at's quite enough, lad," he said. "If the Princess wants you--and
it would seem she does--I shall not say her nay. Maybe, I am rather
glad to say yes."

I tried to thank him, but he would not let me.

"It's a matter for the two most concerned to arrange," he declared "I
never did fancy these loveless royal marriages. They are very little
better than false ones." Then he laughed. "Tell me about this one of
yours," he said, "the 'true facts' as you called them."

So, I told him, in detail, of the supper in the Garden, the astonishing
accusation of the Spencer woman, and of what I knew concerning her in
America. It was a long story, but Frederick's interest never dulled.
At the end, I handed him the copy of the marriage certificate and the
cablegram to Courtney. He read them very carefully; then smoked
awhile, in silence.

"I suppose you have your own notion as to this woman's motive?" he said.

"Yes," I answered.

"Do you care to give it to me?"

I let him see my hesitation.

"Well, I think it is not entirely revenge," I said.

"It might even be that she is only playing the cards someone else has
dealt her," he said significantly.

I smiled and made no answer.

"They are mighty strong cards, Armand," he said.

"And a mighty strong player holds them," I added. "More's the pity."

He nodded. "I saw the lady this afternoon in the Park. I rather fancy
almost any man would be quite willing to have her claim him as her
husband."

"And, therefore, her story will be very generally accepted," I said.

"Doubtless--it's far easier to accept it than to disbelieve it."

"Consequently, if it please you, Sire, let my betrothal to Her Royal
Highness remain secret until this woman's claim has been thoroughly
disproved."

Frederick thought a moment. "You are entirely right," he said; "and,
particularly, since, under old Henry's Decree, she would be your legal
wife--assuming, that is, that you had married her." Then he smiled.
"You see, sir, the very thing you were so insistent upon, now works to
your disadvantage. If it were not for that Decree you could laugh at
this woman. I could simply pronounce her morganatic, and you would be
quite free to marry Dehra, at once."

But I shook my head. "I must bring Dehra a clean record," I said; "and
I have no fault to find with that Decree. But for it, I would not be
here--though, neither would Madame Spencer," I added inadvertently.

The King stared at me.