A VISIT TO THE CASTLE
Mr. Blithers indeed experienced plain sailing for the ensuing twenty
hours. It was not until just before he set forth at two the next
afternoon to attend, by special appointment, a meeting of the cabinet
in the council chamber at the Castle that he encountered the first
symptom of squalls ahead.
He had sent his secretary to the Castle with a brief note suggesting an
early conference. It naturally would be of an informal character, as
there was no present business before them. The contracts had already
been signed by the government and by his authorised agents. So far as
the loan was concerned there was nothing more to be said. Everything
was settled. True, it was still necessary to conform to a certain
custom by having the Prince affix his signature to the contract over
the Great Seal of State, but as he previously had signed an agreement
in New York this brief act was of a more or less perfunctory nature.
The deposit of bonds by the state and its people would follow in course
of time, as prescribed by contract, and Mr. Blithers was required to
place in the Bank of Graustark, on such and such a date, the sum of
three million pounds sterling. Everybody was satisfied with the terms
of the contract. Mr. Blithers was to get what really amounted to nearly
nine percent on a gilt-edged investment, and Graustark was to preserve
its integrity and retain its possessions.
There was a distant cloud on the financial horizon, however, a vague
shadow at present,--but prophetic of storm. It was perfectly clear to
the nobles that when these bonds matured, Mr. Blithers would be in a
position to exact payment, and as they matured in twelve years from
date he was likely to be pretty much alive and kicking when the hour of
reckoning arrived.
Mr. Blithers was in the mood to be amiable. He anticipated considerable
pleasure in visiting the ancient halls of his prospective
grandchildren. During the forenoon he had taken a motor ride about the
city with Mrs. Blithers, accompanied by a guide who created history for
them with commendable glibness and some veracity, and pointed out the
homes of great personages as well as the churches, monuments and
museums. He also told them in a confidential undertone that the Prince
was expected to marry a beautiful American girl and that the people
were enchanted with the prospect! That sly bit of information realised
ten dollars for him at the end of the trip, aside from his customary
fee.
The first shock to the placidity of Mr. Blithers came with the brief
note in reply to his request for an informal conference. The Lord
Chamberlain curtly informed him that the Cabinet would be in session at
two and would be pleased to grant him an audience of half an hour,
depending on his promptness in appearing.
Mr. Blithers was not accustomed to being granted audiences. He had got
into the habit of having them thrust upon him. It irritated him
tremendously to have any one measure time for him. Why, even the
President of the United States, the Senate, or the District Attorney in
New York couldn't do _that_ for him. And here was a whipper-snapper
Lord Chamberlain telling him that the Cabinet would grant him
half-an-hour! He managed to console himself, however, with the thought
that matters would not always be as they were at present. There would
be a decided change of tune later on.
It would be folly to undertake the depiction of Mr. Blithers' first
impressions of the Castle and its glories, both inside out. To begin
with, he lost no small amount of his assurance when he discovered that
the great gates in the wall surrounding the park were guarded by
resplendent dragoons who politely demanded his "pass." After the
officer in charge had inspected the Lord Chamberlain's card as if he
had never seen one before, he ceremoniously indicated to a warden that
the gates were to be opened. There was a great clanking of chains, the
drawing of iron bolts, the whirl of a windlass, and the ponderous gates
swung slowly ajar.
Mr. Blithers caught his breath--and from that instant until he found
himself crossing the great hall in the wake of an attendant delegated
to conduct him to the council chamber his sensations are not to be
described. It is only necessary to say that he was in a reverential
condition, and that is saying a great deal for Mr. Blithers. A certain
bombastic confidence in himself gave way to mellow timidity. He was in
a new world. He was cognisant of a distinct sensation of awe. His
ruthless Wall Street tread became a mincing, uncertain shuffle; he
could not conquer the absurd notion that he ought to tip-toe his way
about these ancient halls with their thick, velvety rugs and whispering
shadows.
Everywhere about him was pomp, visible and invisible. It was in the
great stairway, the vaulted ceilings, the haughty pillars, over all of
which was the sheen of an age that surpassed his comprehension. Rigid
servitors watched his progress through the vast spaces--men with grim,
unsmiling faces. He knew, without seeing, that this huge pile was alive
with noble lords and ladies: The court! Gallantry and beauty to mock
him with their serene indifference!
