The Colonel of the Red Huzzars

esented to the Head of my House. I believe I am as phlegmatic as most men, but I would give very little for one who, under like conditions, would not feel a press of emotion. I know it came t

timental; and so is every refined instinct of our lives.

stranger to Valeria, and had met the King frequently during the last ten years. Frederick came forward and shook his hand

at very lightly and left no mark save in the facial wrinkles and grey hair. He was a true Dalberg in height and genera

g, but, when he turned and presented me, I advanced and bo

e glad

and stepped back; and, for a space, no one moved. Only, I shot a side glance at

but I did not catch

d me the embarrassment

our Majesty," he said quickly. "The represen

nctorily: "Our army is at your service, sir, thou

hear me. He was studying my face again and thinking. Courtney, I coul

aid the King. "May I ask if i

ut my own that bears i

motioned for u

d he. "Has your family

the yea

d. "That was during yo

afayette joined Washington's Army." Th

d

of the Dalberg of 17

was Hugo, second son of Henry

, jumping up and coming o

ndson and elde

, cousin," he said, and sudd

doubtless was pleasant enough, and, maybe, not unusual; but

on the Continent so greets only royalty or relatives. It meant I was accepte

n. "I expected no recognition. I am entitled to n

gesture. "Don't let th

no intention to disclose my

could not hide it wit

or he exclaimed: "Ha!

which I had brought hoping for an opportunity to c

e and nodded. "Yes, that

rised and

all out in his journal; and he speaks of this very miniature as having been given to Hugo by his mother, the day he left Dornlitz

; at the same time, however, signifying that I should

a Major in the American Army. I sought no favors from the Dalbergs here. From which it would seem that a bit of Hugo's stubborn inde

ter dispatched to Hugo by his brother, Fred

y his Ambassador

too, seems to hav

tself, and a copy of

Hugo must have been a rare fine

f Henry the Thi

was a pity he did not ac

ew life was mo

d be you and not Ferdinand of Lotzen who

he returned I w

think of the crown of your an

erg. I have never thought

the son of Hu

ringing up, he sought out Courtney, who, though unable to get out of

ably rude. I forgot you completely. Yet, you brought it

play. He must keep the Americ

lse, as you are well aware, he could not have been given the detail without your expres

e same time, to say to your State Department that we shall deem it a personal affront if our Kinsman be recalled. And, now,

ed readily. Then, like a good fellow, he set me right. "But, be assured, Your Majesty, not I nor I believe anyon

at me and nodd

ugh, of course, our silence does not prevent anyone from proving the fact

s he who double

own-whose, it was easy to guess. Only one woman could hav

and stepped back, the Pr

he King. "You know th

Princess held out her

come Mr. Courtney h

re was always one on the end of his t

" he said, "sal

pt pounding through my brain was: "What am I expected to do?" Frederick had saluted me with a kiss; was it possible he meant me to kiss Dehra! I glanced across at Courtney,-he w

d forward and deliberatel

f an open hand, and I was looking down into the

t I had not been ex

eemed to strike me afresh. Then words failed her, and

, who is this

head she swept by me and from the room. And with her going crumbled all the bright

ugh, doubtless, that itself but proved me the greater idiot. All this and much more whirled through my mind in the moment of the Princess'

nd, straightway, the skies brightened. Plainly, if her fa

be more evident to the spectators than to me. At any rate, the King still laughed, and so

ur Majesty; I meant

the King interrupte

said, and ru

at against the Pri

enough." I said. "She sh

s nothing of the American branch of the House; so, my calling you cousin conveyed no

so

"You are her nearest ma

resumption-but, none th

lberg King," he said. Then the smile came again. "But, by the Lord, sir, I admir

k ignorance. I was at a loss what greeting

d. Only, I fancy it would be wiser that I make your excuses to your cousin. For, beli

ughed aloud and the K

speak to her without renewed offence?" I a

to-night act as though you had known her always. I'

door he ca

e introduced to-night as one of the Blood, or to hold o

fore. "With Your Majesty's permission I will exec

while, we will provide that you have the entrée, and as many prero

nduct us to the Hall of the Kings, w