It was all about the attitude of Pantouflia in the event of a Polish invasion of Russia. The king reassured Count Snoreonski, affirming that Pantouflia, while deeply regretting the disturbed relations between two States in whose welfare
she was deeply interested, would ever preserve an attitude of benevolent neutrality, unless her own interests were threatened.
“I may give your message to my august mistress, the Czarina?” said the ambassador.
“By all means, adding an expression of my tender interest in her Majesty’s health and welfare,” said the king, presenting the count at the same time with a magnificent diamond snuffbox containing his portrait.
The old count was affected to tears, and withdrew, while King Prigio said:
“I have not lost a day; I have made an amiable but very stupid man happy.”
Such are, or rather such were, the toils of monarchs!
CHAPTER V.
Prince Ricardo Crosses the Path of History.
“I say, Jack,” said Prince Ricardo one morning, “here’s a queer letter for me!”