“Yes; I wanted to talk about this plan of wintering in the country. Surely you can induce M. Drakovics to withdraw his opposition to our going to Tatarjé? The King and I are the persons chiefly concerned, after all.”
“The kingdom is also concerned, madame.”
“Oh, of course; but then—— Come, Count, I wish to go to the Villa Alexova; is not that enough? It is a lady’s reason, you know.”
“It is enough for a lady’s reason, madame; but not for a Queen’s reason.”
Queen Ernestine shrugged her shoulders. “Your definitions are too subtle for me, Count. I think you will use your influence with M. Drakovics, since I ask it?”
“Madame, I dare not use my influence to the injury of the kingdom.”
“The injury of the kingdom!” she cried indignantly. “You know as well as I do that the reason why M. Drakovics wants us to winter at Praka is that he has property there, and thinks that it will increase in value if the place becomes fashionable.”
“Your Majesty has the power of divining motives. My abilities are not of such a high order.”
“But surely it must make a difference when you know that?”
“I am afraid, madame, that it is not any part of my duty to inquire into the secret motives which may have prompted M. Drakovics in the advice he has thought fit to give your Majesty.”