“They need Tom Reed,” muttered Fessenden.
“They interest me very much,” whispered Ranata. “I have never seen anything like them. Do they represent Hungary?”
“That is what they are here for.”
“Your House of Representatives—does it look more democratic?”
“Only when it has its coat off and its feet on the desk.”
“These men—why do they want William? Why do they want any king?”
“The great body are not extremists. They know that Hungary is not ready for independence—neither internally nor by her geographical position. No country is surrounded by so many enemies—who hate her for that obstinate individuality which has survived every reverse and threatens to engulf themselves. The Hungarians would make their own terms with William—and give him their help in smashing Russia.”
“Is this matter the talk of Europe?” asked the Archduchess sharply.
“Not of Europe, but of those who do the hard thinking.”
“How could William smash Russia?”