"His great-grandson and eldest male heir."
"Then, as such, I salute you, cousin," he said, and suddenly kissed me on the cheek.
Were you ever kissed by a man? If so, and you are a woman, it doubtless was pleasant enough, and, maybe, not unusual; but if you are a man, it will surprise you mightily the first time.
Of course, I understood all the significance of Frederick's action. Royalty on the Continent so greets only royalty or relatives. It meant I was accepted as one of the Blood and a Prince of my House. I admit my pride was stirred.
"Your Majesty overwhelms me," I said, bowing again. "I expected no recognition. I am entitled to none. Our name was stricken from the Family Roll."
He made a deprecating gesture. "Don't let that disturb you, cousin."
"And believe me, also, I had no intention to disclose my relationship," I protested.
The King laughed. "You could not hide it with that face," he said.
I must have flushed, for he exclaimed: "Ha! You know that, do you?"
For answer I drew out the miniature of old Henry, which I had brought hoping for an opportunity to compare it with the original, and handed it to him.