*CHAPTER XVII*
My joy, however, was transitory. That Irma should have taken thetrouble to wave to us at that hour in the morning, was little more thana friendly act, although at first I had thought differently. Mycompanion and I rode in silence; he never asked questions of a personalnature, although he was as curious as the best of us. At any rate werode along without exchanging a word.
I left the route to him as I knew he would have worked it out beforestarting. Ideal companion, he let me ride along quietly, neverdisturbing my train of thoughts, except to say "right," or "left," asthe case might be. At first, after the faint flush of joy at Irma'sfriendly adieu, I grew more and more despondent, and held to myvillainous bad temper for a long time, but presently I began to look atthings with a clearer vision, perhaps on account of the beauty of theday and the exercise. I began to see what an ass I had been and was, tohave come away without giving the Princess an inkling of my feelingstowards her.
I went over the conversations we had had together, and realised thatnothing I had said could have conveyed in the slightest degree the factthat I was head over ears in love with her. What had I expected?Evidently that she would read my unspoken thoughts, and immediatelythrow herself at me, and say, "Victor, I love you." The absurdity ofthe idea caused me suddenly to roar with laughter, much to Mr. Neville'srelief, for he turned to me with his quizzical smile and said:
"You are a nice, cheerful companion, Victor."
"I am a particular kind of damned fool."
"In this instance, yes, but we are more to blame than you are, for itought to have been part of your education to have had numerousexperiences of a similar nature. But still, I don't think there isanything to worry about, you will do better with the next one."
"There isn't going to be a next one," I said, almost fiercely.
"I did not suppose there was," he replied, smiling to himself.
Once more I was cheerful, and we talked of many things, laughing andjesting as we had all through our tour. In my heart, however, there rana refrain which filled me with contentment: "I shall see her again, Ishall see her again," it even seemed to adapt itself to the sound of ourhorses' feet.
I shall see her again, ran the refrain; but I did not know then how soonit would be.
It was good to be back in Karena again, there was such a friendlyfeeling there; even the early hour of our arrival did not prevent asmall crowd assembling to do me honour. I think to be loved is thenearest approach to divine happiness that a man can experience in thisfunny old world of ours, especially when he is capable of returning theaffection. This was so in my case; I really loved all my people, downto the dirtiest ragged urchin.
It made me feel very proud to think of these good citizens being soready to wait and wait, just for the sake of seeing me flash by in mycar, and I hope that I shall never lose the feeling, for it seems to methat such pride can do no man any harm, unless he is untrue to himself,in order to retain the outward show of his peoples' affection.
Apart, too, from the consideration that I have mentioned, Karena itselfwas such a pleasant city; it was unexpected, full of surprising bits ofarchitecture, quaint mediaeval roofs full of colour, the slabs of stoneseemed to retain the sunshine, and glowed merrily as one went by. I donot believe that I ever felt this more vividly than I did that day, butthen perhaps there was sunshine in my heart, for had I not come to theconclusion that I was an unmitigated ass? I can imagine circumstanceswhen to arrive at such a conclusion might not give satisfaction, but, asit was, I was happy about it.
My behaviour that day, I was told, was distinctly unkinglike. It wasPrince Zeula who imparted this information, and the reason for it wasthat I persisted in calling him "Mr. Smith," and playing little jokesupon him, childish fun, such as hiding his pen, and purloining hisglasses. My mother, too, declared that I was absolutely boisterous, onaccount of the heartiness of my kisses, but, as all her dear face wasbeaming with delight at my return, I did not worry about it.
That evening Prince Zeula took Mr. Neville off to dine with him; I knewwhat that meant. I remained with my mother at her request; I knew whatthat meant, too.
We sat out on a balcony overlooking the gardens, beautifully peacefuland quiet save for the faint hum of the traffic passing the Palace. Mymother sat without saying a word, and I wondered how long her patiencewould last, as I knew that she was terribly anxious to know about ourtrip, that is, the really interesting part. It was in keeping with themischievous mood I had been in all day that I religiously refrained frommentioning Irma, until at last she said:
"And how did you like the Princess?"
"Oh, she is a charming girl," I said lightly.
"So I have heard; it is a pity that your proposed visit to Sonale wasinterfered with."
"It was; but Zeula had good reasons for recalling us."
"He generally has good reasons for everything, hasn't he?"
