own
through the generations. I'll not spoil my life by submitting to its
yoke, since by breaking it the nation gains, as I do. I could go to
the world's end and not find a woman as worthy to be my wife and
Empress of Rhaetia as Helen Mowbray."

"You have never seen Princess Virginia."

"I've no wish to see her. There's but one woman for me, and I swear to
you, if I lose her, I'll go to my grave unmarried. Let the crown fall
to my uncle's son. I'll not perjure myself even for Rhaetia."

The Chancellor bowed his head and held up his hands, for by that
gesture alone could he express his despair.

"If my people love me, they'll love my wife, and rejoice in my
happiness," Leopold went on, sharply. "If they complain, why, we
shall see who's master; whether or not the Emperor of Rhaetia is a
mere figurehead. In some countries Royalty is but an ornamental
survival of a picturesque past, a King or Queen is a mere puppet which
the nation loads with luxury to do itself honor. That's not true of
Rhaetia, though, as I'm ready to prove, if prove it I must. But I
believe I shall be spared the trouble. We Rhaetians love romance; you
are perhaps the one exception. While as for the story you've told me,
I would not give that for it!" And the Emperor snapped his fingers.

"You still believe the ladies have a right to the name of Mowbray?"

"I believe that they are of stainless reputation, and that any seeming
mystery can be explained. Miss Mowbray is herself. That's enough for
me. Perhaps, Chancellor, there are two Lady Mowbrays."

"Only one is mentioned in Burke."

"Burke isn't gospel."

"Pardon me. It's the gospel of the British peerage. It can no more be
guilty of error than Euclid."

"Nor can Miss Mowbray be guilty of wrong. I should still stake my life
on that, even had your conclusions not been lame ones."

The old man accepted this rebuff in silence. But it was not the
silence of absolute hopelessness. It was only such a pause as a
prize-fighter makes between rounds.

"Your Majesty will not be in too great haste, at all events, I trust,"
he said at last. "At least a little reflection, a little patience, to
cool the blood. I have not laid down all my cards yet."

"It's often bad policy not to lead trumps," replied Leopold.

"Often, but not always. Time, and the end of the play will show. Is
your Majesty's indulgence for the old man quite exhausted?"

"Not quite, though rather strained, I confess." Leopold tempered