing so beautiful or so gladdening to + the heart of a Monarch as the love of his People!—but—at the + same time—nothing so changeable or uncertain as such love!—nothing + so purely temporal! And nothing so desperately sad, so irremediably tragic + as the death of kings!” + </p> + <p> + Rapidly he reviewed the situation—the new Ministry, the new + Government members were elected—and business would begin again + immediately after the Crown Prince’s return. All the reforms he had been + prepared to carry out, would be effected,—and then would come the + new King’s Coronation. What a dazzling picture of resplendent beauty would + be seen in Gloria, robed and crowned! His heart beat rapidly at the mere + contemplation of it. For himself he had no thought—save to realise + that the strange manner of his disappearance from his kingdom would + probably only awaken a sense of resentment in ‘society,’ and a vague + superstition among the masses, who would for a long time cling to the + belief that he was not dead, but that like King Arthur he had only gone to + the ‘island valley of Avillion’ to “heal him of his grievous wound,”—from + which deep vale of rest he would return, rejoicing in his strength again. + Sergius Thord would know the truth—for to Sergius Thord he had + written the truth. And the letter would reach him this very night—this + night of his last earthly voyage. + </p> + <p> + “When his great sorrow has abated,” he said, “he too will forget! He has + all his work to do—all his career to make—and he will make it + well and nobly! Even for his sake, and for his future, it is well that I + am gone—for if he ever came to know,—if he were to guess even + remotely, through Zouche’s ravings, or some other means, the reason why + Lotys killed herself, he would hate me,—and with justice! He loves + the People—he will serve their Cause better than I!” + </p> + <p> + The moon stared whitely out of a cloud just then,—and to his + amazement and awe, he suddenly perceived the black shadow of a man lifting + itself slowly, slowly from the hold of the ship, like a massive bulk, or + ghost in the gloom. Unable to imagine what this might be, or how any other + human creature save himself would venture to sail with the dead on a + voyage whose end could be but destruction, he advanced a step towards that + looming shape, and started back with a cry, as he recognised the very man + he had been thinking of—Sergius Thord! + </p> + <p> + “Sergius!” he cried aghast. + </p> + <p> + “King!” and Thord looked scarcely human in the pale fleeting moonbeams, as + he too stared in half-maddened wonder at the face and form of a companion + on this dread journey such as he had never expected to see. “What do you + here in the midst of the sea and the storm? You should be at home!—playing + the fool in your Palace!—giving audiences on your throne!—you—you + have no right to die with Lotys, whom I loved!” + </p> + <p> + “With Lotys whom you loved!” echoed the King; “You loved her—true! + But I loved her more!” + </p> + <p> + “You lie!” said Thord, furiously; “No man—no King,—no Emperor + of all the world, could ever have loved Lotys as I loved her! These great + waves waiting to devour us—dead and living together—are not + more insatiate in their passion for us than I in my passion for Lotys! I + loved her!—and when she scorned me—when she rejected me,—when + she openly confessed that she loved you—the King—what remained + for her but death! Death, rather than dishonour at your Royal hands, Sir!” + And he laughed fiercely—a laugh with the ring of madness in it. “I + rescued her as a child from starvation and misery—and so I may say I + gave her her life. What I gave, I took again—I had the right to take + it! I would not see her shamed by you—dishonoured by you—branded + by you!—I did the only thing left to me to save her from you—I + killed her!” + </p> + <p> + With a loud cry the King, no longer so much king as man, with every + passion roused, sprang at him. + </p> + <p> + “You killed her? Oh, treacherous devil! They said she killed herself!” + </p> + <p> + “Hands off!” cried Thord, suddenly pointing a pistol at him; “I will shoot + you as readily as I shot her if you touch me! She killed herself you + think? Oh, yes—in a strange way! Her last words were: ‘Say I did it + myself! Tell the King I did it myself!’ A lie! All women are fond of + lying. But her lie was to protect Me! Her last thought was for my defence,—not + yours! Her last wish was to save Me, not you!—King though you are—lover + though you craved to be! I say I murdered her! This is my Day of Fate,—the + day on which it seems that Heaven itself has drawn lots with me to kill a + King! Why did I ever relax my hate of you? It was inborn in me—a + part of me,—my very life, the utmost portion of my work! I called + you friend;—I curse myself that I ever did so!