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All the Powers have recognized one fact, however, that Wallaria must be kept inviolate; so it is that this is an independent kingdom to-day. The position is unique, and gives the King, within his own realm, a power more autocratic than the Czar's should he care to use it, since he has only to play off one great Power against another to preserve himself from attack. You follow me?"
And he lowered his voice as he leaned toward the Ambassador: "The Princess Maritza!" "Is in Australia at present, I believe." "Exactly," said the Frenchman. "Making a tour of the English Colonies. A delicate attention to an honored guest and unfortunate exile, designed to keep her out of the way while the present unsettled feeling in Wallaria lasts; is it not so?"
His nature is an impatient one, and in anger he turned his back upon England and came to Sturatzberg. In Wallaria there were possibilities. I can understand his action, Countess; it was a natural one in a man of his independent character, but it was foolish. It gave credence to the tales which had been circulated.
"You will help me by doing so," said Cloverton. "In Sturatzberg, my lord," said De Froilette. "Do you imagine he will return to the very centre of his danger? I am inclined to think he has crossed the hills and taken the quickest way out of Wallaria." "You do not know the man, and you forget he is an Englishman," said De Froilette. "They are desperate fellows, these English adventurers.
Wallaria may at any time be the cause of a European war. If this Princess of yours had her way, that time would not be long in coming." For the remainder of the day Desmond Ellerey filled a corner of the library with tobacco smoke, and his head with a thousand details concerning Wallaria.
I do not speak of such plots as these, but of one particular plot, whose ramifications spread and grow from end to end of Wallaria, penetrating to the very heart of the nation as surely as tree roots push their way to water. The head of it looks up watchfully from the hidden intrenchments on the mountains at intervals, waiting for the moment to strike. Anxiously is it waiting now."
Rewards, place, honor, he has promised them all; yet on the frontier at this moment lies a Russian army only waiting this De Froilette's word to enter Wallaria and secure every benefit which you have pledged yourselves to fight for." "The proof! The proof!" shouted many voices. "What proof can I carry of such a scheme? You have the Queen's token; I have delivered it.
She is the descendant of a line of rulers chiefly remarkable for their inability to rule, and her chance of ascending the throne of her fathers is absolutely nil, fortunately for Europe. You are not a student of contemporary history, Desmond, or you would know something about Wallaria and its exiled Princess." "I am not a diplomat, but a soldier at least, I was," Desmond answered.
I will offer my sword to Wallaria, and if she will have it, by Heaven, she shall." Lady Martin put her hand upon his shoulder, pressed it in kindly sympathy for a moment, and then left the room. "Sleep on it, Desmond, you will think better of it in the morning," said Sir Charles. "You have been very good to me, both of you," said Ellerey, turning round suddenly when Lady Martin had gone.
I heard that she had managed to escape the delicate attention of my Government and had returned to Wallaria. Needless to say, I did not believe the story, but the deliverance of her token certainly lends credence to it." "She might send her token," said the King; "she would not venture herself in the country, much less in Sturatzberg." "That was my opinion," answered Cloverton.
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