This astonishing mother of mine then began to talk of other things, aproceeding which upset my calculations, for I had intended to make hermore and more curious. It was disturbing to find that she did notappear to take any more interest in the Princess, especially as I wasdying to tell her all about my feelings in the matter. In vain I triedto reopen the subject, but no, it was unavailing, and at length I wasobliged to capitulate, and say:
"The Princess is an awfully nice girl." Which afterwards I thoughtparticularly tame.
"Yes?"
Oh, the dampening effect of that monosyllable. I seemed to shrivel upinside, and then I chanced to glance at my mother's face. There was afaint, quizzical smile upon her lips, as she bent forward to look intothe lighted room at her side.
"Well, of all the artful women!" I shook my finger at her severely.
"What is the matter, Victor?"
"I do believe that you have been fooling me."
"Did you take me for a stupid woman?"
I went across and knelt at her side; she ran her fingers through myhair.
"Mother dear, she is the sweetest girl in all the world."
"And?"
"I love her so much."
"And she?"
"I don't know."
"What?"
"I don't know, I did not ask her."
"Why not?"
"I don't know, I think I was too scared."
"Of what?"
"That she might say 'no.'"
My mother gave a little laugh.
"I don't think you need have been afraid, my boy."
"But mother dear, she seemed so pleased to hear that I was engaged; ofcourse she misunderstood me."
"Tell me about it."
I related what had happened, for every word was engraved upon my memory,and when I had finished I said:
"So you see, mother, that I couldn't say anything then, could I?"
"Of course not, my boy; but I am quite sure now that you need not havebeen afraid."
"Do you really think so, mother, or are you saying that to soothe me?"
"I really mean it, dear."
"I was an ass, wasn't I?"
"No, my boy, for how should you have known the workings of a woman'smind?"
And, when I thought of it, how could I?
* * * * *
Some two weeks after our return, when the business I had been recalledfor was completed, I spoke to Woolgast concerning Landsberg'sappointment to the Guards.
"I am thinking--no, in fact I have promised a young officer of myacquaintance the vacant captaincy in the Guards. His name is Landsberg,do you know him?"
"Is his Christian name Boris, your Majesty?"
"Yes."
"I have known him since childhood; my sister married his cousin."
"Did you know of his engagement?"
"Yes, your Majesty."
"And the obstacles in their way?"
"Yes, your Majesty."
"Do you like the young man?"
"He is a grea
t favourite of mine, your Majesty."
"Then why did you not mention his name to me when I asked your opinionthe other day about the appointment?"
"Your Majesty has done so much for me that I could not ask favours."
I looked at him for a minute; he had astonished me, that a man could andyet did not. I fear there are few in the world like him.
"Very well, General, I shall not forget. Landsberg has the appointment,also the secretaryship which is vacant."
He thanked me gravely and was about to depart, when I called him back.
"I was going to tell you something, General, but I think I had betterwait a little while yet. I hope you will be properly curious."
"If your Majesty finds that I fail in my duty, it will be throughcuriosity."
It was some two or three weeks after Captain von Landsberg first tookduty at the Palace that, when returning to my study one afternoon, I methim hurrying towards me. His face showed plainly that he was extremelyupset, and angry. I stopped him, and asked whether there was anythingthe matter.
"I have just been seeking an audience with your Majesty."
"Then come with me now."
He followed me in silence, and I could almost feel his wrath as aphysical body. I felt that something really serious must have occurredto upset him so completely, so once we were in my room I bade him sitdown in order to recover himself better, whilst I turned away to sortsome papers.
"Well, Landsberg, what has upset you, and in what way can I assist you?"
"I came to ask your Majesty for leave of absence."
I raised my eyebrows. This was quick work, considering that he had onlyjoined such a short while.
"I feel sure you have good reasons for your demand; are they of such anature that you can confide in me?"
"Yes, your Majesty, I wish for leave of absence to punish a man who hasgrossly insulted a lady who cannot retaliate."
"I can have no duels in Rudarlia."
"Your Majesty, the man I would punish is a Bornian, or rather he livesin that country."
"No officer in my Guards must be mixed up in any scandal, Landsberg."
"I assure your Majesty there shall be no scandal, no one will know myname or anything about me, and----"
"There is only one lady whose wrongs you have a right to redress. IsMademoiselle Sonia the lady in question?"
"No, your Majesty."
"No member of your family?"
"No, your Majesty, but it is a lady whom I revere, and too highly placedto take notice of the insult."
I frowned, what he had said puzzled me. Too highly placed? Of no oneless than Royalty could that be said. I began to get cold, how manyRoyal persons in Bornia did Landsberg know?
