I shook my head.
"Besides," he went on, "I admit I have had a report on you from my Ambassador at Washington."
"I trust," said I, with a laugh, "it has left me a few shreds of repute."
"It didn't hurt you much, my lad."
That was the third time he had called me his "lad."
"Your Majesty then offers me a title and a place at Court?"
The King smiled. "Yes," said he; "a high title and a high place."
I pulled on my cigar and tried to think. But, on every cloud of smoke, I seemed to see the Princess; and all my brain knew was the single idea: "It will bring me within reach of her." I got up sharply and paced the room, until I threw off the foolish notion and could look at the matter in its true proportions.
"Tell me, Your Majesty," I said, "if I accept, will I be regarded as a legitimate descendant of the House of Dalberg or as of a morganatic marriage?"
The King nodded. "I had anticipated that would be your first question. You will be legitimate."