"The same. Hugo, too, seems to have kept a journal."
"He kept the letter itself, and a copy of his answer," I added.
The King laughed. "Altogether, Hugo must have been a rare fine fellow,
with a mind of his own."
"He was a son of Henry the Third," I answered.
The King nodded. "Yet 'twas a pity he did not accept Frederick's
offer."
"I fancy the new life was more to his mind."
"Doubtless,--but, had he returned, it would be you and not Ferdinand of
Lotzen who would be the Heir Presumptive of Valeria."
I smiled. "Had he returned I would not be I."
"True enough," said he. "But think of the crown of your ancestors that
might be yours."
"It is enough to be a Dalberg. I have never thought of the crown," I
answered.
"There spoke the son of Hugo," he said.
Then, suddenly, he seemed to remember that we were not alone, and,
springing up, he sought out Courtney, who, though unable to get out of
ear-shot, had courteously retired to the remotest corner of the room.
"My dear Courtney," he exclaimed. "I have been unpardonably rude. I
forgot you completely. Yet, you brought it on yourself; you should
have prepared me for my cousin."
But Courtney had his part to play.
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