“I can never sufficiently admire, Baroness, the delicacy and discretion with which you are handling this most difficult topic. But you must consider that you have revealed to me a most astonishing and gratifying fact. What steps do you expect me to take in consequence of this revelation, if I may venture to inquire?”
“Can you ask, Count? To a nobleman of your high character there is but one course open—to sever immediately and for ever your connection with the Court, and thus render it easy for her Majesty to forget this temporary indiscretion.”
“I see; and you do not think that such a course might tend to bring matters to a climax?”
“Count! her Majesty is a Princess of Weldart, and knows that noblesse oblige. She could only be grateful to you for the delicacy of your conduct.”
“And my feelings in the matter, Baroness——?”
“It is quite impossible that you can have any feelings in the matter, Count. The crisis is one which demands a correct attitude, not fine feelings.”
“Thank you, Baroness. It is unfortunate that you should have pointed this out a little late in the day. Who knows but I might have been able to assume a correct attitude if I had been warned in time! But as it is—I know that you are a woman of honour, and will keep what I say a secret. Are you prepared for a shock, Baroness? I do not want to startle you too much. The Queen and I have been engaged ever since our return from Tatarjé—nearly a year ago now.”
“Lieber Himmel!” was the shocked exclamation of the Baroness. “I wish you had not told me,” she broke out, after a few moments of horror-struck silence.
“Not at all,” said Cyril politely. “We shall be glad to think that you are a sharer in our secret.”
“I do not doubt it, Count. But do you consider what is my duty in the matter?”