Fiction > Book editions > London, 1888 - Prince Otto

A ROMANCE I47
without the plain foresight of its dangers ; and
even for this I was prepared. But, madam, I
knew two things : I knew that you were born
to command, that I was born to serve ; I knew
that by a rare conjuncture, the hand had found
the tool ; and from the first I was confident, as
I am confident to-day, that no hereditary trifler
has the power to shatter that aUiance.'
« I, born to command ! ' she said. ' Do you
forget my tears ? '
' Madam, they were the tears of Alexander,'
cried the Baron. ' They touched, they thrilled
me ; I forgot myself a moment — even I ! But
do you suppose that I had not remarked, that
I had not admired, your previous bearing P your
great self-command ? Ay, that was princely ! '
He paused. 'It was a thing to see. I
drank confidence ! I tried to imitate your calm.
And I was well inspired ; in my heart, I think
that I was well inspired ; that any man, within
the reach of argument, had been convinced !
But it was not to be ; nor, madam, do I regret
the failure. Let us be open; let me disclose
my heart. I have loved two things, not un-
worthily : Grtinewald and my sovereign ! ' Here
he kissed her hand. ' Either I must resign my
ministry, leave the land of my adoption and the
queen whom I had chosen to obey — or '
He paused again.
L 2