“It is true,” Reist admitted, “but the King knows nothing of the history of the cup. His offer was one of gallantry—no more. They were children together.”

The general chuckled.

“Marie is a beautiful girl,” he said. “There is none like her in Theos. Eh, but if I were young again.”

He went off smiling to himself.

Reist was touched on the arm by Brand.

“May I speak to you for a moment, Duke?”

“By all means.”

“There is still one of the foreign Ministers absent besides Domiloff.”

Reist nodded.

“Effenden Pascha. There is yet time, however.”