"Think so, Godfather?" said Nick, shrugging his shoulders.
"A splendid girl, sir; a splendid girl I believe."
But Nick abruptly changed the subject.
"You promised to tell me why Grand Duke Marbosa was so interested in my return," he said.
"You are referring to his messenger of this morning?" replied Palmora, becoming again the diplomat and statesman.
Nick nodded.
"The Duke is anxious to enroll you with the rest of the nobles under his leadership in opposition to the Red Fox's son. He is planning something desperate, I feel sure. He will not be frank with me. But I know that he will strike before the coronation."
"What have I to do with Marbosa and the nobles of Bharbazonia?" said Nick. "The Order is not interested, is it?"
"He has not gone as far as to make our Bharbazonian succession an international affair. He would not dare."
The talk drifted aimlessly, I thought, upon the poverty of the people and their lack of education; Marbosa's stern patriotism and his willingness to shed blood for the good of his country; the General's opposition to Marbosa in favor of peace. I ceased to follow their discussion until I heard the General say: