“No!--it was brief enough so far as I was immediately concerned,” he replied;--“I do not suppose I stayed more than twenty minutes in the Throne-room altogether. I understand you have been told that our proposed negotiations are to be vetoed?” Pérousse smiled. “I have been told--yes!--but I have been told many things which I do not believe! The King certainly has the right of veto; but he dare not exercise it.” “Dare not?” echoed the Marquis--“From his present unconstitutional attitude it seems to me he dare do anything!” “I tell you he dare not!” repeated Pérousse quietly;--“Unless he wishes to lose the Throne. I daresay if it came to that, we should get on quite as well--if not better--with a Republic!” Lutera looked at him with an amazed and reluctant admiration. “_You_ talk of a Republic? You,--who are for ever making the most loyal speeches in favour of the monarchy?” “Why not?” queried Pérousse lightly;--“If the monarchy does not do as it is told, whip it like a naughty child and send it to bed. That has been easily arranged before now in history!” The Marquis sat silent,--thinking, or rather brooding heavily. Should he, or should he not unburden himself of certain fears that oppressed his mind? He cleared his throat of a troublesome huskiness and began,-- “If the purely business transactions in which you are engaged----” “And you also,” put in Pérousse placidly. The Premier shifted his position uneasily and went on. “I say, if the purely business transactions of this affair were publicly known----” “As well expect Cabinet secrets to be posted on a hoarding in the open thoroughfare!” said Pérousse. “What afflicts you with these sudden pangs of distrust at your position? You have taken care to provide for all your own people! What more can you desire?” Lutera hesitated; then he said slowly:-- “I think there is only one thing for me to do,--and that is to send in my resignation at once!” Carl Pérousse raised himself a little out of his chair, and opened his narrow eyes. “Send in your resignation!” he echoed; “On what grounds? Do me the kindness to remember, Marquis, that I am not yet quite ready to take your place!” He smiled his disagreeable smile,--and the Marquis began to feel irritated. “Do not be too sure that you will ever have it to take,” he said with some acerbity; “If the King should by any means come to know of your financial deal----”