The Emperor frowned. “My dear cousin, as a favour to me, allow Lord Usk to answer for himself. Do you intend to seek a career in Germany, Lord Usk? You hold a commission in the British army, I believe?” “Only in the Yeomanry, sir. If I might speak freely to your Majesty----” “By all means. That is what I desire.” “I have no wish to live anywhere but in England, sir. I am my father’s only son, and have many ties at home. I hope to enter Parliament before long, and devote myself to a political career.” “And we shall live in a tall, narrow black house in a square, and I shall drive him to the House of Commons every evening, and sit up and look out quotations for his speeches until he comes back,” said Helene ecstatically. “At least you have not idealised the prospect!” said the Emperor drily to Usk, then turned to Helene. “My dear little cousin, might I ask you to be so very kind as to go and tell your mother of my arrival? You will do me this favour, won’t you?” “If you command me as Emperor, I suppose I must,” said Helene undauntedly, though Usk could feel that she was shaking; “but for anything short of that I can’t--I mean, I won’t go.” “Really we could talk business much better,” said Usk, aghast, and at his wits’ end to know how to act and speak without either offending the Emperor or wounding Helene’s feelings. She looked at him with high disdain. “The Emperor wishes to get rid of me that he may say things to you which will make you give me up, but he shall say them before me, or not at all.” “As you will, little cousin,” said the Emperor carelessly. Then he turned suddenly a penetrating gaze on Usk. “What part does this intended marriage of yours play in the plans of your uncle Count Mortimer? If there is any question of a revival of your father’s preposterous claim to the throne of Thracia, understand that it will not be permitted. The unbridled ambition of you Mortimers has already endangered the peace of Europe too often.” This time it was Usk who could not help smiling. “If your Majesty knew my father, you would see how strange it sounds to hear you speak of unbridled ambition in connection with him. He went to Thracia against his will, led on by circumstances, and left it with the most intense pleasure. He would do anything rather than go back there or allow me to go.”