Gloria’s eyes darkened a moment with thought,—then flashed with laughter.
“No,” she said frankly—“He is more kingly than I thought a king could be. But he should not lose temper. That spoils all dignity!”
Von Glauben smiled.
“Kings are but mortal,” he said, “and never to lose temper would be impossible to any man.”
“It is such a waste of time!” declared Gloria—“Why should anyone lose self-control? It is like giving up a sword to an enemy.”
“That is one of Réné Ronsard’s teachings,”—said the Professor—“It is excellent in theory! But in practice I have seen Réné give way to temper himself, with considerable enjoyment of his own mental thunderstorm. As for the King, he is generally a very equable personage; and he has one great virtue—that is courage. He is brave as a lion—perhaps braver than many lions!”
She raised her eyes enquiringly.
“Has he proved it?”
Rather taken aback by the question, he stared at her solemnly.
“Proved it? Well! He has had no chance. The country has been at peace for many years—but if there should ever be a war——”