CHAPTER IX
A FALSE POSITION
CHANCELLOR ROLLMAR had that night much food for cogitation and scheming. That he had been shrewdly tricked was an idea which an interview with his son did not dispel. Udo was sulky and inclined to be defiant. He did not see why he might not be a sufficiently suitable match for the Princess. The notion was attractive enough to the Baron’s ambition, but his knowledge of the world and politics told him that it was practically out of the question, and he said so.
“I do not see it, father,” Udo protested in an aggrieved tone. “You are to all intents Duke here, since you are universally acknowledged as the Duke’s master. Where, then, is the inequality?”
But the astute old Minister’s answer was ready. “You forget, my dear Udo, that royalty and intellect are two vastly different things. They are, and must ever be, unequal. They are as the owner and the captain of a ship. The captain is in trusted command, yet not one inch of rope or stitch of canvas belongs to him.”
“The captain’s son may aspire to the owner’s daughter,” Udo argued.
“Not on an equality,” his father rejoined; “moreover, and by the articles of the ship of state, such contingencies are interdicted. No, Udo, it is a magnificent idea and as manifestly impracticable. You will do well to put it from your mind.”
“Even if the Princess herself be willing?”
The Baron had shrewd doubts of that. “It seems to me that this is more an affair of the maid than the mistress.”
Udo flushed. His father’s suggestion found unpleasant corroboration in the fact that it had indeed been Minna who had invited him that afternoon to the chapel. The Baron took sagacious note of his silence. He was, perhaps, notwithstanding, a little disappointed at the token that he had hit the mark so nearly, for although its growth may be stunted yet ambition is a plant that will spring up and force its way, refusing to be choked and withered by the sturdier bushes of discretion and sagacity with which time besets it.
“Have you any reason to think that the Princess is in love with you?” he asked bluntly.