“I admit it,” Brand answered. “For myself it is true that I am a democrat, but then I am only a journalist. I have noticed that the few nobles who remain in Theos are aristocrats to the backbone. I believe that you find their principles absolutely rock-bound.”
The King frowned. His eyes had rested upon Marie of Reist, sitting upright in her saddle, and watching eagerly for the development of the sham fight.
“Well, well,” he said, “we shall see! I wish to see the Van Dechts here, and it is useless to meet trouble halfway. Be so good, Brand, as to convey my regards to the Countess of Reist, and suggest that she join us. Our position is better chosen than hers.”
Brand cantered over to her side and repeated the message. She rode with him towards the King.
“You have been much occupied lately, perhaps,” she said to Brand. “My brother tells me that you have been invisible.”
“I have been busy,” he answered. “Perhaps because of my small share in events here, I have become wonderfully interested in Theos. I have been making excursions in all directions. I want to understand many things which are hard for a stranger to form a right idea of.”
She smiled.
“Then why do you not come to me?” she said. “I can tell you very much about Theos. I can tell you about the country people, and how they live. Did I not ask you to come, Mr. Brand? You are very ungallant.”
He met a glance from her dark eyes, and his pale cheeks were suddenly flushed.