The Traitors Part 21

"You are the first lady in Theos," he answered, "and you will not be content to bend your knee day by day before a plebeian. I will prove to you that I am sincere. If the King seeks your hand in marriage, I will not raise a little finger against him. But we will not support another Tyrnaus in another reign of folly. We will not recognize a king who places by his side upon the throne the daughter of tradespeople."

"It would be infamous," she murmured.

"Dear lady," he said softly, "try to forget that I am a Russian, or that Russia was ever your fancied enemy. An independent Theos is my policy, it is your religion. Let us work hand in hand."

The old distrust was hard to smother. She gave him the tips of her fingers.

"You can speak with me again," she said. "I make no promises. I will watch."

CHAPTER XVIII

Ughtred, with a deep sigh of relief, sank into an easy-chair, and mopped his forehead in most unkingly fashion. He had escaped for a moment into the royal ante-room.

"Nicholas," he exclaimed, "if I am to be preserved for the service of the State order me a whisky-and-soda. This is harder work than our ride from Castle Reist."

Reist touched the bell and smiled.

"It is not yet concluded," he said. "I have many yet upon my list who have not been presented to your Majesty. There must be no heartburnings to-night. We must make no enemies."

Ughtred sat up with a sudden sense of injury.

"Nicholas," he demanded, "where is your sister?"

Reist's face was imperturbable.

"My sister," he said, "regretted exceedingly her inability to be present. She will pay her respects to your Majesty later."

The King frowned. His manner was impatient.

"It is now that I require her help," he said. "The Baroness is an utter impossibility. Her French is unrecognizable, she remembers no one, and the woman herself with her dyed hair and feathers is a caricature. Your sister must really make an effort, Reist. She must come and help me out."

"I will see that your Majesty's wishes," Reist answered quietly, "are conveyed to her."

The King eyed him keenly. Reist then was concealing something. His sister's absence was not motiveless.

"On reflection," he said, "I desire to emphasize my wishes. Your sister's absence is significant, and might possibly be commented upon.

You will go yourself and fetch her, Nicholas. Say that I desire her immediate presence."

"Your Majesty," Reist protested, "my sister may have to make her toilette. Her immediate return with me will doubtless be impossible."

"The Countess will use her own discretion as to the time she keeps me waiting," Ughtred answered coolly. "I have told you that I shall await your return."

Reist turned away with immovable face. Ughtred remained in the ante-room alone. He lit a cigarette, and took a pile of telegrams from the table by his side. Selecting the topmost he read it thoughtfully to himself.

"My best wishes to you and for the welfare of your kingdom.

May my offering remain forever an ornament. May peace and happiness be the lot of your people and your own.--SARA VAN DECHT."

"A coronation present with such a wish," he said to himself, "must remain an enigma. Enter."

An attendant withdrew the curtain.

"Captain Hartzan, of the Artillery, desires a moment's audience with your Majesty," the servant announced.

The King nodded.

"Let him be shown in."

A young officer bowed low as he pa.s.sed through the curtains.

"Your Majesty," he announced, "a messenger has arrived at the barracks from the English firm of Vickers, Son, and Maxim. He is in charge of a whole battery of Maxims and quick-firing pom-poms, and awaits instructions as to their delivery."

"I know nothing of them," the King answered. "I understood that the firm you mention had declined the orders of the late Government."

"It is true, your Majesty," the officer answered, "and in consequence we have scarcely a modern gun at the barracks. The battery which has arrived here was intended for the Russian Government, but was purchased, the person in charge informs me, by a private individual for cash, as a coronation present to your Majesty."

The King started.

"Are you sure that there is no mistake?" he asked.

"None, your Majesty," the officer answered. "The messenger is quite explicit. It is a princely gift. Colonel Dartnoff instructed me to make an immediate report to your Majesty."

Ughtred for a moment was puzzled.

"I know of no one," he said reflectively, "who could make such a present."

The young officer hesitated.

"The artillery man in charge, your Majesty, claims to have seen the donor's cheque. It was a draft upon Rothschilds, drawn by an American of the name of Van Decht."

Ughtred caught up the telegram by his side. His eyes were suddenly bright. He understood.

"You will inform the agent in charge," he said, "that I will receive him to-morrow, and arrange a date to inspect the battery."

The young officer bowed respectfully, and withdrew. Reist took his place. The King eyed him sternly, for at first it seemed to him that so prompt a return was significant.

"Well, sir!"

Reist lifted the curtain. Marie stood there in Court dress, her long train held by pages in the Reist livery, her neck and arms ablaze with jewels, a coronet of pearls upon her forehead. She was a little pale, and she carried herself with more than ordinary dignity. The King rose, and, bowing low, raised her hands to his lips.

"You are very welcome, Countess of Reist," he said, "although you are amongst the latest of those who have come to offer their good wishes."

"I have come," she answered, "in obedience to your Majesty's commands."

"Commands!" He smiled good-humouredly. "It is very unkind of you," he said, "to have thought of deserting me on such a day as this."