"You must tell me the name of the lady, for she is evidently Royal, andsurely you do not know many of the Royalty of Bornia."
"No, your Majesty."
"How many do you know?"
"One, your Majesty."
I grew colder, and then hot in a quick flush of burning rage: some onehad insulted my Princess.
"You may tell me about it, Landsberg."
Something in my voice must have startled him, for he looked up sharply,and hesitated.
"Tell me," I said again.
"It is Princess Irma, your Majesty."
"How was she insulted and by whom?"
"In an article in a paper, may I give it to your Majesty to read?"
"Have you it with you?"
"It is here, your Majesty."
He pulled a paper from the front of his tunic and handed it to me.
I turned aside to one of the windows and read. It was just one of thosefilthy articles which hint at scandalous behaviour; articles that arefar more injurious than outspoken libel. There was nothing which couldbe shown up as untrue, but a number of vague hints at scandal which somany people gloat over, and remember to regale their friends with. Thekind of article that causes the sales manager of a paper to rub hishands gleefully.
I read the thing twice; and, by that time, I was in such a rage that hadthe writer been in the room I should have tried to kill him.
I thought rapidly of the best course to pursue, but I cannot say whetherI decided upon it or not; however, I was determined that the swine whowrote it should not escape scot free. I turned to Landsberg, and Ithink my face must have scared him, for he stammered out something aboutbeing sorry to have distressed me.
"Distressed me? Why, Landsberg, if you had not taken notice of this, Ithink I should have cancelled your commission. Now listen to me: thewriter of this is going to be punished, you understand."
"Your Majesty then gives me leave."
"No, not for the purpose you think, but to accompany me."
"Your Majesty?"
"You will come to Sonale with me."
"Yes, your Majesty."
I saw his eyes gleam.
"It is I who am going to chastise this fellow, not you, but I must bedisguised; you will see to that, just a beard and a few lines to add tomy age. You will give orders to have a powerful car ready to-night, atthe side entrance. Tell no one of what you know. I will inform thenecessary people."
"And the chauffeur, your Majesty?"
"I will drive, and Bauen will accompany us. You will, of course, be inmufti, without any mark by which you could be recognised."
"Yes; at what hour shall I await your Majesty?"
"You may come here at a quarter-past ten, the car must be ready at thehalf-hour."
I sent for Zeula. He noticed my agitation the moment he entered, and Itold him as quietly as I could of my proposed trip. He was amazed,horrified, pleading; and then, as he saw that my mind was absolutelymade up, he gave in. I believe in his heart of hearts he would haveliked to accompany me himself. He put no more obstacles in my way, andeven thought of things which I had forgotten. He reminded me that I hadbetter take my passport made out in the name of Stevens, supplied mewith a good sum of money, in case of necessity, and finally left me. Ithink he saw I wished to be alone.
I read the article for the third time, and then locked it in my desk, Iwas in a mood quite dangerous enough, without adding fuel to it. Icould have cried with rage that anyone should even hint at such things.I must be careful; the world must never know that the King of Rudarliahad done what I proposed to do. This was not for my own sake but forIrma's. Irma must never know, at least until we were engaged. I couldnot let her suppose that I had chastised this man in order to gain hergratitude.
Should I make an effort to see her when once in Sonale? I had not madeup my mind, and yet, if possible, it would be a good opportunity for meto ask the question, the answer to which I was longing to hear. Sincemy interview with my mother I had lost the fear of a refusal, for I haddetermined to win her, even though at first it should appear against herwill.
I do not know how the time passed until the evening came, but somehow itdid. I had desired that Mr. Neville should come to me, but he could notbe found, which annoyed me, for I wished to confide in him.
A small parcel had been given to me, which contained the necessarydisguise, and at the time appointed Captain von Landsberg appeared.
"Help me with this," I said, holding out a stick of paint.
He dexterously made a few lines on my face, which, though hardlynoticeable, added years to my age; he also assisted me to fix on thebeard, which was small and pointed. I looked at myself in a mirror: theeffect was all that I desired.
In ten minutes we were on our way. At six o'clock we drew up in frontof a small hotel in Sonale.
We engaged a room in which to breakfast, and wait until the morning wasmore advanced. I doubt if I had exchanged more than three remarks withmy companion; now, however, I said:
"I want you to go and find out just where the office of the paper is,and any other information you care to gather, such as the name of theeditor, and what time he generally arrives, then return here."
