"Where is Von Ritz?"
"Gone back to Alexandria. He still cherishes hopes of a restoration. He wishes to return to Galavia."
"Can he return safely?"
Karyl shrugged his shoulders. "His conduct can hardly be construed as a political offense. He will be under suspicion, but all Europe would resent any injury to Von Ritz."
"The Isis is, of course, at your command."
In the same rooms where Karyl and his father had often consulted with Von Ritz on affairs of state, Louis Delgado sat in conference with a foreigner, who had no acknowledged position in the councils of any government, yet whose mind and execution had affected many. The foreigner was Monsieur Jusseret.
"Why," began the new Monarch testily, "do you believe that there should be delay in proclaiming myself? I shall feel safer with the Crown actually upon my head."
The Frenchman sat reflectively silent, his slim fingers spread, tip to tip, his elbows on the arms of the chair in which he lounged.
"Your Majesty is not a fisherman?" he suavely inquired. Louis rose impatiently.