“You are speaking of what you think will be my lot,” she said.
“Yes. I don’t wish to alarm you, but I know that that is what will be done—with this difference: that if the opposition to the army takes any active form, your danger will be greater even than theirs.”
“I am not afraid.”
“No one thinks that; and I should be the last to think it.”
“It is my duty to remain at whatever risk.” She was very firm, very dignified, very much the Princess as she said this.
“Do you wish the Throne?”
“Do you mean am I ambitious to rule? No, no, a thousand times no. I am not fit for it. I am more a woman than a Princess; but I cannot think of myself.”
“If you could think of yourself what would you do?”
“Why put idle questions?”
“Is it altogether idle? As a woman, you are barred from the succession by yourself. Even if your claims were admitted, you would have to marry someone who as your husband would be accepted by the nation as King; but he, not you, would be the ruler—even if the army were not bent upon changing the dynasty and had not already chosen their King.”