“The plan is an excellent one, madame,” said M. Drakovics, finding his tongue for the first time since the severe rebuke he had received; “but I must agree with Count Mortimer that it would be in the highest degree unwise for your Majesty and the King to quit the country at present.” The Queen frowned, but he went on valiantly, “What does your Majesty think of Praka as a winter residence? The climate is extraordinarily mild, and the combination of sea air and rural life would be excellent for his Majesty.”
“I don’t care for Praka,” returned the Queen shortly. “If we must remain in Thracia as state prisoners, I prefer to go to Tatarjé. The Villa Alexova, among the pine-woods, is an ideally lovely spot.”
“But, pardon me, madame—Tatarjé is a whole day’s journey from Bellaviste, even by rail. It is most important that your Majesty should not be far from the capital, in case of any sudden emergency.”
“You seem determined to oppose everything I suggest!” cried the Queen petulantly. “I detest Praka. If I am satisfied to leave your Excellency in charge of affairs, and merely to be informed by telegraph of what happens, surely there is nothing wrong in that?”
“I could not consent to undertake such a responsibility, madame.”
“But you are content to accept the responsibility of undermining the King’s health? Pray say no more, messieurs. We will discuss this matter again. As for me, I am weary of it,” and she swept out of the room, and sought refuge with her mother.
“They wish us to go to Praka,” she said, entering the morning-room.
“What did I tell you?” responded the Princess quickly. “Of course they choose Praka. No doubt they have settled it together long ago.”
“It would not surprise me,” the Queen agreed. “They seem to work together as though they had only one mind between them.”
“We must separate them. So long as they are united, we are powerless. I wish I could see a little more practical wisdom in you, Ernestine. It is all very well to pay the most exaggerated deference to these two men one day, and quarrel with them the next; but it merely cements their alliance instead of breaking it.”