Collected works > Edinburgh edition, 1894-98 - Works of Robert Louis Stevenson > Volume 9, 1895 - Romances Volume II

IN MY LADY'S CHAMBER
ditions ; and she knows besides how, in the publicity
of the diet, these whispered conferences are forgotten
and disowned. The danger is very real ' — he raged
inwardly at having to blow the very coal he had
been quenching — * none the less real in that it is
not precisely military, but for that reason the easier
to be faced. Had we to count upon your troops,
although I share your Highness's expectations of the
conduct of Alvenau, we cannot forget that he has not
been proved in chief command. But where negotia-
tion is concerned, the conduct lies with us ; and with
your help, I laugh at danger.'
' It may be so,' said Seraphina, sighing. ' It is
elsewhere that I see danger. The people, these
abominable people— suppose they should instantly
rebel ? What a figure we should make in the eyes
of Europe to have undertaken an invasion while my
own throne was tottering to its fall ! '
* Nay, madam,' said Gondremark, smiling, ' here
you are beneath yourself. What is it that feeds
their discontent ? What but the taxes ? Once we
have seized Gerolstein, the taxes are remitted, the
sons return covered with renown, the houses are
adorned with pillage, each tastes his little share of
military glory, and behold us once again a happy
family ! " Ay," they will say, in each other's long
ears, " the Princess knew what she was about ; she
was in the right of it ; she has a head upon her
shoulders ; and here we are, you see, better off than
before." But why should I say all this ? It is
what my Princess pointed out to me herself; it
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