“No, indeed; I am only sorry that every one is not so considerate as yourself, Fräulein. Faithful servants are hard to find, and should be prized.” A pause, and then Cyril went on, “That is why I am so sorry to hear that Mrs Jones intends to leave the Queen’s service almost immediately.”
“You cannot regret it more than I do, Count. Since she saved the King’s life in that attack of croup, one has felt it impossible to value her too highly. Again, she has such an excellent influence over his Majesty.”
“True, and such an influence is much needed. But what gives me even more concern, Fräulein, is the cause of her departure. Mrs Jones is not a tell-tale; but she is certain to be asked why she resigned her post, and when it comes out that it was because the Queen, in a fit of ill-temper, called her names, the impression produced cannot fail to be a most deplorable one.”
“Count!” Fräulein von Staubach sat erect, but her tone was one of consternation rather than anger, “You are right; that had not struck me. Her Majesty has undoubtedly been imprudent.”
“We may find some difficulty in filling Mrs Jones’s place, I fear. But then, of course, it is possible——;” Cyril fell into a reverie.
“Possible? what?” asked Fräulein von Staubach anxiously.
“It is possible that the nation may think it desirable that the King should be removed from the sole care of ladies sooner than was originally contemplated. I tell you this in confidence, of course”—“in full confidence that the Queen will hear every word of it at the first opportunity,” he added to himself.
“It cannot be! You would not have the heart to separate so young a child from his mother?”
“I said nothing about separation, Fräulein. What I was thinking of was merely the provision of a suitable household of his own for his Majesty, and the appointment of a state governor and tutors.”
“But it would all come between them. You could not be so cruel. It would kill the Queen.” Fräulein von Staubach’s tones thrilled with anguish.