Among these were the Emperor Nicholas of Russia, and the newly-crowned Emperor of France, for that country having grown tired of a republic, imitated America in this respect.
Even Prince Osbert, the cousin of Felicitas, offered Mercia his congratulations; but not an atom of sympathy was expressed for the absent Emperor, though many sincerely pitied his wife.
The Empress of Russia, not satisfied with mere hand-shaking, kissed Mercia warmly, as she exclaimed—‘Noble Mercia, then thou wouldst not accept the offer of Felicitas, and discrown my dear daughter—thou wearest already the brightest crown, that of pure virtue. May God ever bless, and reward thee.’
‘I’ll make Felicitas pay for this!’ muttered the Emperor Nicholas to himself, ‘his conduct both as an Emperor and husband is disgraceful.’
‘There is no occasion for thy Majesty to trouble further in the matter,’ observed Swami, ‘thy son-in-law hath received his lesson, and will prove, in time, a model husband. Parental responsibilities will make him the most virtuous of monarchs living.’
‘Then my daughter will have children?’ inquired the Empress eagerly.
‘Even so,’ answered Swami, smiling, as he turned to lead Mercia away to her carriage.
All along the drive to Greenwich the people took up the glad shout of triumph; but upon Mercia’s arrival there, who was accompanied by Swami and Geometrus only, for Sadbag had been carried off by his own political and personal friends, she found that handsome triumphal arches had been erected to do her honour, in loyal anticipation of her victory.
Mercia’s eyes filled at this warm tribute of the people’s affection; while Swami pressed her hand and whispered that this was as nothing compared with what awaited her in the very near future. Geometrus, in the meantime, overhearing what was said, looked perfectly petrified with astonishment, as each feature of the situation was developed.
As the events of the day unfolded themselves his mind became almost a whirligig of wonder and excitement. He could not understand the presence of Swami at all, at the trial; for he knew that up to then Mercia was entirely unacquainted with him. But what appeared to him as misplaced as it was unwelcome, was the part Swami was taking in the ovation, by whose personality he felt himself completely overshadowed.