Part 21 (1/2)
”It is all so extraordinary I ament”
”I think,” said he, ”I can quite understand”
”But there is so smiled ”Trouble?”
”Yes, trouble in plenty”
”But if the price be worth it all?” he asked, studying a s as it floated lazily upward
”The trouble does not bother me”
”Oh!” said he, ”I know that”
”Then, may I ask,” said I, ”if the Duke of Lotzen knows of these Decrees?”
”The Heir Presumptive is always made acquainted with the Laws of his House”
”What, think you, then, Sire, would be his attitude in such an anoo's heir?”
”You mean, hoould he view a rival for the Crown?”
”Well, that's a bit broader than I intended,” said I
The King laughed ”There is no need for us to mince words--the matter is perfectly evident Under the Law, here, it needs but ible to the Crown; and that necessarily would displace Lotzen and make you Heir Presumptive How do you think he would view it?”
”Hoould any man view it?” I asked
”But what have Lotzen's views to do with the ; here are the Laws What Dalberg would dispute theht not be alone in disputing theht join hi that you would never intend to displace Lotzen byposition of see to be coerced by your subjects”
”Coerced! Coerced!” said Frederick, flinging his cigar savagely into the grate ”Do I hear a Dalberg fear that for his King?”
”Nay, Sire,” I protested, ”I did not say that”
But the anger had already passed ”Nonsense, lad, I understand you,” he said; ”only, I know hed
But I protested again ”Would it not be wiser for me to consider the question only upon the hypothesis that Lotzen shall not be displaced----?”
”Don't be a fool, Armand,” Frederick cut in ”Of course, I cannot prevent your renouncing all right to the Crown, but it will be ainst ”
”His Majesty is very selfish Since he has no son, he wants the privilege of choosing his successor”