"But," said I, "if I understand the canons of royalty, my great-grandfather having married one not of royal rank his descendants are, as regards the House of Valeria, illegitimate."
"As a general proposition that is true; but it happens that your case is a peculiar exception."
"I am glad," said I; "otherwise we had reached an end of the matter."
"That, Major, is one of your American notions," said the King; "there is no disgrace in morganatic marriages."
"It's all a question of national taste," said I; "and you know, sire, 'de gustibus non'——"
He drummed with his fingers a moment on the table.
"I have some unhandy views, possibly," said I.
"Oh, you will soon outgrow them," he returned; "only, it may be a trifle awkward if you parade them."
"But, maybe, I shall not care to outgrow them." I objected. "And, then, there is another notion—American, too, doubtless—which I fear will be a final bar."
"Nonsense, Armand," said the King, a bit sharply. "What other objection can even an American raise?"