“I think that will not be difficult.”
“Very good. But that is not all. Of course, as soon as we know where the King is, we can bring pressure to bear on him to return; but there is a more important question behind. Both her Royal Highness and myself are inclined to see in this escapade the symptom of an excited state of mind in his Majesty which, in the interests of the dynasty, calls for the most careful attention. I do not wish to put it more strongly than that.”
“I quite understand, sir.”
“Very good. Then, as soon as his Majesty returns, we want to induce him, if possible, to see the physician, Dr. Krauss. The question is, how can we bring this about without provoking painful suspicions? I thought that your suggestions might be useful as to this.”
“Would it not be possible to get his Majesty to consult Dr. Krauss as to some other ailment?”
“Impossible. Krauss is known as a mind-specialist simply. The mere mention of his name would suggest the worst.”
“It was Dr. Krauss who was called in, in the case of my husband,” added the Princess, speaking for the first time. “And he attended King Leopold in his last hours. I have noticed that my nephew has always avoided admitting him into his presence. He once came on him accidentally in this very room, and I have never forgotten the look he gave him.”
Herr Moritz turned his eyes on the Princess while she was speaking.
“In that case, Madam,” he said, when she had finished, “I think I see the only way in which it can be managed.”
And drawing his seat nearer as he lowered his voice, he proceeded to develop his plan.