"Yes, Your Majesty. It was that year Lafayette joined Washington's
Army." That will give him a surprise, I thought.
It did.
"Do you know the name of the Dalberg of 1777?" he asked quickly.
I saw no profit in evasion. "He was Hugo, second son of Henry the
Third of Valeria," I replied.
"I knew it," he exclaimed, jumping up and coming over to me. "And you
are?"
"His great-grandson and eldest male heir."
"Then, as such, I salute you, cousin," he said, and suddenly kissed me
on the cheek.
Were you ever kissed by a man? If so, and you are a woman, it
doubtless was pleasant enough, and, maybe, not unusual; but if you are
a man, it will surprise you mightily the first time.
Of course, I understood all the significance of Frederick's action.
Royalty on the Continent so greets only royalty or relatives. It meant
I was accepted as one of the Blood and a Prince of my House. I admit
my pride was stirred.
"Your Majesty overwhelms me," I said, bowing again. "I expected no
recognition. I am entitled to none. Our name was stricken from the
Family Roll."