Somewhere in this great house beautiful women were idling, or feasting,
or dreaming. He was conscious of their presence all about him, and
shrank slightly as he wondered if they were scrutinising his ungainly
person. He was suddenly ashamed of his tight-fitting cut-a-way coat and
striped trousers. Really he ought to get a new suit! These garments
were much too small for him.
Were ironic eyes taking in the fresh creases in those New York
trousers? Were they regarding his shimmering patent leather shoes with
an intelligence that told them that he was in pain? Were they wondering
how much he weighed and why he didn't unbutton his coat when he must
have known that it would look better if it didn't pinch him so tightly
across the chest? Above all things, were they smiling at the corpulent
part of him that preceded the rest of his body, clad in an immaculate
waistcoat? He never had felt so conspicuous in his life, nor so certain
that he was out of place.
Coming in due time--and with a grateful heart--to a small ante-chamber,
he was told to sit down and wait. He sat down very promptly. In any
other house he would have sauntered around, looking at the emblems,
crests and shields that hung upon the walls. But now he sat and
wondered. He wondered whether this could be William W. Blithers. Was
this one of the richest men in the world--this fellow sitting here with
his hands folded tightly across his waistcoat? He was forced to admit
that it was and at the same time it wasn't.
The attendant returned and he was ushered into a second chamber, at the
opposite end of which was a large, imposing door--closed. Beside this
door stood a slim, erect figure in the red, blue and gold uniform of an
officer of the Castle guard. As Mr. Blithers approached this rigid
figure, he recognised a friend and a warm glow pervaded his heart.
There could be no mistaking the smart moustache and supercilious
eye-brows. It was Lieutenant Dank.
"How do you do?" said Mr. Blithers. "Glad to see you again." His voice
sounded unnatural. He extended his hand.
Dank gave him a ceremonious salute, bowed slightly but without a smile,
and then threw open the door.
"Mr. Blithers, my lords," he announced, and stood aside to let the
stranger in a strange land pass within.
A number of men were seated about a long table in the centre of this
imposing chamber. No one arose as Mr. Blithers entered the room and
stopped just inside the door. He heard it close gently behind him. He
was at a loss for the first time in his life. He didn't know whether he
was to stop just inside the door fingering his hat like a messenger
boy, or go forward and join the group. His gaze fell upon a huge oaken
chair at the far end of the table. It was the only unoccupied seat that
came within the scope of his rather limited vision. He could not see
anything beyond the table and the impassive group that surrounded it.
Was it possible that the big chair was intended for him? If so, how
small and insignificant he would look upon it. He had a ghastly notion
that his feet would not touch the floor, and he went so far as to
venture the hope that there would be a substantial round somewhere
about midway from the bottom.
He had appeared before the inquisitorial committees in the United
States Senate, and had not been oppressed by the ponderous gravity of
the investigation. He had faced the Senators without a tremor of awe.
He had even regarded them with a confidence, equal if not superior to
their own. But now he faced a calm, impassive group of men who seemed
to strip him down to the flesh with a cool, piercing interest, and who
were in no sense impressed by what they saw.
Despite his nervousness he responded to the life long habit of
calculation. He counted the units in the group in a single, rapid
glance, and found that there were eleven. Eleven lords of the realm!
Eleven stern, dignified, unsmiling strangers to the arrogance of
William W. Blithers! Something told him at once that he could not spend
an informal half-hour with them. Grim, striking, serious visages, all
of them! The last hope for his well-fed American humour flickered and
died. He knew that it would never do to regale them in an informal
off-hand way--as he had planned--with examples of native wit.
Reverting to the precise moment of his entrance to the Castle, we find
Mr. Blithers saying to himself that there wasn't the slightest use in
even hoping that he might be invited to transfer his lodgings from the
Regengetz to the Royal bed-chambers. The chance of being invited to
dine there seemed to dwindle as well. While he sat and waited in the
first antechamber he even experienced strange misgivings in respect to
parental privileges later on.
After what appeared to him to be an interminable length of time, but in
reality no more than a few seconds, a tall man arose from his seat and
advanced with outstretched hand. Mr. Blithers recognised Count Quinnox,
the Minister of War. He shook that friendly hand with a fervour that
must have surprised the Count. Never in all his life had he been so
glad to see any one.
