We shall welcome you with all
our hearts. Come, Armand!
"DEHRA."
I read it slowly a second time--and then a third time--wondering, the
while, whether I should show it to Courtney.
"You know who wrote this?" I asked.
"I know who wrote the address."
"Then know the note, also," said I, and read it to him.
His face was quite expressionless as I read; but, at the end, he gave
the faintest nod of approval. "If that does not hold you to the task,
you are----" he stopped. "God, Sir! You ought to be proud to be her
cousin," he ended.
I spent the balance of the day arranging the affairs of my office, to
the end that I could instantly sever all official relations with the
American Government, and, so assume my new rank with the least possible
embarrassment to Courtney. He would, doubtless, find it unfortunate
enough to have, as a Royal Archduke, one who but lately was his
Military Attache, and familiar with much of his policy and purpose. I
said as much to him that evening, as we rode toward the Summer Palace,
but he laughed it off.
"Embarrass me!" he exclaimed. "I shall be the most envied of the
Ambassadors; sought after by all the Court for a word to my friend, the
new Archduke--'that may be King hereafter.
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