"But, how will that help me?" I asked.
"In this way," said he. "You think she is tired of her game and about
ready to quit. I come along; and she tosses you over and seizes the
new prey. I'll tell her plainly she cannot have me so long as there is
any question about her being your wife."
"But, won't it raise a nasty scandal?" I objected.
"Not a bit," he said, with a knowing smile. "We have ways to do such
things, you know. I have a Chateau near the French Border--the lady
leaves for Paris--and goes by way of the Chateau. _Comprenez vous_?"
I wanted to laugh in his face. What a charming scheme to get Mrs.
Spencer out of the Kingdom!
"But, suppose," said I, "she cuts the Chateau and keeps right on to
Paris?"
"Trust me, my dear Marshal, she won't cut the Chateau. I shall be with
her when she leaves Dornlitz."
"I know the lady," said I. "I'm afraid to risk it."
He tossed aside his cigar and lit a fresh one. "Very well, cousin," he
said, with an air of good-natured indifference. "It's your affair, of
course. I only wanted to aid you in any way I could. You're the best
judge, however, how to handle the matter. If you need me, I am yours
to command."
"My dear Duke," I said, "I realize your friendly spirit and I want you
to know I appreciate it; and I shall not hesitate to call on you if the
occasion arise."
He flung his cape around him and hooked up his sword.
"And, in the meantime, do I understand that I am to keep severely away
from the lady?"
I hesitated. Of course his point was to obtain from me direct
authority for him to visit her. The very fact that he wanted it was a
sufficient reason for refusing; but, on the other hand, so long as he
thought himself unsuspected, it might not be a bad move to give him the
opportunity. It would increase the chances for them to make a blunder.
I determined to risk it.
"The only restriction, touching Mrs. Spencer, is the order of the
Military Governor," I answered. "If you can induce her to acknowledge
the falsity of that certificate, she shall be free to resume her
journey to the Devil, _via_ your Chateau, and joy go with her."
He flung back his head and laughed heartily.
"A trifle hard on my Chateau, cousin, to locate it on the road to Hell.
But we will let it pass. For, between us, it is a good road and an
easy; and they, who travel it, are a finer lot than the superstitious
dreamers who grope, in darkness, along the bleak and stony path they
fancy leads upward to the Light."
"You mistook my meaning," I said. "It's not for me to criticise
another's chosen road, whether it be the rough one or the smooth.
There are no hand boards at the forking, and only a blind fall at the
end of each. It's all a guess; and, so far as I know, one road is as
good as another."
He looked at me, rather curiously. "Which road do you travel, cousin?"
he asked.
"Neither, by intention," I answered. "I am still at the Forks."
He laughed, rather sarcastically. "Well, when you leave them, if you
chance to come my way, the Chateau is at your disposal. Meanwhile,
I'll endeavor to steer Madame Spencer, alias Dalberg, toward it."
I could feel the deliberate sneer, but it was too well veiled to
resent, openly.
"At least, don't expect me as a guest while she is there," I replied.
"I don't imagine I would want you, then," said he. He went over to the
door; then returned and, leaning on the back of a chair, looked at me
thoughtfully.
"What now?" I wondered--and waited.
"There is a matter, cousin," he began, "which has been on my mind
lately--and this may be as good a time as any to take it up."
I nodded. "Go ahead--we are in the humor for confidences, this
afternoon, it seems."
"And for plain speaking?" he asked.
"Between men I'm always for that," said I. "It's the safest in the
end."
"Exactly my opinion. I am glad to have one of your experience and
discretion agree with it," he answered.
It seemed to give him the keenest pleasure to sneer at me, to my very
face, with compliments he thought I would take seriously. And, in
truth, I think I was beginning to enjoy it as much as he.
"You are a bit old for your age, my dear Duke," I said.
"But I have much to learn," he said modestly.
"It will all come in time, cousin," I answered patronizingly.
He dropped his head an instant--to hide his smiles, I knew.
"A charming afternoon," he said. "Confidences--compliments--and plain
speaking. We are making rare progress, cousin mine."
"And, why not?" I asked.
"Surely," he exclaimed, heartily, "surely--why not?" Then he paused.
"And, now, for the plain speaking."
"Good," said I; "drive ahead; and make it as plain as you like."
"I'll do it," he said. "What I want to know is: First--do you intend
to try to displace me in the Line of Succession? And, second--are you
a suitor for the hand of the Princess Royal?"
It would have been impossible to hide my surprise, so I made no effort.
Surely, this man's methods were almost beyond comprehension!
"My dear Duke," I replied, "your questions are plain, and a plain
answer will do for both--it is none of your business."