And
motives in action are always based on impulses. But let us waste no time
on retrospection. It is the present which confronts us. You do not want
war."
"No more do you."
"What remedy do you suggest?"
"I ask, nay, I plead that question of you."
"I represent the offended party." The chancellor's gaunt features
lighted with a transient smile. "Proceed, Baron."
"I suggest, then, that the duke must not know."
"Agreed. Go on."
"You will put the matter before her highness."
"That will be difficult."
"Let her repudiate the negotiations. Let her say that she has changed
her mind. His majesty is quite willing that the humiliation be his."
"That is generous. But suppose she has set her heart on the crown of
Jugendheit? What then?"
The baron bit the ends of his mustache.
"Suppose that?" the chancellor pressed relentlessly.
"In that event, the affair is no longer in our hands but in God's."
"As all affairs are. Is there no way of changing the king's mind?"
"Read the letter, Count," said the ambassador.
Herbeck hunted for the postmark: Bavaria. He read the letter. There was
nothing between the lines. It was the work of rather an irresponsible
boy.
"May I take this to her highness?" asked the chancellor.
"I'm afraid--"
"I promise its contents will not go beyond her eye.
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