"I think I rather like this particular sort of unreasonableness," I
said. Then, to her, I added: "But I must endorse His Majesty's second
condition."
She frowned; then seated herself on one end of the high writing table.
"I am prepared to hear your arguments, messieurs," she said. "Pray
proceed and be brief."
The King nodded to me.
"You have the opening," he said.
So, I explained the whole matter, as best I could, and the reasons
which moved the King and me in our decision as to the betrothal
remaining secret and the marriage deferred.
Dehra heard me through without comment; then she turned to the King.
"May it please your Honoress," said Frederick, "I cannot do more than
endorse and support all that my colleague has so ably presented. We
appeal to the Court's well-known sense of propriety, and throw
ourselves upon her mercy."
"We have been much impressed by the argument of the learned counsel,"
said Dehra, in formal tones, "and, while not agreeing with all that it
contained, yet, we are disposed to regard it, in the main, as sound.
The second condition is therefore sustained.--But, I wish I could tell
that woman what I think of her!" she exclaimed.
"God forbid!" the King ejaculated.
Dehra went over and kissed him.
"You're a dear," she said.
Then, she came across to me.
"And what is he?" asked Frederick, with a laugh.
She drew back quickly.
"According to his argument, he is only my cousin, the Grand Duke
Armand," she answered.
"But, you said you did not agree with part of my argument," I objected.
"Did I?--Well, then, that must have been the part," she said.
The King arose.
"I think it's time for me to go," he said.