"Yes, trouble in plenty."
"But if the price be worth it all?" he asked, studying a smoke ring as it
floated lazily upward.
"The trouble does not bother me."
"Oh!" said he, "I know that."
"Then, may I ask," said I, "if the Duke of Lotzen knows of these Decrees?"
"The Heir Presumptive is always made acquainted with the Laws of his
House."
"What, think you, then, Sire, would be his attitude in such an anomalous
situation as would follow my presence in Valeria as Hugo's heir?"
"You mean, how would he view a rival for the Crown?"
"Well, that's a bit broader than I intended," said I.
The King laughed. "There is no need for us to mince words--the matter is
perfectly evident. Under the Law, here, it needs but my Decree to make
you eligible to the Crown; and that necessarily would displace Lotzen and
make you Heir Presumptive. How do you think he would view it?"
"How would any man view it?" I asked.
"But what have Lotzen's views to do with the matter?" Frederick asked
sharply. "I am the King; here are the Laws. What Dalberg would dispute
them?"
"But, Your Majesty, Lotzen might not be alone in disputing them--the Army
and the House of Nobles might join him. And, assuming that you would
never intend to displace Lotzen by me, nevertheless, you would be put
into the embarrassing position of seeming to be coerced by your subjects."
"Coerced! Coerced!" said Frederick, flinging his cigar savagely into the
grate. "Do I hear a Dalberg fear that for his King?"
"Nay, Sire," I protested, "I did not say that."
But the anger had already passed. "Nonsense, lad, I understand you," he
said; "only, I know my Kingdom better than you do--yet," and he laughed.
But I protested again. "Would it not be wiser for me to consider the
question only upon the hypothesis that Lotzen shall not be
displaced----?"
"Don't be a fool, Armand," Frederick cut in. "Of course, I cannot
prevent your renouncing all right to the Crown, but it will be most
displeasing to me and against my express wish."
"Your Majesty is very flattering."
"His Majesty is very selfish. Since he has no son, he wants the
privilege of choosing his successor."
So he meant to give me a chance to win the Crown! I shut my eyes; there
was too much satisfaction in them. Yet, I felt almost ashamed. I had
sneered so often at Courtney and his suggestions; had called him a fool
and his words nonsense--even a short half hour ago I would have done the
same again. And now!--Truly there was something strangely impressive and
powerfully alluring about that big, brass-bound book, with its Royal
restitution and honors and the glorious opportunity extended. Would any
man--nay, would any half-man refuse?
Then I opened my eyes and met the King's kindly smile.
"Did the prospect blind you?" he asked.
"Yes," said I, "it did--maybe my eyes are too weak ever to bear the
bright light of royalty."
"Never fear, lad, never fear; they will soon strengthen. Ask Courtney,
if you care to make him a confidant. I am very sure of his advice in the
matter."
"So am I," said I.
"Any man's would be the same--your own to one in a similar position."
I could not deny it; but I would make no decision under the present
influences. I must have a season of calm thought and careful judgment.
The King waited a moment. "Well, take your own good pleasure, Armand,"
said he; "only, the sooner you come to Court the less time you will
waste."