"Exactly--and, therefore, the less likely a change in the Law of
Succession. He uses you to play against you."
"And I am helpless to prevent it," said I.
"I may not refuse his civilities nor appear to question their intent."
"Heaven forfend!" Courtney exclaimed, with lifted hands. "Your counter
attack is at the King, too. Keep him interested in you."
"I have, I think. I am the new Military Governor of Dornlitz."
"Wonderful, Major!--Your Royal Highness, I mean."
"Drop the R. H., please," I said; "stick to Armand or Major."
"Thank you, I shall, in private; it's handier. And when were you
appointed?"
"It will be in the Gazette this evening. His Majesty offered it to me
this morning."
"Does Lotzen know it?"
"I think not; it was due to a sudden shifting of Corps Commanders made
yesterday."
"I would like a view of the Duke's private countenance when he hears it
first," Courtney laughed. "It's the most desirable post in the Army;
even preferable to Chief of Staff. It makes you master in the Capital
and its Military District, a temporary Field Marshal, and answerable to
none but the King himself."
"It's just that which makes me question the expediency of my accepting
the detail," said I.
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