—for from the + first you were my enemy—my rival in the love of Lotys! What did I + care for the People? What did you? We were both at one in the love of the + same woman! And now I am here to die with her alone! Alone, I say—do + you hear me? I will be alone with her to the last—you shall not + share with us in our sea burial! I will die beside her,—all, all + alone!—and drift out with her to the darkness of the grave, to meet + my fate with her—always with her,—whether her spirit lead me + to Hell or to Heaven!” + </p> + <p> + His insensate frenzy was so desperate, so terrible, that by its very force + the strange mental composure of the King became intensified. Quietly + folding his arms, he took his stand by the coffin of the dead in silence. + The dashing spray that leaped at the masts of the vessel,—the wind + that scooped up the billows into higher and higher pinnacles of emerald + green, might have been soundless and powerless, for all he seemed to hear + or to heed. + </p> + <p> + “Why are you with us?” cried Thord again—“How came you on this ship, + where I thought I had hidden myself alone with her, voyaging to Death? + Could you not have left her to me?—you who have a throne and kingdom—I, + to whom she was all my life!” + </p> + <p> + “I came—as you have come”—answered the King—“to die with + her—or rather not to die, but to find Life with her! She loved me!” + </p> + <p> + With a savage curse, Thord raised the pistol he held. The King looked him + full in the eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Take good aim, Sergius!” he said tranquilly—“For here between us + lies Lotys—the silent witness of your deed! Go hence, if you must, + with two murders on your soul! There is no escape from death for either + you or me, take it how we may;—and I care not at all how I meet it, + whether at your hands or in the waves of the sea! Give me the same death + you gave to Lotys! I ask no better end! For so at least shall we meet more + quickly!” + </p> + <p> + Half choked with his fury, Thord looked at him with fixed and glassy eyes. + He was jealous of death!—jealous that death should of itself seem to + reunite Lotys and the man she had loved more closely together! Standing + erect by the purple pall that covered the one woman of the world to them + both, the King looked ‘every inch a king,’—the incarnation of pride, + love, resolve and courage. With a sudden wild-beast cry, Thord sprang at + him and caught his arm with one hand, the pistol grasped in the other. + </p> + <p> + “Too near!” he gasped; “You shall not stand too near her!—you shall + not die so close to her!—you shall not have the barest chance of + resting where she sleeps!” + </p> + <p> + He fell back, as the King’s calm eyes regarded him steadfastly, + imperiously, almost commandingly, without a trace of fear. He trembled. + </p> + <p> + “Do not look so!” he muttered; “I cannot kill you!—not if you look + so!—” + </p> + <p> + Raising the pistol, he took apparent aim. The King stood unmoved, only + murmuring softly to himself: ‘On the other side of Death, my Lotys!—On + the other side!’ + </p> + <p> + There was a loud report, a crash in his ears—then—as he + staggered back, stunned by the shock, he saw that he was untouched, + unhurt. Thord had turned the pistol against his own breast, and reeling + backward, with a last supreme effort, dragged his sinking body to the + vessel’s edge. + </p> + <p> + “God save your Majesty!” he cried wildly; “Tell Lotys I did it myself! God + knows that is true!” + </p> + <p> + The wild waves, clambering up over the deck rushed at him, and an enormous + foam-crested billow, higher and stronger than all the rest, beat at the + mast of the vessel and snapped it in twain. It came down, dragging the + sail with it in a tangle of cordage, and with that sail the name of + ‘Lotys’ inscribed upon it was whirled furiously out to sea. The body of + the vessel, now netted in a mass of ropes and rigging, began to roll + helplessly in the trough of the waves, and the corpse of Thord, sinking + under it as it plunged, was swept away like a leaf in the storm! Gone, his + wild heart and wilder brain!—gone his restless ambition,—gone + his unsatisfied love—his fierce passions, his glimmerings of a noble + nature which if trained and guided, might have worked to noblest ends. + Like many would-be leaders of men, he could not lead himself—like + many who seek to control law, and revolutionise the world, he had been + unable to master his own desperate soul. He was not the first,—he + will not be the last,—who for purely personal ends has sought to + ‘serve the People’! The disinterested, the impersonal and unselfish Leader + has yet to come,—and if he ever does come, it is more than probable + that those for whom he gives his life, will be the first to crucify his + soul, and cry ‘Thou hast a devil!’ + </p> + <p> + Death was now sole commander of the ocean that night! And the King of a + mere little earth-country, realised to the full that he stood irrevocably + face to face with the last great Enemy of Empires. Yet never had he looked + more truly imperial,—never more superbly the incarnation of life! A + mighty exultation began to stir within him—a consciousness that he, + despite all the terrors of the grave, would still come forth the + conqueror! The waves, leaping at him, were friends, not foes,—the + moon shedding ghostly glamours on the watery wilderness, smiled as though + she knew that he would soon be a partaker in the secrets of all Nature, + and solve the mystery of existence,—there was a singing in his ears + as of voices triumphant, which swelled with the passion of a mighty + anthem,—and with the quietest mind and calmest brain he found + himself musing on life and death as if he were already a witness apart, of + their strange phenomena. Thord’s appearance on the same ship in which he + and Lotys were passengers, seemed to him quite simple and natural,—Thord’s + death moved him to a certain grave compassion,—but the whole swift + circumstance had been so dreamlike, that he had no time to think of it, or + regret it,—and the only active consciousness his mind held was that + he and Lotys were journeying to ‘the other side’;—that ‘other side’ + which he now felt so near and sure, that he could almost declare he saw + the living presence of the woman he loved arisen from the dead and + standing near him! + </p> + <p> + The ocean widened out interminably, and he saw, looking ahead, a great + heap of gigantic billows, leaping, sparkling, tossing, climbing over each + other in the fitful light of the moon, like huge sea-monsters waiting to + devour and engulf him. He smiled as he felt the yielding craft on which he + stood swirl towards those breakers, and begin to part asunder,—so + would he have smiled on a battlefield facing his foes, and fronted with + fiery cannon! The glory of Empire,—the splendour of Sovereignty,—the + pride and panoply of Temporal Power! How infinitely trivial seemed all + these compared with the mighty force of a resistless love! How slight the + boasted ‘supremacy’ of man with his laws and creeds, matched against the + wrath of the conflicting sea,—the sure and swift approach of + inexorable Death! Under the depths of the ocean which this ruler of a + kingdom traversed for the last time, lay a lost Continent,—fallen + dynasties—forgotten civilisations, wonderful and endless—kings + and queens and heroes once famous—and now as blotted out of memory + as though they had never been! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “If thou could’st see a thousand fathoms down, + Thou would’st behold ‘mid rock and shingle brown— + The shapeless wreck of temple, tower and town,— + The bones of Empires sleeping their last sleep, + Their names as dead as if they never bore + Crown or dominion!” + </pre> + <p> + With keen and watchful eyes he measured the swiftly lessening distance + between him and the glittering, tumbling whirlpool of waves—he felt + the weight of the wind bearing against the drifting vessel—the end + was very near! Standing by the dead Lotys, he prayed silently—prayed + strangely,—in words borrowed from no Church formula, but as they + came, straight from his heart—prayed that God might not be a Dream—that + Love might not be a Snare—and Death might not be an End! So do we + all pray when the last dread moment of dissolution comes—when no + priest’s can comfort us—and when the greatest King in the world is + but a poor ordinary human soul, ignorant and forlorn, shuddering on the + verge of eternal Judgment! + </p> + <p> + A mountainous billow broke over the deck, half stunning him with the shock + of its cold onslaught, and sweeping the coffin of Lotys almost over the + edge of the vessel. He threw himself beside that dreary casket, fastening + his own body with strong rope knotted many times, to its heavy leaden + mass, resolved to sink with it painlessly, and without a struggle. So,—in + perfect passiveness,—he awaited his end. Suddenly,—as if a + bell had chimed in the distance, or a voice had sung some old familiar + song in his ears,—he saw, clearly visioned in all the flying spray + of the tempest a face!—not the face of Lotys—but a soft, + childish, piteous little countenance, framed in curling tendrils of hair, + with trusting sweet eyes, raised to his own in holiest, simplest + confidence! So pure, so fair a face!