He
gave me an instant's glance; flung another at the portrait behind me;
and, then, clicking his heels sharply together, he raised his hand in
salute--but, whether to me or to the portrait, I could not know. My
own hand went up with his and remained a moment longer; for I was the
junior in actual rank, though he could not know it, for my present
uniform was no guide.
"Since no one has presented the Colonel of the Red Huzzars, will he not
do the service for himself?" he said, very courteously.
"I cry your pardon, gentlemen," exclaimed the King; "and I herewith
present, to the Duke of Lotzen, his cousin, the Grand Duke Armand."
Lotzen extended his hand in frank greeting. "You are a Dalberg--any
one could see--but whence?"
"From America," I answered.
He knew his family records well. "Then, you are the heir of Hugo," he
said instantly. "And you come in good time, cousin; there have been
few enough Dalbergs in Valeria this generation."
"Your cousin will appreciate your welcome," said the King, before I
could make reply. Then he raised his glass. "I give you: The New
Archduke," he said.
I bowed low; yet, not so low, but that I caught the smile Dehra gave
me, over her glass, and the sharp glance with which Lotzen noted it.
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