“But, my dear sir!” remonstrated the Marquis smilingly,--“Is it possible that you really consider Sergius Thord any sort of an influence in this country? If you do, I assure you you are greatly mistaken!” “I think not,” responded Sir Walter quietly; “With every respect for you, Marquis, I believe I am not mistaken! Books written by Sergius Thord are circulating in their thousands all over the world--his speeches are reported not only here, but in journals which probably you never hear of, in far-off countries,--in short, his propaganda is simply enormous. He is a kind of new Rousseau, without,--so far as I can learn,--Rousseau’s private vices. He is a man I much wished to see during my stay here, but I have not had the opportunity of finding him out. He is an undoubted genius,--but I need not remind you, Marquis, that a man is never a prophet in his own country! The world’s ‘celebrity’ is always eyed with more or less suspicion as a strange sort of rogue or vagabond in his own native town or village!” At that moment, the King, having concluded a conversation with certain of his guests, who were thereupon leaving the Throne-room, approached them. He had not spoken a word to the Premier since returning him his signet-ring, but now he said: “Marquis, I was almost forgetting a special request I have to make of you!” “A request from you is a command, Sir!” replied Lutera with hypocritical deference and something of a covert sneer, which did not escape the quick observation of Sir Walter Langton. “In certain cases it should be so,” returned the King tranquilly; “And in this you will probably make it so! I have received a volume of poems by one Paul Zouche. His genius appears to me deserving of encouragement. A grant of a hundred golden pieces a year will not be too much for his hundred best poems. Will you see to this?” The Marquis bowed. “I have never heard of the man in question,” he replied hesitatingly. “Probably not,” returned the King smiling;--“How often do Premiers read poetry, or notice poets? Scarcely ever, if we may credit history! But in this case----” “I will make myself immediately acquainted with Paul Zouche, and inform him of your Majesty’s gracious intention,” the Marquis hastened to say. “It is quite possible he may refuse the grant,” continued the King; “Sometimes--though seldom--poets are prouder than Prime Ministers!”