“A most amusing man,” she said, “and a very great friend of yours.”
“Yes, old Scott is all right; as square as they make them. We have been in some close places together. What was he talking about?”
“He was speaking of you.”
“Of me?”
“Of the work you have done and the ideals you have fought for—I was very glad to listen; and how surprised he was to find you on the king’s side now; at least not bitterly fighting him—willing to give him this opportunity; and how he was beginning to understand and to take the same view, but that it depended upon me, perhaps, that you should never regret it. And then you came before he had time to explain.”
“I will explain, madame,” he said, his heart very tender toward old Scott, who knew him so well.
“Then it does depend upon me?”
“Yes, madame; absolutely. When I came into this club to-night,” he went on, “it was with the hope of seeing you, for I must talk to you—quite frankly.”
“Please do,” she said, her eyes shining. “I should love to have you speak to me frankly. And I—I also will be frank. I promise it.”
“My regret, if I ever have any,” he went on, “will not be for the king nor for his country. The king takes his chance. As for the country, it will be a great help to have this fortune spent there. Afterwards, the people can choose another ruler if they wish.”