So now he had no sympathy with Gloria's mood of weakness.
"But what, madam?" he repeated.
She laughed a little hysterically.
"I am not sure it is not better fun to be an exile," she sighed.
The doctor winced visibly at her words.
"Life was not meant for fun," he said irritably.
"Mine was, I think," she retorted. "A certain gentleman, by name Herr Saunders, told me I should soon tire of the routine and régime of Queenhood. I laughed him to scorn, but I am beginning to think he knew me better than I knew myself."
"Your position has responsibilities as well as pleasures," pursued the doctor. "For instance, we shall have a stern fight to win the recognition of the foreign powers. The assassination of poor Karl,—a brilliant idea on Herr Trafford's part, and a proceeding of which I thoroughly approve,—will take a little swallowing by the Chanceries of Europe."
"Poor Karl!" Gloria murmured.
"Moreover," the doctor went on, ignoring the comment, "the mere fact of coronation,—important though it may be,—is not necessarily a guarantee of unopposed sovereignty. We have reports from the north-east of Grimland that there is considerable dissatisfaction with the coup d'etat which has just proved fatal to your Majesty's predecessor. They say that the district of Weissheim is in something very like open revolt."