“A king’s ‘veto’ has before now brought about a king’s dethronement,” went on the monarch; “Should it do so in my case, I shall not greatly care,--but if things trend that way, I shall lay my thoughts openly before the People for their judgment. They seldom or never hear the Sovereign whom they pay to keep, speak to them on a matter gravely affecting their national destinies,--but they shall hear _me_,--if necessary!” The Marquis moistened his dry lips, and essayed to pronounce a few words. “Your Majesty will run considerable risk----” “Of being judged as something more than a mere dummy,” said the King--“Or a fool set on a throne to be fooled! True! But the risk can only involve life,--and life is immaterial when weighed in the balance against Honour. By the way, Marquis, permit me to return to you this valuable gem”;--Here drawing off the Premier’s sapphire signet, he handed it to him--“Almost I envy it! It is a fine stone!--and worthy of its high service!” “Your Majesty has increased its value by wearing it,” said Lutera, recovering a little of his strayed equanimity in his determination to probe to the bottom of the mystery which perplexed his mind. “May I ask----” “Anything in reason, my dear Marquis,” returned the King lightly, and smiling as he spoke. “A thousand questions if you like!” “One will suffice,” answered the Premier. “I had an unpleasant dream last night about this very ring----” “Ah!” ejaculated the King; “Did you dream that I had dropped it in the sea on my way to The Islands yesterday?” He spoke jestingly, yet with a kindly air, and Lutera gained courage to look boldly up and straight into his eyes. “I did not dream that you had lost it, Sir,” he answered--“but that it had been stolen from your hand, and used by a spy for unlawful purposes!” A strange expression crossed the King’s face,--a look of inward illumination; he smiled, but there was a quiver of strong feeling under the smile. Advancing a step, he laid his hand with a light, half-warning pressure on the Premier’s shoulder. “Dreams always go by contraries, Marquis!” he said;--“I assure you, on my honour as a king and a gentleman, that from the moment you lent it to me, till now,--when I return it to you,--_that ring has never left my finger_!” CHAPTER XV “MORGANATIC” OR--?