"
"Then, I am quite content with them," said I.
"And you may also feel content," said he, "in that I appreciate your
position here and its difficulties, and I shall stand behind you. But
a King's favorite, even though of the Royal Family, is rarely popular,
so I shall obtrude no more than is necessary to show you have my good
will. When you want more, ask for it."
XI
THE FATALITY OF MOONLIGHT
The following morning I was formally presented to the Royal Council and
took my place at the Board, on the left of the King, the Duke of Lotzen
being on his right. His Majesty stated briefly my descent, the law of
the case as laid down by the Great Henry, and that I had accepted a
restitution of the rights and privileges due to the eldest male heir of
Hugo.
"I ask your consideration for him, my Lords, the same as though he were
our own son," he ended. "I will answer for him--he is a Dalberg."
At this there was applause and the members of the Council pressed
forward and welcomed me as an Archduke of the Kingdom, taking my hand
and bending knee before me. It seemed a bit queer, but I got through
it satisfactorily to myself--particularly so since there was no kissing
in it.
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