He is a big man, of fertile invention; he
will understand. If this thing falls through his honors will fall with
it. He will work toward peace, though from what I have learned the duke
would not shun war."
"Where is the prince?"
"Wherever he is, he is working for the best interests of the state.
Don't worry about his royal highness; he's a man."
"When did you come?"
"This morning. Though I have been here before in this same guise."
"There is the Bavarian princess," remarked the ambassador musingly.
"Ha! A good thought! But the king is romantic; she is older than he,
and ugly."
"You are not telling me everything," intuitively.
"I know it. I am telling you all that is at present necessary."
"You make me the unhappiest man in the kingdom! I have worked so hard
and long toward this end. When did the king decline this alliance?"
"Evidently the moment he heard of it. I have his letter in my pocket. I
am requested to read it to you. Listen:
"'MY ILLUSTRIOUS AND INDUSTRIOUS UNCLE: I regret exceedingly that at
this late day I should cause you political embarrassment; but when I
gave my consent to the espousal of any of the various princesses at
liberty, surely it was understood that Ehrenstein was not to be
considered.
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