Then the Count sat down, and all faces were turned toward the King.

Frederick ran his eyes slowly around the table.  I did the like.  There were but three faces which did not show favor for the marriage—­and, of course, the three were the King’s, Lotzen’s, and mine.  At least, I assume mine evidenced my repugnance.  I am quite sure I felt it.

“It is altogether useless, my Lords, for us to discuss the marriage matter,” said Frederick.  “I have given my word to Her Royal Highness that she shall not be coerced in her choice of a husband, and it shall not be broken.  So long as she weds within her circle, she may marry when and where and whom she will.  Save for that restriction, Valeria will make peace with Titia upon the terms specified.  We refused the marriage before the war began; we refuse it now; we would refuse it were Casimir’s guns thundering without the walls.”

They were good courtiers—­these men of the Council—­for they sprang to their feet and cheered enthusiastically.  And so the matter ended, for the time.  Altogether, I was well pleased with the doings of the morning.

And so was Courtney, when I told him of it, over a whiskey and soda in his library, later in the day.  Possibly, I violated the proprieties in disclosing the business of the Royal Council, but I knew Courtney understood I was talking to my friend and not to the Ambassador.

“I wish,” said I, “you would give me your opinion of Lotzen.”

Courtney smiled.  “He is clever—­very clever,” he said.

“Even I could guess that after last evening,” I cut in.

“He is ambitious, rather unscrupulous, and wholly dangerous,” Courtney continued.

“A pleasant sort of rival,” I commented.

“And, finally, he is infatuated with the Princess Royal.”

“That may be a fatal weakness,” said I.

“Truly, you seem to have gained wisdom overnight—­Your Highness,” said he.

“And shall need many nights and much, very much, wisdom, I fear.”

He nodded.  “That you will—­particularly, if you make a confidant of women.”

I frowned.

“Don’t imagine Lady Helen told me,” Courtney explained.  “I chanced to notice her greeting, last night, to the Colonel of the Red Huzzars.”

“You are too observant,” said I.

“A bit more so, at that moment, than the Princess, I think.”

“I trust so,” said I.

“You made some rather fast going last night, my friend,” he observed.  “Now, it’s none of my affair—­only—­isn’t it a bit early for top speed?”

“That is exactly what the Princess suggested,” said I.

He burst into an amused laugh.  “Go it, my boy!” he exclaimed, “you are doing delightfully—­and so is the Princess.”

“Particularly the Princess,” I said.

He nodded.

“And it’s more than likely I am riding for a fall.”

He shrugged his shoulders.  “It’s a fast race over a strange course—­and they will ride you down if they can.”