‘Prince Osbert, who had followed the Emperor to the Observatory for some purpose, entered the building at the same moment as myself, and we two suddenly came upon the scene just as Mercia had opened the door of the apartment to leave him. I looked into her face and saw it expressed the utmost scorn and indignation. “What is the meaning of this?” I asked, turning to the Emperor. “Oh, nothing,” he replied; “she has forgotten a duty, and I am upbraiding her.” “Liar!” exclaimed Mercia, “ask thine Empress to come hither, I have somewhat to tell her, and as for thee—find some other to fill my post, for I am thine astronomer no longer.”
‘Notwithstanding Mercia’s indignant refutation the Emperor persisted with his charge against her of idleness, and disobedience to his command; when I told him plainly that the matter should be made subject of a public inquiry; for Mercia was too honourable and pure-minded to invent a foul charge against anyone, least of all her royal master.
‘At this critical moment who should emerge from a corner of the apartment but Sadbag, the leading Radical member of Parliament? “I too, will take care that this be seen into!” he exclaimed. At this, the Emperor fumed furiously, and declared that it was all a plot against him, and he would have the three of us arrested for conspiring to defame his character; and finished by calling it high treason.’
‘How utterly absurd of him! But how did Sadbag come to be there so conveniently? it is as good as a comedy, by Jove!’
‘He explained that he was first in Mercia’s reception-room awaiting an audience of her, and by chance taking up a book he became so interested in it that he finished by falling asleep over it, so that the entrance of the Emperor, and a moment later of Mercia, he was quite unconscious of; a screen stood between him and them, consequently his presence was unperceived: and he only became aware of theirs when the Emperor in impassioned tones pleaded his love suit with Mercia, who disdained it. By that time Sadbag deemed it prudent to keep quiet, for he was getting more than he bargained, when he ensconced himself in the huge easy chair near the screen.’
‘What a shocking old man to spy at a love scene! I wonder how he contained himself so long!’ exclaimed Divesdale, who was bursting with merriment, for he ever saw the comic side of a thing, however grave it might be. ‘The Emperor must apologise to fair Mercia, and to thee, too, Geometrus. Throw aside thy dignity, et cetera, and help to square this piece of business; it’s no earthly use making a hue and cry over it. No lady cares to see herself a town talk! But this Sadbag—what are we to do with him? He truly is a sad bag of cranks! A piece of positive electricity, seeking its own level, not considering consequences; or a flash of forked lightning ready to put one on toast; or a match in a powder-box ready to pop—the man is in fact, too dangerous for anything.’
‘He’s the right man for the times! I’m not going to put the stopper on him. The Emperor must be made an example of,’ returned Geometrus fiercely.
‘I hope not, by Jove! the peace of the community would be permanently spoilt, if we all followed his example,’ observed his lordship drily.
‘I mean that the Emperor should be made a warning to all light-minded persons, in general, and monarchs in particular.’
‘Quite so: the Emperor by our endeavours shall be made more particular, especially in his treatment of the ladies.’