“I suppose I should. My sympathies would be with them as lovers, being in such a deplorable condition myself. But I should not approve, for I believe in the principle of monarchy, and that would deal it a heavy blow. But a liaison--there is no objection to that if it were circumspectly managed. That shocks your American prudery; but in the case of princes it is a desirable outlet for the feelings they have in common with the rest of human-kind, especially when a still more vital principle is at stake. Our princess can preserve this monarchy if any one can, and I for one would welcome her as the solution; for William, with all his great qualities, is perhaps a trifle too high and mighty for Hungary, and his second son is still an unknown quantity. It would be criminal in her to desert us, but a liaison would do no one any harm.” “I don’t take monarchies as seriously as you do, and I have brought up Ranata too well--she will have no liaisons. Besides, my brother plays for high stakes. It is the best or nothing with him.” “Men have been known to take what they could get; and there are elements in our princess which are beyond even your training. To-night she looks like a beautiful ripe fruit hanging heavily from the tree. The Hapsburgs have bad blood in them; not a drachm of the Puritanism of the Hohenzollerns. The Princess has it in her to be a great sovereign, but--_bien_; the world is her oyster; why should she not open it?” “If I marry you it will be to reform your morals. Not that they are worse than those of any other European.” “American morals are _bourgeoise_.” “So is its hypocrisy! But we like things that way. I may even make an American of you yet.” “I have no objection to being an American if I can live in Europe. And all the Americans I have met seem to make no difficulty about that. I suppose your excellent father would not wish me to go into business with him?” “I am sure he would not!” “Sarolta,” murmured Prince Illehazy, “I have been uneasy for some time. Has not the moment come to speak?” “I have spoken--this afternoon--and her philosophical calm staggered me.” “I see no evidence of philosophical calm.”