"I am the Court Chamberlain," he said, "and my name is Treuherz von Eisenbänden."
It was unknown to Mrs. Stimpson, but she concluded that he was some Anglo-German commercial magnate, who would naturally be invited to join the Committee for any such patriotic purpose as a Pageant.
As to the excessive ceremony of his manner, that was either the proper form for the occasion, or, what was more likely, Mr. Troitz, or whatever his name was, having come fresh from a dress rehearsal, could not divest himself as yet of his assumed character. The important point was that her interview with Lady Harriet had borne fruit already, and in the shape of a pressing invitation to play the distinguished part of "Queen!" The advantages thus offered for obtaining a social footing amongst county people made it easy to overlook any trifling eccentricities where the intention was so obviously serious. "Well, Mr. Troitz," she said graciously, "since the Committee have been kind enough to ask me, I shall be very pleased to be your Queen."
"And if I may say so, Sir," said her husband, "there are few ladies in the vicinity who would prove more competent. In fact——"
"That will do, Sidney," said his wife; "if Lady Harriet and the Committee did not consider me competent to be the Queen they would not have asked me." And Mr. Stimpson said no more.
"Pardon," Mr. Treuherz said, looking at him with solemn surprise, "but—who is this?"
"This is my husband, Mr. Troitz—let me introduce him."
"Your husband. Then, he will be the King!"
"The King?" cried Mr. Stimpson, "why, really, I'm not sure that would be altogether in my line."
"Nonsense, Sidney. Of course you will be the King if they want you! And this is my son, Clarence, Mr. Troitz. My daughters, Edna and Ruby."