“As Premier and Foreign Minister of Thracia, have you taken any steps towards entering such a confederation, or expressed your willingness to do so?”
“Neither, sir.”
“Is it your intention to do so in the future? No? Then upon what are the promoters of this scheme relying as an inducement to Thracia to join them?”
“If I am to give my candid opinion, sir, they are relying upon the means which have already proved successful in the case of Mœsia.”
“You mean that a marriage is projected between your sovereign and the younger daughter of the Prince and Princess of Dardania?”
“That is my impression, sir.”
“Have any steps been taken, either publicly or privately, towards bringing about this marriage?”
“None, sir, so far as I am aware.”
“It is possible that communications on the subject have been exchanged without your knowledge?”
“It is possible, sir, but I have purposely refrained from alluding to the subject in conversation with her Majesty the Queen-Regent. My wish was to leave myself a free hand in the matter.”