The King paused to consider; then he said, "If I am prepared eventually to give way, what time of grace can you allow me?"
"We must have our bill ready for the winter session, sir."
"Will you allow me till then?"
"If I may know what is in your Majesty's mind."
"What is in my mind is that the country should know what it is about. This bill has not yet been seen; by the public nothing is known of it. Well, that is what I ask: put it before the country, let the terms of it be clearly stated, and if, when we come to the winter session, you are still determined that it must form part of your program, then,"—the King drew himself up and took a breath—"then I will no longer stand in your way."
The Prime Minister bowed low to conceal his proud sense of triumph.
"I have your Majesty's word for that?"
"To-day is the 27th," said the King, "you can claim the fulfilment of that promise in four months' time."
"And till then?"
"Till then," said the King slowly, "this question is not again to come before Council. I hold to my point that its introduction without my express consent was unconstitutional, and to maintain the Constitution I am bound by oath."