"What are you undertaking?"
"I am not undertaking to mount a throne."
"I cannot believe it! Where is there a man who would turn from what is offered you? Consider the life before you in this country. Compare it with the life you are throwing away." She joined her hands. "Sire, the men of my house who fought for the kings of yours, plead through me that you will take your inheritance."
I kept my eyes on Abbé Edgeworth. He considered the padlocked book as an object directly in his line of vision. Its wooden covers and small metal padlock attracted the secondary attention we bestow on trifles when we are at great issues.
I answered her,
"The men of your house—and the women of your house, madame—cannot dictate what kings of my house should do in this day."
"Well as you appear to know him, madame," said Abbé Edgeworth, "and loyally as you urge him, your efforts are wasted."
She next accused me—
"You hesitate on account of the Indians!"
"If there were no Indians in America, I should do just as I am doing."