shion, on which I took the oath. I must
have looked rather small with my little mantle: the cross of St.
Ladislas was just as big on it, however, as on those of all the others.
I felt that they were all looking over my head; and that is not a
pleasant feeling when you are the hero of the day. But of course I am
the youngest of the knights, so there is no harm in my being a little
shorter. The sword our father gave me is also a little smaller than that
of the other knights, but the hilt is rather pretty and blazes with
precious stones. Still, I think I prefer the chasing on the scabbard of
yours, but when I am eighteen--so in eight years from now!--I am to have
another sword and of course another mantle too.

"Mamma was terribly alarmed and nervous when she heard of that man who
attacked you and she wanted to have you recalled at once, because it did
not seem safe where you are; and she simply could not understand that
this could not be done. But safe: who is safe nowadays? One's not safe
in war either and not even here in the Imperial. One shouldn't think so
much of all that safety, that's what I say; but of course mamma is a
woman and therefore she thinks differently from what we do. The riots
and the martial law also upset her, but I think it rather jolly:
everything's military now, you know. That Von Fest is a fine fellow. I
should like to shake hands with him and to thank him myself; but, as I
can't, I beg you _particularly_ to do so for me and _on no account_ to
forget it. You have heard, no doubt, through General Ducardi, that papa
is going to make Von Fest a commander of the Imperial Orb. What a pity
that we can't create him a knight of St. Ladislas, but for that of
course he would have to be a Liparian and not a Gothlander.

"Now, dear brother, I must finish, because Colonel Fasti is expecting me
for my fencing-lesson. Give my _very kindest_ regards to Herman and
General Ducardi and remember me to the others; and accept for yourself
the fond embrace of your affectionate brother,

"BERENGAR,
"Marquis of Thracyna
"(Knight of St. Ladislas)."

CHAPTER III

1

It was after the opening of the new parliament. The sun streamed as
though with square patches of molten gold along the white palaces of the
town, touching with blue what was shadow in the corners.

Two regiments of grenadie