“I don’t think your friend will run away, Lenchen,” said the Emperor, with an involuntary smile, as he glanced at the two culprits before him; and Helene laughed nervously as she released Usk’s arm, still retaining her hold of his hand, however. Her eyes sought her cousin’s face anxiously.
“I suppose you know you are a very fortunate young man?” said the Emperor abruptly to Usk; and both hearers felt that it was not at all what he had intended to say.
“Most fortunate, sir.” Usk squeezed Helene’s hand reassuringly.
“Have you any explanation to offer of your pres——” Usk felt that Helene darted a look of angry reproach at the questioner—“of the ambition which has led you to seek an alliance with the house of Schwarzwald-Molzau?”
“I can’t say it was exactly ambition, sir. I—I love the Princess——”
“I love him,” interrupted Helene calmly.
The Emperor frowned. “My dear cousin, as a favour to me, allow Lord Usk to answer for himself. Do you intend to seek a career in Germany, Lord Usk? You hold a commission in the British army, I believe?”
“Only in the Yeomanry, sir. If I might speak freely to your Majesty——”
“By all means. That is what I desire.”
“I have no wish to live anywhere but in England, sir. I am my father’s only son, and have many ties at home. I hope to enter Parliament before long, and devote myself to a political career.”