I sat down by the open window to await his return, and m
y thoughts werepretty busy. I recalled the drive through the night, hour after hour;the great headlight of the motor, shining first on one thing then onanother, the straying cows which had so nearly caused a mishap, the luckof finding an intelligent peasant when we lost our way; he was wellrewarded for being hauled out in the middle of the night, and I daresaywished that more people would lose their way. The amazement of thefrontier guard at the mad English motorist, the puncture which causeddelay, and finally the hotel where I now sat and waited. Then mythoughts switched on to Sonale; it seemed so strange that I should behere in the Bornian capital, in the same place where Irma lived. Iwished that I had asked Landsberg to find out the way to the Palace, andthe next moment was pleased that I hadn't. I wondered whether it wouldbe possible to obtain audience with the Princess without allowing myidentity to become known. I might do it through Sonia, I had no doubtthat she could get the Princess to her rooms under some pretext, thatis, if Irma did not wish to see me in her own, for of course I did notwant to hide my identity from her, only from strangers. Then I becameimpatient with waiting, and walked up and down the room, glancing everyfew minutes at my watch. Half-past nine, ten, and still he had notreturned. I sincerely hoped that nothing had happened to Landsberg. Atabout a quarter-past be came in, with a strange expression on his face.
"Well, I have been all impatience for your arrival."
"I have found out what your Majesty wishes to know, and more."
"More?"
"Yes, your Majesty, the man who wrote the article will not be at workfor some time."
"What, isn't he in Sonale?"
"He is, your Majesty, but we are too late, some one has already donewhat we came to do."
"Damnation! But who?"
"No one knows, your Majesty, but the fellow received a most unmercifulthrashing, and will certainly write no more articles of a similar kind;he had to be carried home, they told me."
"I must know who did it, so that I can thank him, although I envy himthe doing of it; but you and I, Landsberg, are not wanted, we had betterget back to Karena."
"Yes, your Majesty."
He looked as though he did not agree with me, and it flashed across methat he had hoped to catch a glimpse of his betrothed, but I was in nomood to be unselfish; since I could not do what I had come to do, andsince I could not think of any way to see the Princess, I wished to getaway from Sonale as quickly as possible. I looked at him, he staredstraight in front, without moving a muscle of his face, bearing hisdisappointment like the very gallant gentleman he was, and incidentallysetting an example to me, his King.
"I shall leave here at one o'clock," I said. "Until then, you had betterdo some shopping, and obtain what no other city in the world can giveyou at the present time. Go, don't waste time, and try to be backpunctually; tell them to send me up the papers."
"I thank your Majesty most gratefully."
His face was all smiles, and I felt pleased that some one should benefitby our trip.
I tried very hard to make myself believe that I was pleased that thefellow had been punished, but I could not get over the desire I had hadto send my fist smashing into his face. However, I realised that thechivalry of some man had taken the matter out of my hands, and that Imust wait patiently, reading the newspapers, until that lucky youngdevil of a Guardsman had finished making love and returned to his King.
Having read the papers, I set about for some method of amusing, orrather boring myself, and commenced to whistle somewhat mournfully allthe airs I could recollect; when I hit upon one more than usuallylugubrious, I repeated it several times, much to my satisfaction. Iremember that the English song, entitled "Three fishers went sailing outinto the west," was the one which I finally selected as the mostsuitable to fit my mood, and gloried in making it as miserable aspossible.
With no hope in my heart that the time would pass quickly, I smoked andyawned, yawned and smoked, until twelve o'clock.
The door opened and Landsberg appeared.
"There is a lady who wishes to speak to your Majesty."
"The devil!"
I meant to say this under my breath, but I must have spoken louder thanI intended, for the lady of whom Landsberg had spoken heard it, andlaughed merrily.
"No, Victor, only me."
She threw back the veil which covered her face. I sprang to my feet, andtossed my cigar, as I thought, into the fire-place, but it fell short onthe carpet, and smoked merrily, a fact which I did not notice, for I hadeyes for nothing but the face of my darling.
Landsberg had decently left the room.
I was so surprised that I could only hold her hands and look at her, andat length her eyes fell before the light in mine. I did not know that Istill held her hands.
"Princess, oh, Princess."
"Victor, oh, Victor." The little witch had hypnotised me, and then wasgraceless enough to mock at me.
"Irma, I love you, I love you."
She gave a little start and I felt her hands tremble; I saw a new lookcome into her eyes, rather startled, and shy.
"Victor, what are you saying?"
