Fiction > Book editions > London, 1888 - Prince Otto

A ROMANCE 149
insiglit ; all I could offer you was the position,
was this throne, to be a fulcrum. But I offered
it without reserve ; I entered at least warmly
into all your thoughts ; you were sure of me —
sure of my support — certain of justice. Tell
me, tell me again, that I have helped you.'
' Nay, madam,' he said, ' you made me. In
everything you were my inspiration. And as
we prepared our policy, weighing every step,
how often have I had to admire your per-
spicacity, your man-like diligence and forti-
tude ! You know that these are not the words
of flattery ; your conscience echoes them ; have
you spared a day ? have you indulged yourself
in any pleasure? Young and beautiful, you
have lived a life of high intellectual effort,
of irksome intellectual patience with details.
Well, you have your reward : with the fall of
Brandenau, the throne of your Empire is
founded.'
'What thought have you in your mind?'
she asked. ' Is not all ruined ? '
' Nay, my Princess, the same thought is in
both our minds,' he said.
' Herr von Gondremark,' she replied, ' by
all tlmt I hold sacred, I have none ; I do not
think at all ; I am crushed.'
'You are looking at the passionate side of
a rich nature, misunderstood and recently in-