—so pathetically loving!—where + had he seen it before? All at once he remembered,—and sprang up with + a sharp cry of pain. Why, why had this frail ghost of the past flown out + of the darkness of sea and storm to confront him now? The ghost of his + first young love!—the clinging, fond, credulous creature who had + gone to her death uncomplainingly for his sake—with only the one + little cry of farewell—‘My love! Forgive me!’ Why should he think of + her?—why should he see her before him at this supreme moment when + Death stared him in the face, and his spirit hovered on the edge of + Infinity? “Vengeance is mine!—I will repay, saith the Lord!” His + first love!—so lightly won—so cruelly betrayed! Tears rushed + to his eyes,—he thought of the wrong done to a perfectly pure and + blameless life—a wrong he had forgotten in all these years—till + now! + </p> + <p> + “Oh God!” he cried aloud—“Forgive me! Forgive my weakness, my + selfishness, my many wasted years! Let not her face forever come between + thy redeeming Angel, Lotys, and my soul!” + </p> + <p> + The tumultuous breakers rushing now with a great swoop at the vessel, + snatched and tore at him. He nerved himself to look again,—once + again, and for the last time, across the great wilderness of warring + waters! The moon now shone brightly,—the clouds were parting on + either side of her, rolling up in huge masses, white and glistening as + Alpine peaks of snow—the wind had not lessened, and the fury of the + sea was still unabated. But the fair childish face had vanished,—and + only the clear salt spray dashed in his eyes and blinded them,—only + the salt waves clambered round him, drawing him towards them in a cold + embrace! + </p> + <p> + “‘On the other side,’ my Lotys!” he said—“God be merciful to us + both!—‘on the other side’!” + </p> + <p> + For one moment the breaking vessel paused shudderingly on the edge of the + seething whirlpool of waves, which, meeting in a centre of tidal + commotion, leaped at her, and began steadily to suck her down. For one + moment the moonbeams fell purely on the calm upturned face of the King, + who like others allied to him in kingship throughout history, had esteemed + mere sovereignty valueless at the cost of Love! For kings,—though + surrounded with flatterers and sycophants who seek to make them imagine + themselves somewhat more than human,—are but men, with all men’s + vain sins and passions, mad weaknesses and wild dreams; and when they + love, they love as foolishly as commoners,—and when they die, as die + they must, there is no difference in the actual way of death than is known + to a pauper. More gold and purple on the one side,—more straw and + sackcloth on the other,—but the solemnity and equality of Death + itself, is the same in both. And as this dying King well knew, the People + care little who governs them, provided bread is cheap, and labour well + paid. He is greatest who gives them most,—and he is the most + applauded who allows them the most liberty of action! The personality, the + complex nature, the character, the temptations, the mind-sufferings of a + King, as man merely, are less than nothing to the multitude who run to + follow and to cheer him. If he were once to complain, he would be + condemned;—and if he asked from his crowding flatterers the bread of + sympathy, they would give him but a stone! + </p> + <p> + The moon smiled—the stars flashed fitfully through the clouds,—and + all through the length and breadth of ocean there seemed to come the sound + of a great psalmody, rising and filling the air. It surged on the King’s + ears, as with hands clasped on the drenched lilies strewn over the + sleeping Lotys, he welcomed the coming Unveiling of the Beyond! And then—the + waters rose up, and caught living and dead together, and dragged them down + with a triumphal rush and roar,—down, down to that grand + Unconsciousness,—that sublime Pause in the chain of existence,—that + longer Sleep, from which we shall wake refreshed and strong again,—ready + to learn Where we have failed, Why we have loved, and How we have lost. + But of things temporal there shall be no duration,—neither + Sovereignty nor Supremacy, nor Power; only Love, which makes weak the + strongest, and governs the proudest;—and of things eternal we know + naught save that Love, always Love, is still the centre of the Universe, + and that even to redeem the sins of the world, God Himself could find no + surer way than through Love, born of Woman into Life. