"I speak only in general terms; they do not apply to you, my dear
Major. You are not plotting to dethrone a King; you are simply trying,
frankly and openly, to recover what is yours by birthright. Lotzen's
real claim to the Crown is, in justice, subordinate to yours--and he
knows it--and so does the King, or he would not have put you on
probation, so to speak, with the implied promise to give you back your
own again, if you prove worthy."
"That's one way to look at it," said I, "and I reckon I shall have to
accept it. In fact, I'm remitted to it or to chucking the whole thing
overboard."
Courtney smiled approvingly. "That's the reasonable point of view.
Now, stick to it, and give Lotzen no quarter--you may be sure he will
give you none."
"I shall countenance no violence," I insisted.
"One is permitted to repel force by force."
"I shall not hesitate to do that, you may be sure."
"Good!" said he. "Now we understand the situation and each other; and
I can assist you more effectively."
"I shall advise you the moment anything new develops," said I.
"And remember, Major, to either you or Lotzen the Princess means the
Crown. Frederick will be only too glad to pass it so to his own
descendants."
"That's the truth," said I. "But I reckon the Princess doesn't need
the Crown to get Lotzen or me."
"Do you realize how lucky it is, under the circumstances, that you are
unmarried?" Courtney inquired.
"Rather--only, if I had chanced to be married, I would still be your
Military Attaché. Frederick would never have given me the chance to be
an Archduke."
"At least, it's sure he would never have given you a chance to be a
King."
"And the American newspapers would have missed a great news item," I
added.
"I never quite appreciated what a wonder you were until they told me,"
he laughed. "You seem to possess a marvellous assortment of
talents--and, as for bravery, they have had you leading every charge in
the Spanish War."
"It's all very tiresome," I said.
"It's one of the penalties of Royalty--to be always in the limelight
and never in the shadow," he returned. "How does it feel?"
"Come around to-night to the Royal Box at the Opera and get into the
glare, a bit," I said. "I am to take the King's place and escort the
Princess."
"Is that a command?" he asked.
"Hang it all, Courtney----" I exclaimed.
"Because, if it isn't," he went on, "I shall have to decline. I'm
dining with the Radnors and going on to the Opera with them."
I looked at him expectantly for a moment, giving him an opening to
mention Lady Helen; but he only smiled and lit another cigarette. I
understood he declined the opening. Indeed, he had never referred to
Lady Helen since that first surprising time. But, if the gossip of the
Diplomatic set, which, of course, reached the Court promptly, were at
all reliable, another International marriage was not improbable. I
admit I was a bit curious as to the matter--and here I saw my
opportunity.
"If you will permit," said I, "I'll send an Aide to invite the Radnors
and you to the Royal Box during the last act, and then, later, to be my
guests at supper on the Hanging Garden."
"You're very kind, old man," said he; "and as for old Radnor you will
endanger his life--he will just about explode with importance."
"I trust not," said I; "I like Lord Radnor--and then explosions are
disconcerting at the Opera or a supper."
I had good reason, later, to remember this banter--for there was an
explosion at the supper that night that was more than disconcerting;
but Lord Radnor was in no way responsible.