"Let us pass to my second question. It,
however, demands no thinking. There is ample evidence of your
intention as to the Princess."
"Then, why ask it?" I inquired.
"Because, of her intention toward you, I am not so sure--but, women are
queer creatures and prone to take queer crotchets. You aim to marry
her; and so, having won the King and stolen my birth-right, to use her
popularity to secure you on the Throne. You see, all roads lead to the
Throne."
"All roads which His Highness of Lotzen travels," I observed.
He tilted back the chair; then let it drop sharply forward to the floor.
"Just so, cousin, just so," he said.
"And one of those roads passes by your Chateau?" I asked.
For an instant, he seemed to suspect my true meaning, and I regretted
the word. Then the suspicion faded and he accepted them at their face
value.
"Morals have nothing to do with a King," he laughed; "nor with the
subject under consideration."
"Apropos of the latter," said I, "I suppose I am very stupid, but I
don't quite understand why, if you feel so about the Princess, you
offered to aid me in getting rid of Mrs. Spencer."
"Pure selfishness, cousin. I have taken a liking to the Lady, myself.
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