And Dehra! I could get no further. Crown and Kingdom faded
and I saw only a woman's face.----
Then the King coughed, and I came sharply back to life, and visions fled.
But, even then, realities seemed almost visions, still.
I turned to the King. "Will Your Majesty permit me a few days to
consider the matter?" I asked.
"As many as you wish, my boy," he said kindly.
"It is all so extraordinary. I am in no condition to look at it with
even reasonable judgment."
"I think," said he, "I can quite understand."
"But there is something I can foresee, even now," said I.
The King smiled. "Trouble?"
"Yes, trouble in plenty."
"But if the price be worth it all?" he asked, studying a smoke ring as it
floated lazily upward.
"The trouble does not bother me."
"Oh!" said he, "I know that."
"Then, may I ask," said I, "if the Duke of Lotzen knows of these Decrees?"
"The Heir Presumptive is always made acquainted with the Laws of his
House."
"What, think you, then, Sire, would be his attitude in such an anomalous
situation as would follow my presence in Valeria as Hugo's heir?"
"You mean, how would he view a rival for the Crown?"
"Well, that's a bit broader than I intended," said I.
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