This book is the Laws of the House of
Dalberg. Listen to what is written touching Hugo, son of Henry the
Third."
Instinctively, I arose and stood at attention.
The King read:
"Section one-hundred twenty-first--For inasmuch as our second son, Hugo,
hath, in defiance of our specific prohibition, this day left our Kingdom
and gone over Sea to the North American Colonies of Great Britain, there
to join the forces of one, George Washington, who is leading a revolt
against his lawful sovereign, the King of England, with whom I am at
peace; It is hereby decreed that the said Hugo shall forfeit all titles
and emoluments heretofore conferred, and his name is hereby stricken from
the Family Roll. From this day he ceaseth to be a Dalberg of Valeria.
"HENRY III, Rex.
"Ye 17th October, A.D., 1777."
Frederick glanced up. "That was the judgment," said he. "Listen, now,
to the pardon:--
"Section one-hundred twenty-fifth--Whereas, we have learned that our
second son, Hugo, hath served with much honour in the American Army under
General Washington, and hath, since the termination of hostilities,
married into a good family in one of the said American States, called
Maryland, and hath assumed residence therein; and whereas he hath never
sought aid from us nor sued for pardon; Now, therefore, in recognition of
his valour and self-reliance and true Dalberg independence, it is decreed
that Section one-hundred twenty-one, supra, be annulled; and Hugo's name
is hereby reinstated on the Family Roll in its proper place, the same as
though never stricken therefrom.
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