Margaret Pedler

“ Schyrolski spoke impressively, "this other alliance with Prince Michael of Rubania—that is a way out. Here we find Kremburg retaining her independence, and united by the strongest possible bonds to a neighbouring and increasingly powerful state, whose people are our very race and blood. Here you would have the Austro-German intentions nipped in the bud, and the approval and support of Russia would be ours. Madame, there lies before us only the choice of this alliance, the marriage with a Hohenberg, or—illimitable bloodshed. Her Highness cannot hesitate. She must not! ”

“ In a few minutes the Rubanian emissary was admitted to her presence. He entered, bowing very low, and when the Grand Duchess graciously extended her hand he placed his own beneath it, and carried it respectfully to his lips, whereupon there followed the customary interchange of royal compliments and courtly inquiries as to the health of "my cousin of Rubania." If the young man was amazed—as well he might be to to find his companion of the woods transformed into a very great lady, he concealed his feelings admirably. ”

“ The Grand Duchess sat up and regarded Madame de Bréville with beautiful eyes of pained amusement. "Has the Count deputed you to come and bully me into receiving the young man's ambassador?"
"And why not? That, at least, does not commit you, and you would be able to find out from him just what the Prince is like—his tastes and ambitions and so on. I hear that he is very handsome," she added negligently.
"Who? His Highness's emissary?" queried Sonia, dimpling with mirth. "The stronger reason, then, against his coming. I might lose my heart to the lesser man." ”

“ What affair is this, then?"
"Why, madame, His Highness urgently desires to become a suitor for the hand of our Grand Duchess, and she—flatly declines to receive the emissary he is desirous of sending to our Court to open negotiations."
"Michael of Rubania," mused the Baroness de Bréville. "One has heard much about him."
"And all to his credit," interrupted Count Schyrolski, with warmth. "He is a fine soldier, and has proved himself an admirable ruler. Since he succeeded his father, Rubania has advanced by leaps and bounds in the consideration of Europe generally. ”

“ These great pillars of militarism disallow the right of independent life to the little states. One by one they are gripped and held by the greedy tentacles of the octopus—a royal marriage here, a binding treaty there, and, hey presto! the little state exists more as an independent country." He paused. "And we have been approached! The German princelings seeking wives—and each bride must bring a little increase of extended power to Germany. Would you sacrifice Her Highness upon a German altar—yield up the liberty of Kremburg?" ”

“ I thank God, mademoiselle," he went on quietly, "that we two are just simple man and woman."
III
IT was a week later that Count Paul de Lavite, special envoy of Prince Micheal of Rubania, arrived with all due ceremony at the palace of the capital of Kremburg, and he was even now awaiting audience of the Grand Duchess. Her Highness had been in an unwontedly difficult mood this morning, and her maids had had their work cut out to please her in the dressing of her beautiful hair and the arranging of her slim young person. ”

“ That would suit the octopus of Europe very well. But if Her Highness refuses, what results? You will see. Kremburg will be found to have interfered with Austrian interests; she will be offered terms to come in as a vassal state. And the alternative will be—war."
Alas! the red fires of battle, kindled later from another Eastern torch, have proved how lamentably well the wise old statesman gauged that deadly octopus of Europe.
"The alternative will be war."
"We can fight!" ”

“ But even Prime Ministers—and despotic ones at that—may not lay down the law to men's and women's hearts, though they may break them. And could Schyrolski have been present in the audience chamber a little later when the Rubanian envoy was received in private audience by the Grand Duchess he would have realised that the inconceivable was not only possible, but actual. ”

“ No; it was utterly impossible: she could not walk. She must perforce remain where she was until a search-party from the palace found her, and it might well be several hours before it would occur to any of the suite to look for her in these particular woods. And when they did find her, Marie would blame her for her escapade, and Schyrolski, too, would add his quota of reproof. A few tears of self-pity slowly coursed down her de cheeks.
Have you hurt yourself? Can I help you? ”

“ She laid her hand upon his arm.
"Mon ami, royal feet are bound; they must not stray across strange thresholds. Let us speak of it no more."
IV
The Court of Kremburg had been very gay during the brief visit of the envoy from Rubania. A state ball and concert and a huge dinner party had been among the compliments bestowed upon Prince Michael's representative, and from the extreme graciousness of Her Highness's manner to Count Paul, old Schyrolski argued good results were pending He attacked the Baroness de Bréville on the subject just a day before that fixed the envoy's departure. ”

“ The young man was on his knees beside her. "Permit me," and with gentle, sensitive fingers he gently removed the little shoe, and touched the the injured ankle, which was already feeling hot and swollen with pain. ”