“Sir,” he said very quietly, yet with perfect frankness; “Your Majesty must have the goodness to pardon me if I say you must not rely upon me at all in this matter! I will promise nothing, except to be true to myself and my own sense of justice. I have given up my own country for conscience’ sake--I can easily give up another which is not my own, for the same reason. In the matter of this marriage or ‘mésalliance’ as the worldly would call it,--I have nothing whatever to do. While the Prince asked me to keep his secret, I kept it. Now that he has confided it to your Majesty, I am relieved and satisfied; and shall not in any way, by word or suggestion, interfere with your Majesty’s intentions. But, at the same time, I shall not assist them! For as regards the trusting girl who has been persuaded that she has won a great love and complete happiness for all her life,--I have sworn to be her friend;--and I must respectfully decline to be a party to any further deception in her case. Knowing what I know of her character, which is a pure and grand one, I think it would be far better to tell her the whole truth, and let her be the arbiter of her own destiny. She will decide well and truly, I am sure!” He ceased; the King was silent. Von Glauben studied his face attentively. “You are a thinker, Sir,--a student and a philosopher. You are not one of those kings who treat their kingship as a license for the free exercise of intolerant humours and vicious practices. Were you no monarch at all, you would still be a sane and thoughtful man. Take my humble advice, Sir--for once put the unspoilt nature of a pure woman to the test, and find out what a grand creature God intended woman to be, in her pristine simplicity and virtue! Send for Gloria to this Court;--tell her the truth!--and await the result with confidence!” There was a pause. The King walked slowly up and down; at last he spoke. “You may be right! I do not say you are wrong. I will consider your suggestion. Certainly it would be the straightest course. But first a complete explanation is due to the Queen. She must know all,--and if her interest can be awakened by such a triviality as her son’s love-affair--” and he smiled somewhat bitterly,--“perhaps she may agree to your plan as the best way out of the difficulty. In any case”--here he extended his hand which the Professor deferentially bowed over--“I respect your honesty and plain speaking, Professor! I have reason to approve highly of sincerity,--wherever and however I find it,--at the present crisis of affairs. For the moment, I will only ask you to be on your guard with Humphry;--and say as little as possible to him on the subject of his marriage or intended departure from this country. Keep everything as quiet as may be;--till--till we find a clear and satisfactory course to follow, which shall inflict as little pain as possible on all concerned. And now, a word with you on other matters.”