"How are you, my lord," said the king of finance, fairly meek with
gratefulness.
"Excellently well, Mr. Blithers," returned the Count. "And you?"
"Never better, never better," said Mr. Blithers, again pumping the
Count's hand up and down--with even greater heartiness than before.
"Glad to see you. Isn't it a pleasant day? I was telling Mrs. Blithers
this morning that I'd never seen a pleasanter day. We--"
"Let me introduce you to my colleagues, Mr. Blithers," interrupted the
Count.
"Happy, I'm sure," mumbled Mr. Blithers. To save his life, he couldn't
tell what had got into him. He had never acted like this before.
The Count was mentioning the names of dukes, counts and barons, and Mr.
Blithers was bowing profoundly to each in turn. No one offered to shake
hands with him, although each rose politely, even graciously. They even
smiled. He remembered that very well afterwards. They smiled kindly,
almost benignly. He suddenly realised what had got into him. It was
respect.
"A chair, Franz," said the white haired, gaunt man who was called Baron
Romano. "Will you sit here, Mr. Blithers? Pray forgive our delay in
admitting you. We were engaged in a rather serious discussion over--"
"Oh, that's all right," said Mr. Blithers, magnanimously. "Am I
interfering with any important business, gent--my lords? If so, just--"
"Not at all, Mr. Blithers. Pray be seated."
"Sure I'm not taking any one's seat?"
"A secretary's, sir. He can readily find another."
Mr. Blithers sat down. He was rather pleased to find that the big chair
was not meant for him. A swift intuition told him that it was reserved
for the country's ruler.
"The Prince signed the contracts just before you arrived, Mr.
Blithers," said Baron Romano. "The seal has been affixed to each of the
documents, and your copy is ready for delivery at any time."
Mr. Blithers recovered himself slightly. "You may send it to the hotel,
Baron, at any time to-morrow. My lawyers will have a look at it." Then
he made haste to explain: "Not that it is really necessary, but just as
a matter of form. Besides, it gives the lawyers something to do." He
sent an investigating glance around the room.
"The Prince has retired," said the Baron, divining the thought. "He
does not remain for the discussions." Glancing at the huge old clock
above the door, the Prime Minister assumed a most business-like air.
"It will doubtless gratify you to know that three-fourths of the bonds
have been deposited, Mr. Blithers, and the remainder will be gathered
in during the week. Holders living in remote corners of our country
have not as yet been able to reach us with their securities. A week
will give them sufficient time, will it not, Count Lazzar?"
"I may safely say that all the bonds will be in our hands by next
Tuesday at the latest," said the Minister of the Treasury. He was a
thin, ascetic man; his keen eyes were fixed rather steadily upon Mr.
Blithers. After a moment's pause, he went on: "We are naturally
interested in your extensive purchases of our outstanding bonds, Mr.
Blithers. I refer to the big blocks you have acquired in London, Paris
and Berlin."
"Want to know what I bought them for?" inquired Mr. Blithers amiably.
"We have wondered not a little at your readiness to invest such a
fortune in our securities."
"Well, there you have it. Investment, that's all. Your credit is sound,
and your resources unquestioned, your bonds gilt-edge. I am glad of the
opportunity to take a few dollars out of Wall Street uncertainties and
put 'em into something absolutely certain. Groo--Gras--er--Groostock
bonds are pretty safe things to have lying in a safety vault in these
times of financial unrest. They create a pretty solid fortune for my
family,--that is to say, for my daughter and her children. A sensible
business man,--and I claim to be one,--looks ahead, my lords. Railroads
are all right as long as you are alive and can run them yourself. It's
after you are dead that they fail to do what is expected of them. New
fingers get into the pie, and you never can tell what they'll pull out
in their greediness. I cannot imagine anything safer in the shape of an
investment than the bonds of a nation that has a debt of less than
fifty million dollars. As a citizen of a republic whose national debt
is nearly a billion, I confess that I can't see how you've managed so
well."
"We are so infinitesimal, Mr. Blithers, that I daresay we could be lost
in the smallest of your states," said Baron Romano, with a smile.
"Rhode Island is pretty small," Mr. Blithers informed him, without a
smile.
