He must keep the American
Ambassador free from fault.
"Major Dalberg never disclosed his relationship to your Majesty," he
said, formally; "else, as you are well aware, he could not have been
given the detail without your express permission. As it is, I shall be
obliged to report the matter to my Government and----"
"Do so, by all means, if it will keep your records clear," the King cut
in, in the same formal tone; "but be careful, at the same time, to say
to your State Department that we shall deem it a personal affront if
our Kinsman be recalled. And, now, sir," he went on with an amused
smile and dropping the conventional air, "confess it. Didn't you
suspect the relationship?"
"I have been a guest at the Court of Valeria too often not to have
noted a certain resemblance," Courtney admitted readily. Then, like a
good fellow, he set me right. "But, be assured, Your Majesty, not I
nor I believe anyone, has ever heard Major Dalberg speak of his royal
descent; though I admit I have tried hard to draw him to it."
The King looked at me and nodded in approval.
"It is a law of the family, laid down by Hugo himself," I explained.
"Though, of course, our silence does not prevent anyone from proving
the fact who investigates our genealogy," and I glanced significantly
at Courtney.
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