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The poorly turned speech awoke a slight defiance in Trusia's heart. It was oversoon, she thought, for her King to patronize her. "Your Majesty mistakes," was the quick retort, "my homage is to Krovitch. We are equals you and I." "I could ask no greater distinction than equality with you." Stovik's answer was a pattern of humility, which Trusia in her loyalty was quick to see. Her face softened.
"The Duchess of Schallberg, the Countess Muhlen-Sarkey, together with the remaining gentlemen of the household, are all anxiously waiting to welcome Your Majesty." In response to a signal from Sutphen, the doors were flung wide to admit His Majesty, Stovik Fourth, King of Krovitch.
"Josef says these strangers are spies. You must judge," she said trenchantly to her Counselors. Carter could have knelt before her as she spoke, for her voice proclaimed her disbelief. "This," she said turning to Calvert as she indicated the stern-faced veteran nearest the throne, "this is Colonel Sutphen, the Hereditary Chancellor of Krovitch and member of our Privy Council."
"Really, Excellency, you have only one thing to fear." His chief started up suspiciously. "What is that?" he asked tersely. "That I may decide to claim the throne of Krovitch myself," Josef replied, as with his habitual smile he softly closed the door and hurried from the house. "Do you realize, Carrick, that three weeks have passed since I proposed this trip to Krovitch?"
"I have wanted to have a fuller talk with you anent Josef," said Sobieska when their conversation had reached the confidential stage. "It was manifestly impossible at the castle. I was afraid of eavesdroppers. It may be one of those unreasonable prejudices, but, aside from the fellow's social inferiority, I cannot help feeling that his is a sinister influence in Krovitch."
"I thought his allegiance held him to the side of his exiled master. Has he been in Krovitch all his life?" "Although familiar to the older nobles during the lifetime of King Marc, the grandfather of his present Majesty, Josef reappeared last autumn after an absence of several years. He immediately requested the hand of Lady Trusia in marriage for His Majesty."
"Mark Carrick," was the almost surly answer. "His business?" "Scrivener." "Why did you come to Krovitch?" The question was advanced suddenly, unexpectedly, as if to catch the chauffeur off his guard. "I'm Captain Carter's man; you'd better arsk him." Carrick was displaying renewed signs of impatience. Sobieska paused.
Already the maidens of Krovitch have heard of you, sir. One at least, desires to make your acquaintance." "We are going to the inn," Zulka announced as he took Carter by the arm, so the latter made his adieux to the gentlemen of the Privy Council and turned prepared to follow him. "Castle's full," Paul explained to relieve the mystification apparent on his friend's countenance.
"Forgive me, sweetheart, but love will not be denied," he answered. "Let the King have Krovitch, and you come with me." His face was close to hers, his heart was slowly, strongly closing on her own fluttering heart. She felt that, unless she could at once throw off the spell, in another minute she would be limply lying in his arms in complete surrender to his plea.
We will raise the battle cry of Krovitch and at Schallberg crown you and your Queen." "My Queen," almost shouted the astonished Delmotte, "have I a Queen, too? Are you all crazy, or am I? Pray heaven the Queen is none other than Marie, else I'll have no supper to-night. Who is my queen?" He asked as he saw the expression of disapproval which appeared on more than one face present.
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