"It is most gratifying to Graustark to know that you value our
securities so highly as a legacy," said Count Lazzar, suavely. "May I
venture the hope, however, that your life may be prolonged beyond the
term of their existence? They expire in a very few years--a dozen, in
fact."
"Oh, I think I can hang on that long," said Mr. Blithers, a little more
at ease. He was saying to himself that these fellows were not so bad,
after all. "Still one never knows. I may be dead in a year. My
daughter--but, of course, you will pardon me if I don't go into my
private affairs. I fear I have already said too much."
"On the contrary, sir, we are all only too willing to be edified. The
workings of an intelligence such as jours cannot fail to be of interest
to us who are so lacking in the power to cope with great undertakings.
I confess to a selfish motive in asking you about your methods
of--er--investment," said the Minister of Finance. Mr. Blithers failed
to see that he was shrewdly being led up to a matter that was of more
importance to Graustark just then than anything along financial lines.
"I am only too willing, my lords, to give you the benefit of my
experience. Any questions that you may care to ask, I'll be glad to
answer to the best of my ability. It is only natural that I should take
a great personal interest in Graustock from now on. I want to see the
country on the boom. I want to see it taking advantage of all the
opportunities that--er--come its way. There may be a few pointers that
William W. Blithers can give you in respect to your railways and
mines--and your general policy, perhaps. I hope you won't hesitate
about asking."
The Prime Minister tapped reflectively upon the table-top with his
fingers for a moment or two.
"Thank you," he said. "We are at this very moment in something of a
quandary in respect to the renewal of a treaty with one of our
neighbours. For the past twenty years we have been in alliance with our
next door neighbours, Axphain on the north and Dawsbergen on the south
and east. The triple alliance will end this year unless renewed. Up to
the present our relations have been most amiable. Axphain stands ready
to extend our mutual protective agreement for another term of years,
but Dawsbergen is lukewarm and inclined to withdraw. When you become
better acquainted with the politics of our country you will understand
how regrettable such an action on the part of a hitherto friendly
government will be."
"What's the grievance?" inquired Mr. Blithers, bluntly. He was edging
into familiar waters now. "What's the matter with Dawsbergen? Money
controversy?"
"Not at all," said Lazzar hastily.
"Why not let 'em withdraw?" said Mr. Blithers. "We can get along
without them."
There was a general uplifting of heads at the use of the pronoun, and a
more fixed concentration of gaze.
"I daresay you are already acquainted with the desire on the part of
Dawsbergen to form an alliance in which Axphain can have no part," said
Baron Romano. "In other words, it has been the desire of both
Dawsbergen and Graustark to perfect a matrimonial alliance that may
cement the fortunes of the two countries--"
"Count Quinnox mentioned something of the sort," interrupted Mr.
Blithers. "But suppose this matrimonial alliance doesn't come off, who
would be the sufferer, you or Dawsbergen? Who will it benefit the most?"
There was a moment's silence. Doubtless it had never occurred to the
Ministry to speculate on the point.
"Dawsbergen is a rich, powerful country," said Romano. "We will be the
gainers by such an alliance. Mr. Blithers."
"I don't go much on alliances," said the capitalist. "I believe in
keeping out of them if possible."
"I see," said the Baron reflectively. There was another silence. Then:
"It has come to our notice in a most direct manner that the Prince of
Dawsbergen feels that his friendly consideration of a proposal made by
our government some years ago is being disregarded in a manner that can
hardly be anything but humiliating to him, not only as a sovereign but
as a father."
"He's the one who has the marriageable daughter, eh? I had really
forgotten the name."
The Baron leaned forward, still tapping the table-top with his long,
slim fingers.
"The report that Prince Robin is to marry your daughter, Mr. Blithers,
has reached his ears. It is only natural that he should feel resentful.
For fifteen years there has been an understanding that the Crown
Princess of Dawsbergen and the Prince of Graustark were one day to be
wedded to each other. You will admit that the present reports are
somewhat distressing to him and unquestionably so to the Crown
Princess."
Mr. Blithers settled back in his chair. "It seems to me that he is
making a mountain out of a molehill."