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + Days passed,—and angry Ocean gradually smoothed out its frowning + furrows, spreading a surface darkly-blue and peaceful, under a cloudless + arch of sky. And one night,—when the moon, like a golden cup in + heaven, emptied her sparkling wine of radiance over the gently heaving + waves, a fair ship speeding swiftly with all the force of steam and sail, + with flags fluttering from every mast, and sounds of music echoing from + her lighted saloons, came flying over the billows like a glorious + white-winged bird soaring to its home on an errand of joy. On her deck + stood Gloria,—happily ignorant of all calamity,—watching with + dreamy, thoughtful eyes the lessening lengths of sea between her and the + land she loved. The Crown Prince, her husband,—now King, though he + knew it not,—stood beside her;—his handsome face brightened by + a smile which expressed his heart’s elation, his soul’s deep peace and + inward content. Naught knew these wedded lovers of the strange reception + awaiting them; of the half-mourning, half-rejoicing people,—of + national flags suddenly veiled in crape,—of black funeral-streamers + set distractedly amidst gay bridal garlands;—of a widowed Queen, + broken-hearted and despairing, weeping vainly for the love she had so long + misprized, and had learned too late to value,—of a Crown resigned,—of + the lost Majesty and hero of a nation’s idolatry;—of the death of + Ronsard, and the inexplicable disappearance of the famous Socialist + leader, Sergius Thord,—and of all the strange and tragic history of + vanished lives, even to that of Sir Roger de Launay whom no man ever saw + again,—which it fell to their faithful friend, Heinrich von Glauben + to relate, with passionate grief and many tears. They knew nothing. They + only saw home and the future before them, shining in bright hues of hope + and promise; for Love was with them,—and through Love alone—love + for the nation, love for the people, love for each other,—they + purposed, God willing, to faithfully fulfil whatever destiny might be + theirs, whether fortunate or disastrous! Thus minded, they could see no + evil in the world,—no mischief,—no ominous crossings of Fate,—they + had all earth and all heaven in each other! And the gay ship bearing them + onward, danced over the smiling, singing, siren waves, as if she too had a + human heart to feel and rejoice!—and in her swift course swept + lightly over the very spot, now tranquil and radiant, where but a short + while since, the body of Lotys had gone down, companioned by the King. + Gloria leaning over the deck-rail looked dreamily into the sparkling + water. + </p> + <p> + “The storm we met has left no trace!” she said; “It was but a passing + hurricane!” + </p> + <p> + Her husband came to her side, and they stood together in silence. Sweet + harmonies floating upwards from the saloon below, where a company of + musicians and singers were stationed to charm the evenings of the Royal + pair with ‘sounds more dulcet than Heaven’s own dulcimers’ held them + attentive. The tender tones of an undetermined melody rose and fell on the + quiet air,—they listened, drawing closer and closer to each other, + till it seemed as if but one heart beat between them,—as if but one + Soul aspired,—Archangel-like,—from their two lives to Heaven! + And Gloria, with a sigh of perfect happiness, murmured softly,— + </p> + <p> + “How beautiful the night! How calm the sea!” + </p> + <p> + So sped they onward,—with Love to steer them; with Love to bring + them safely through the brief cloud of sorrow and wonder hanging over the + kingdom to which they wended,—with Love to guide their lives through + all difficulty and danger, and to give them all the good that Love alone + can give! For whether the days be dark or bright,—whether tempest + fills the air, or sunshine illumines the sky,—whether we are + followed with fair blessing from friends, or pursued with the hate, envy + and slander of injurious foes,—whether we drown by choice in + tempestuous waters of passion, or float securely to the shores of peace,—whether + our ships are bound for Death or for Life, we are safe in the hands of + Love! And in the midst of what the world deems storm and wreckage, we can + gaze into the deeper depths of God’s meaning with trustful eyes, and sail + on our voyage fearlessly,—on, even to the Grave and beyond it!—for + with Love at the helm, how beautiful is the Night!—how calm the Sea! + </p> + <h3> + THE END + </h3> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Temporal Power, by Marie Corelli + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TEMPORAL POWER *** + +***** This file should be named 6921-h.htm or 6921-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/6/9/2/6921/ + + +Text file produced by Charles Adarondo and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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