So much I know--and, surely, it is enough; and far more than enough.
Yet, having that fixed and settled, there is another matter touching which Dehra and I have a vast curiosity:
What says the great, bra.s.s-bound Laws of the Dalbergs? Has the Order of Succession been changed? Will I supplant Lotzen as the Heir Presumptive?
But, on that, His Majesty is silent; and the Book is locked. Nor does even the Princess venture to inquire. Perchance, he is reserving it for a surprise at the Dinner, to-night. Perchance, he thinks I have honor sufficient.
Yet, none the less, do I wonder; and, I confess it, none the less do I hope. Nor is the hope for myself alone--for, to be an Archduke of Valeria is rank enough for any man--but, also, for her whom I love, and the Nation loves, and who was born to wear a Crown.
And, for her dear sake, do I pray, with all humility, yet, somehow, with the confidence of Right, that, in my unworthy self, the Line of stubborn old Hugo may come to its own again.