Baron Romano shrank perceptibly. "It devolves upon me, sir, as
spokesman for the Ministry, the court and the people of Graustark, to
inform you that marriage between our Prince and any other than the
Crown Princess of Dawsbergen is not to be considered as possible."
Mr. Blithers stared. "Hasn't the Prince any voice in the matter?" he
demanded.
"Yes. He has already denied, somewhat publicly, that he is not
contemplating marriage with your daughter. He has had a voice in that
matter at least."
A fine moisture started out on the purplish brow of Mr. Blithers.
Twenty-two eyes were upon him. He realised that he was not attending an
informal conference. He had been brought here for a deliberate purpose.
"I may be permitted the privilege of reminding you, my lords, that his
denial was no more emphatic than that expressed by my daughter," he
said, with real dignity.
"We have accepted her statement as final, but it is our earnest desire
that the minds of the people be set at rest," said the Baron gravely.
"I sincerely trust that you will appreciate our position, Mr. Blithers.
It is not our desire or intention to offend in this matter, but we
believe it to be only fair and just that we should understand each
other at the outset. The impression is afoot that--"
"My lords," said Mr. Blithers, rising, his face suddenly pale, "I beg
leave to assure you that my daughter's happiness is of far more
importance to me than all the damned principalities in the world. Just
a moment, please. I apologise for the oath--but I mean it, just the
same. I do not resent your attitude, nor do I resent your haste in
conveying to me your views on the subject. It may be diplomacy to go
straight to a question and get it over with, but it isn't always
diplomatic to go off half-cocked. I will say, with perfect candour,
that I should like to see my daughter the Princess of Graustark,
but--by God! I want you to understand that her own wishes in the matter
are to govern mine in the end. I have had this marriage in mind,
there's no use denying it. I have schemed to bring these two young
people together with a single object in view. I knew that if they saw
enough of each other they would fall in love, and they would want the
happiness that love brings to all people. Just a moment, Baron! I want
to say to you now, all of you, that if my girl should love your prince
and he should love her in return, there isn't a power below heaven that
can keep them apart. If she doesn't love him, and he should be unlucky
enough to love her, I'd see him hanged before he could have her. I'll
admit that I have counted on seeing all of this come to pass, and that
I have bungled the thing pretty badly because I'm a loving, selfish
father,--but, my lords, since you have brought me here to tell me that
it is impossible for my girl to marry your prince, I will say to you,
here and now, that if they ever love each other and want to get
married, I'll see to it that it isn't impossible. You issue an
ultimatum to me, in plain words, so I'll submit one to you, in equally
plain words. I intend to leave this matter entirely to my daughter and
Prince Robin. They are to do the deciding, so far as I am concerned.
And if they decide that they love each other and want to get married,
_they will get married_. Do I make myself perfectly plain, my lords?"
The dignified Ministry of Graustark sat agape. With his concluding
words, Mr. Blithers deposited his clenched fist upon the table with a
heavy thud, and, as if fascinated, every eye shifted from his face to
the white knuckles of that resolute hand.
Baron Romano also arose. "You place us in the extremely distressing
position of being obliged to oppose the hand of a benefactor, Mr.
Blithers. You have come to our assistance in a time of need. You have--"
"If it is the loan you are talking about, Baron, that is quite beside
the question," interrupted Mr. Blithers. "I do not speculate. I may
have had a personal motive in lending you this money, but I don't
believe you will find that it enters into the contract we have signed.
I don't lend money for charity's sake. I sometimes give it to charity,
but when it comes to business, I am not charitable. I have made a
satisfactory loan and I am not complaining. You may leave out the word
benefactor, Baron. It doesn't belong in the game."
"As you please, sir," said Romano coldly. "We were only intent upon
conveying to you our desire to maintain friendly relations with you,
Mr. Blithers, despite the unpleasant conditions that have arisen. I may
at least question your right to assume that we are powerless to prevent
a marriage that is manifestly unpopular with the subjects of Prince
Robin."
"I had it on excellent authority to-day that the people are not opposed
to the union of my daughter and the prince," said Mr. Blithers.
"I am compelled to say that you have been misinformed," said the Baron,
flatly.
"I think I have not been misinformed, however, concerning the personal
views of Prince Robin. If I am not mistaken, he openly declares that he
will marry to suit himself and not the people of Graustark. Isn't it
barely possible, my lords, that he may have something to say about who
he is to marry?"
