And so it proved. When we landed it was to find that Germany had
offered to mediate, and that, while the two Kingdoms were thinking it
over, a truce had been declared. Consequently, instead of hurrying
straight to the Valerian army, I journeyed leisurely with Courtney to
the capital. There the first news that met us was that Germany's
mediation had been accepted and that the war was at an end--for the
present, at least.
So, once again, had the Powers, in the interest of European peace,
struck up the swords.
As we drove from the station to the Embassy we observed flags flying
from almost every house, and that the public buildings were lavishly
decorated.
"Peace seems to be well received," I remarked.
"It's the King's birthday," Courtney answered.
"And a very happy one, I fancy."
Courtney stared at me. "How so?" he said.
"He can now both keep his daughter and be rid of Murdol."
"The Princess is saved, of course, but in deference to the national
self-respect, he dare give up Murdol only in one contingency:--if Titia
can be persuaded to pay a money value for it. Which I doubt."