"Is Your Majesty not of my opinion?" asked Bronnen, trembling with emotion.
The king turned toward him.
"You are my friend. I thank you, and when we reach Wolfswinkel, you shall receive the highest proof of my confidence."
"There is something more which I think I ought to communicate to Your Majesty."
"Proceed."
"I think I can see the connection between certain recent events. During the late election for deputies, some friends of mine in the Highlands thought of me. They knew of my sincere devotion to my constitutional king."
The king's features betrayed the faintest expression of disgust, while Bronnen continued calmly:
"I informed the voters that I would never accept an election which would range me with the opposition. Count Eberhard was, therefore, proposed on the very last day, and, to the great surprise of all, accepted the nomination. In order to cast a stigma upon the father, the friends of the present ministry--I am now giving Your Majesty facts, not mere opinions--were not above introducing the relation between Countess Irma and yourself into the canvass."
The king threw his cigar away, and quickly said:
"Go on; tell me more!"