"I confess that his attitude is all that you describe," said the Baron.
"He has announced his views quite plainly. We admit that he may have
something to say about it."
"Then I submit that it isn't altogether an improbability that he may
decide to marry according to the dictates of his heart and not for the
sake of appearances," said Mr. Blithers scathingly. "I have an idea
that he will marry the girl he loves, no matter who she may be."
[Illustration: The dignified Ministry of Graustark sat agape]
Count Quinnox and Baron Gourou exchanged glances. These two men were
guilty of having kept from their colleagues all information concerning
a certain Miss Guile. They, as well as Dank, were bound by a promise
exacted by their sovereign prince. They alone knew that Mr. Blithers
was supported by an incontrovertible truth. For the present, their lips
were sealed, and yet they faced that anxious group with a complete
understanding of the situation. They knew that Mr. Blithers was right.
Prince Robin would marry the girl that he loved, and no other. They
knew that their prince expected to marry the daughter of the man who
now faced these proud noblemen and virtually defied them!
"Am I not right, Count Quinnox?" demanded Mr. Blithers, turning
suddenly upon the Minister of War. "You are in a position to know
something about him. Am I not right?"
Every eye was on the Count. "Prince Robin will marry for love, my
lords," he said quietly, "I am forced to agree with Mr. Blithers."
Baron Romano sank into his chair. There was silence in the room for
many seconds.
"May I enquire, Count Quinnox, if you know anything of the present
state of Prince Robin's--er--heart?" inquired the Prime Minister
finally.
A tinge of red appeared in each of Count Quinnox's swarthy cheeks.
"I can only surmise," said he briefly.
"Has--has he met some one in whom he feels a--er--an interest?"
"Yes."
"May we have the benefit of your conclusions?" said Baron Romano, icily.
"I am not at liberty to supply information at present," said the Count,
visibly distressed.
Mr. Blithers leaned forward, his hands upon the table. "Some one he met
after leaving New York?" he inquired eagerly.
"Time will reveal everything, Mr. Blithers," said the Count, and closed
his jaws resolutely. His colleagues looked at him in consternation. The
worst, then, had happened!
A gleam of triumph shot into the eyes of Mr. Blithers. His heart
swelled. He felt himself stepping out upon safe, solid ground after a
period of floundering. The very best, then, had happened!
"My lords, I find that my half-hour is almost up," he said, pulling out
his gold watch and comparing its time with that of the clock on the
wall. "Permit me to take my departure. I am content to let matters
shape themselves as they may. Shakespeare says 'there is a destiny that
shapes our ends, rough hew them'--er--and so forth. Allow me, however,
before leaving, to assure you of my most kindly interest in the welfare
of your State. You may be pleased to know that it is not from me that
Graustark--did I get it right that time?--will redeem her bonds when
they mature, but from my only daughter. She is nearly twenty-one years
of age. On her twenty-fifth birthday I shall present to her--as a
gift--all of my holdings in Graustark. She may do as she sees fit with
them. Permit me to wish you all good day, my lords. You may send the
contract to my hotel, Baron. I expect to remain in the city for some
time."
As he traversed the vast halls on his way to the outer world, he was
again overcome by the uneasy conviction that ironic eyes were looking
out upon him from luxurious retreats. Again he felt that his coat
fitted him too tightly and that his waistcoat was painfully in
evidence. He hurried a bit. If he could have had his way about it, he
would have run. Once outside the castle doors, he lighted a big cigar,
and threw the burnt-out match upon the polished flagstones of the
terrace. He regretted the act on the instant. He wished he had not
thrown it there. If the solemn grooms had not been watching, he would
have picked it up and stuck it into his pocket for disposal on the less
hallowed stones of a city thoroughfare.
Outside the gates he felt more at ease, more at home, in fact. He
smoked in great contentment. In the broad, shady avenue he took out his
watch and pried open the case. A great pride filled his eyes as he
looked upon the dainty miniature portrait of his daughter Maud. She
_was_ lovely--she was even lovelier than he had ever thought before.
At the Regengetz a telegram awaited him. It was from Maud.
"I shall be in Edelweiss this week without fail. I have something very
important to tell you." So it read.