I would have been rather a wooden sort of individual had I felt no stir
in my heart as, for the first time, I entered the Castle of my
ancestors and stood in the ante-chamber waiting to be presented to the
Head of my House. I believe I am as phlegmatic as most men, but I
would give very little for one who, under like conditions, would not
feel a press of emotion. I know it came to me with sharp
intensity,--and I see no shame in the admission; nor will any one else
whose heart is the heart of an honest man. I have no patience with
those creatures who deride sentiment. They are either liars or idiots.
Religion, itself, is sentimental; and so is every refined instinct of
our lives. Destroy the sentimental in man and the brute alone remains.
We waited but a moment and then were ushered into the royal presence.
The greeting was entirely informal. Courtney was no stranger to
Valeria, and had met the King frequently during the last ten years.
Frederick came forward and shook his hand most cordially and welcomed
him to Court. It was like the meeting of two friends. During it I had
time to observe the King.
He wore the green uniform of a General, with the Jewel of the Order of
the Lion around his neck. His sixty odd years sat very lightly and
left no mark save in the facial wrinkles and grey hair. He was a true
Dalberg in height and general appearance, and with the strong, straight
nose that was as distinctive to our family as was the beak to the
Bourbons.
I had remained in the background during Courtney's greeting, but, when
he turned and presented me, I advanced and bowed. As I straightened,
the King extended his hand saying:
"We are glad to----"
Then he caught a full view of my face and stopped, staring. I dropped
his hand and stepped back; and, for a space, no one moved. Only, I
shot a side glance at Courtney and caught a half smile on his lips.
Then Frederick recovered himself.
"Your pardon, sir, but I did not catch the name," he said.
Courtney's finesse saved me the embarrassment of a self-introduction.
"Major Dalberg, of the United States Army, Your Majesty," he said
quickly. "The representative of our War Department with your army."
"Dalberg--Dalberg," he muttered; then added, perfunctorily: "Our army
is at your service, sir, though I fear we shall be unable to give you
the war."
"The army is quite enough, Sire," I began; but it was plain he did not
hear me. He was studying my face again and thinking. Courtney, I
could see, was having the finest sort of sport. I could have throttled
him.
"You have our name, Major," said the King. "May I ask if it is a
common one in America?"
"I know of no family but my own that bears it, there," I answered.
He sat down and motioned for us to do likewise.
"I am interested," said he. "Has your family been long in America?"
"Since the year 1777."