"Oh, I know what I say, have known it for all the time that has passedsince I saw you last. I love you, and I want you to say that you willtry to love me. Irma, my beautiful Irma, will you try?"
"Are you sure you want me, are you sure it is not mere liking, are yousure, oh, Victor, are you sure?" There was a little break in her voice.
"Am I sure? Yes, I am, I love you so much that the mere thought of youmakes me happy. Irma, I never thought it possible until I met you thatGod could be so kind, and yet He has been very good to me, everythinghas prospered with me, but I would sooner be a peasant, with you, thanreign where I do without you. I can't live without you, I love you so."
"What do you want me to say?" she said, so softly that only my lover'sears could have caught the words.
"Say you love me a little, my darling."
"It would hardly be true, Victor, for I love you with my whole heart."
* * * * *
It would seem like sacrilege to write of the next quarter of an hour,even if I could remember what was said, which I cannot; there remains tome but a confused memory, yet one of the gladdest of all that I possess.All that I can say is, that I knew I had received a priceless gift inher love, and gloried that mine for her was as deep and passionate.
"You are rather astonishing, Victor."
Her words brought me back to everyday existence, and I began to laugh,lightly at first and rather uncertainly, until she joined in, and we satlike two foolish people, and laughed until we cried. But an end mustcome to even the heartiest laughter, and when I had wiped the tears frommy eyes, I answered her remark:
"Why am I astonishing?"
"Isn't it rather unusual--your mode of procedure, I mean?"
"It is none the worse for that, but I suppose it might strike a casualobserver as rather strange."
"I think it would," she said.
She began to laugh again, but so tremulously that I put my arm round herand held her tight; her head went down on to my shoulder and she cried.For a moment I thought to ask her what was the matter, but my innateprudence made me keep silent, and after a minute or two she looked up,smiling through her tears.
"I am so silly, but I am so happy."
"So am I."
I should imagine that I looked it, for my face was one big smile. Itwas so very extraordinary, I had been absolutely afraid at the chateau,whereas now I felt as brave as a lion.
"How did you know I was here?" It had only just struck me that I hadnot told Landsberg not to mention the fact.
"Sonia told me, of course."
"I must make Landsberg a General."
"You know Sonia is outside?"
"No, I didn't, but it is an excellent place for a little while yet. Nowtell me why you came, was it because you thought I should feel lonely?"
"No, dear, it was not for that, but to thank you."
"Whatever for?"
"For what you were here for. No, you must not blame Landsberg, Soniagot it out of him. She made him tell her, and I am so glad she did, forI could never have come unless I had had that as a reason."
"Couldn't you have thought of one for yourself?"
"Oh, yes," she said teasingly, "I could have come and asked you to marryme."
"I have not asked you yet, now I come to think of it, so will repair thefault, if you please."
"Go down properly on your knees then."
I did as she bade me, and she put her hands one on each side of my face,and held me fast.
"Didn't you know I loved you, Victor?"
"No, my darling, how could I? Why, when I left you the other day, Ithought you were absolutely indifferent."
"Then why did you carry me off my feet to-day?"
"Because I felt braver, and wanted you so much, that the sight of youmade me forget all considerations, made me forget everything except theone fact, that I loved you."
"I never thought that I should be proposed to in a scrubby little hotelby a King. My imagination could not carry me as far as that, but Ishouldn't have minded if it had been a pigsty."
I daresay the wonder of it all would have given us food for conversationfor a week, only Landsberg and Sonia were outside. Perhaps they wereimpatient at our long interview, and thought that, as I happened to be areigning monarch, I had better get back to my own country, so one ofthem--I never discovered who--gave a discreet knock at the door. Thenext moment Irma and I were far apart. A monarch has no right to feelfoolish before one of his subjects--it is a bad precedent toestablish--but I found it extremely difficult to keep a stern expressionwhen the two entered; that is the worst of kingship, you can never benatural except with your equals. I should have liked to tell all theworld that Irma loved me, it was the supreme and only important thing inthe world. As it was, after a few commonplaces, I sent Landsberg to seeif the car was ready; and when he had vanished said to Sonia:
"Mademoiselle, I wish for your congratulations. Her Royal Highness hasconsented to be my wife. I do not think there is any necessity tomention the fact to Landsberg, although I should not be astonished tohear that the rascal would not be surprised, if told."
"Your Majesty has my most humble congratulations, and I am sureLandsberg would be surprised, if he knew that your Majesty wished it."
While the would-be surprised Captain was still out of the room, I saidgood-bye to the Princess, my Irma.
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