“To speak plainly, madame, the King of Thracia has been seized with a violent--we will hope only evanescent--passion for my niece.” “Surely you forget that his Majesty is betrothed to my daughter, Count?” “Say rather, madame, that his Majesty has forgotten it, since this morning he directed me to make formal proposals to my brother for his daughter’s hand.” “Oh, really, Count, this is too absurd! His Majesty must be out of his mind.” “The derangement is merely temporary, madame. My niece regards it in that light, I assure you. She was horrified by the King’s proposal.” “I congratulate you on the good sense of the young lady, Count.” “I am indeed to be congratulated, madame; but I can see that this vexatious affair may have disagreeable consequences, of which my niece does not dream. I understand that at the picnic yesterday his Majesty made her unpleasantly conspicuous by his attentions. Her natural impulse is to leave Ludwigsbad immediately; but such a flight would only cause the sensation we wish to avoid. You acknowledge, madame, that Lady Philippa has behaved well, you have honoured her parents with your friendship--you must see that there is only one means of averting such gossip as would be equally painful to you and to them.” The Princess’s countenance cleared. “Have you heard, Count, that my daughter hurt her foot yesterday, and is condemned to the sofa for several days? She has conceived a romantic attachment for your pretty niece, and it would cheer her to have her society. Do you think Lady Philippa’s excellent godmother would spare her to us for a week? If so, I will send Countess Birnsdorf to bring her here.” “I feel sure that Princess Soudaroff will rejoice to sacrifice herself on Princess Lida’s behalf, madame. The King, of course----” “The King is about to join a shooting-party in the mountains. I heard the news just before you came.” “That removes my sole anxiety, madame. Your Royal Highness will condescend to accept my thanks for your great kindness?” “Wait, Count. There is something I wish to say. Do you remember telling me that if I tried to rule the Balkans without your help I should fail? It is true; I have proved it. But who could have imagined that it would be the ingratitude and disobedience of my own children which would bring about the fulfilment of your prophecy?” “You have my sincerest sympathy, madame.”