Part 18 (1/2)
The Queen looked first at her husband, then at the A on the latter for a moment
”I cannot tell you why,” she answered slowly ”It was a reat importance, but it was essentially private I would be unfair to Captain Ellerey to speak of it”
It may have been the flicker of triu on
”We expected to find Captain Ellerey still with you”
”The audience was a short one,” was the answer
”I a ”I do so in your own interests”
”You wish ainst me I tremble lest I may be unable to do so Of what frivolity do I stand accused?” and she smiled at the A for lenient judg ”Lord Cloverton has suggested that you have despatched this Captain Ellerey upon so to do us a service, but in truth jeopardizing our policy of peace, perchance our throne In substance, my lord, that is your accusation, I think?”
”That is so,” returned the Ambassador
”To what enemies?” asked the Queen, after a pause
”Is there any need to particularize?” said the King irritably ”The accusation is either true or false”
”It is false”
The denial was quietly spoken, but an angry flush glowed in her cheeks
”By your Majesty's leave, such an accusation should be definite, and again I ask, what enemies?”
”I will be definite,” said Lord Cloverton ”Doubtless you have not considered well--”
”Be direct, too, my lord; what enemies?”
”I will I mean those enemies who are in coand Vasilici in thecommunication with these men?”
”Your Majesty must pardon my bluntness, I do”
”You are pardoned, and thanked also,” she said lightly ”Such bluntness comes more directly at the heart of the matter than e” And then, turning to the King, she went on: ”For my own protection I am constrained to tell you the purpose of Captain Ellerey's visit to me He has quickly received the favor of one of the ladies of our Court, a favor for which I am in so us, he furnished us with subject for jesting by declaring that no woman had ever played a serious part in his life I expressed a belief that such a state, and I have since often questioned him whether he could truthfully repeat the declaration It was a jest, but seriousness has coh, even to the Countess Mavrodin Such an a him bitter eneht I have persuaded hih, if I haveplainer to hiainst such an aht to pander to my country's enemies or to jeopardize your Majesty's throne?” The question was asked in such a h
”No, but by my faith, your interference may have jeopardized the lady's happiness Is she to have no voice in the matter?”
”I fear she is somewhat fascinated by Captain Ellerey,” said the Queen with a sht of
Think of it Frina Mavrodin and a Captain of Horse! You English place no li to Lord Cloverton
”Love leaps over all obstacles,” said the King