‘It wasn’t modesty at all—it was selfish prudence; they wanted to follow the lines of a constitutional monarchy and considered it was the safest thing to call their Figure Head a king.’
‘If India obtains her desire I wonder whom she will chose for Emperor. Doubtless the people will want that dear old Prime Minister of theirs; they could not have a worthier monarch.’
‘But he is old,’ replied Geometrus quickly, ‘and he is childless, what is to become of the succession when he dies? There will arise tumults and internal quarrels as to his successor: better choose a younger man, and one likely to found a lasting royal line. Remember the fate of Germany. Had there been a goodly half-dozen of sons to fall back upon an English prince would never have had the chance of their crown.’
‘All’s well that ends well, Geometrus. Now is England invincible to the whole world: in her position as a united Empire her power is paramount everywhere.’
No sooner had Mercia made this observation than she heard the sound of some unusual noise going on outside, and stepping to the window she saw several gentlemen assembled near the Observatory, among whom she discerned no other personage than the Emperor Felicitas himself.
‘Here’s a pretty surprise for thee, Mistress Mercia,’ exclaimed Geometrus excitedly; ‘none other than the Emperor! It is not I he seeks, but thou, Mistress Mercia, I will then away.’
‘Stay, Geometrus!’ exclaimed Mercia quickly, ‘I would prefer thy company when I receive the Emperor. I will now retire and change my dress for a more suitable habit in which to receive so honourable a visitor.’
But before she could leave the room a messenger was at the door desiring an audience for his royal master.
Mercia silently bowed her assent; and a moment later the monarch entered her studio. As he did so she rose from her seat at the large table, which was covered with charts and maps of the celestial regions, all of her own making, but the Emperor quickly stepping forward observed gallantly, ‘Stay, lady, keep thy seat, for it is meet that monarchs should serve thee, who art so full of knowledge and wisdom.’
‘Thou art my master,’ she answered in a grave tone.