Max smiled at her with filial indulgence, and then, perceiving that there might be entertainment in a conversation well packed with double meanings, he fell in with her suggestion.
"I wish I could," he said, "but there are difficulties that you don't understand."
"Oh, yes, I think I do," she answered. "Of course with us there are always difficulties. The choice is so limited."
"I should rather incline to say that it is fixed."
"You mean just to the two I told you of? But you wouldn't have either of them."
"Perhaps I ought to say that I am fixed, then; I can't very well see myself changing."
"Oh, no, Max, no! Don't say that!" cried his mother, alarmed. "It is so very important that you should marry. And people are beginning to expect it."
"Yes, but as I say, there are difficulties—religious ones."
This was strange news for the Queen. Had Max a conscience then? It was a portent for which she had not been prepared.
"Of course," she said, "I don't want to ask questions."