D'Esmonde's quick eye read the meaning of the expression, and he said, “Am I to congratulate your Highness on the approach of a certain happy event?”
“His Majesty has not deigned to accord me the necessary permission,” was the reply.
“Then I will be bold enough to say I congratulate you,” cried D'Esmonde. “Your alliance should be with a royal house, Prince. Your position in Europe is exceptional; such should be your marriage. Besides, the day is not very distant when there must come another dissection of the map of Europe. There will be new principalities, but wanting heads to rule them. The world is tired of Coburgs, and would gladly see another name amongst its royalties.”
“I am at the disposal of my Emperor,” said Midchekoff, coldly; for whatever effect the flatteries might produce within, neither his words nor his looks would betray it, and now by his manner he showed that he wished the interview over.
“Mademoiselle, then, returns to her family?” asked D'Esmonde.
“To the care of the Count von Auersberg.”
“The reputation of having attracted your Highness will be a fortune to her.”
“She has refused a settlement of eighty thousand roubles a year.”
“A most princely offer!” cried D'Esmonde.
“His Majesty fixed the sum,” said Midchekoff, as coolly as though talking of an indifferent matter.