" I got up sharply and paced the
room, until I threw off the foolish notion and could look at the matter
in its true proportions.
"Tell me, Your Majesty," I said, "if I accept, will I be regarded as a
legitimate descendant of the House of Dalberg or as of a morganatic
marriage?"
The King nodded. "I had anticipated that would be your first question.
You will be legitimate."
"But," said I, "if I understand the canons of royalty, my
great-grandfather having married one not of royal rank his descendants
are, as regards the House of Valeria, illegitimate."
"As a general proposition that is true; but it happens that your case is
a peculiar exception."
"I am glad," said I; "otherwise we had reached an end of the matter."
"That, Major, is one of your American notions," said the King; "there is
no disgrace in morganatic marriages."
"It's all a question of national taste," said I; "and you know, sire,
'_de gustibus non_'----"
He drummed with his fingers a moment on the table.
"I have some unhandy views, possibly," said I.
"Oh, you will soon outgrow them," he returned; "only, it may be a trifle
awkward if you parade them."
"But, maybe, I shall not care to outgrow them.
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