The other aide was a Major Moore—­an Irish soldier of fortune, who had been in the Valerian Army some ten years, and, by his efficiency, had become attached to the General Staff.  He was of noble birth—­the younger son of a younger son of an Irish Earl—­and “as an Irishman is more than half an American he will, doubtless, be congenial,” the King said.

I had liked Bernheim’s manner, and I was willing to risk an Irishman’s faith to his chief.  I asked, only, whether either was an intimate of the Duke of Lotzen.

“That is a perfectly reasonable question,” said Frederick instantly.  “I know that Bernheim has never liked the Heir Presumptive and that Moore is not a favorite with the Prince.”

“Then, I am quite content with them,” said I.

“And you may also feel content,” said he, “in that I appreciate your position here and its difficulties, and I shall stand behind you.  But a King’s favorite, even though of the Royal Family, is rarely popular, so I shall obtrude no more than is necessary to show you have my good will.  When you want more, ask for it.”

XI

THE FATALITY OF MOONLIGHT

The following morning I was formally presented to the Royal Council and took my place at the Board, on the left of the King, the Duke of Lotzen being on his right.  His Majesty stated briefly my descent, the law of the case as laid down by the Great Henry, and that I had accepted a restitution of the rights and privileges due to the eldest male heir of Hugo.

“I ask your consideration for him, my Lords, the same as though he were our own son,” he ended.  “I will answer for him—­he is a Dalberg.”

At this there was applause and the members of the Council pressed forward and welcomed me as an Archduke of the Kingdom, taking my hand and bending knee before me.  It seemed a bit queer, but I got through it satisfactorily to myself—­particularly so since there was no kissing in it.

Then the Council began its business and the Prime Minister, Count Epping, read a tentative proposition of peace, which, he said, he understood had already been practically accepted by Titia.

It provided that Murdol should be permitted to determine for itself, by the vote of its citizens, whether it would remain a province of Valeria or become, once more, a part of Titia.  In the latter event, Titia was to pay Valeria the value of all the public buildings in Murdol erected or rebuilt by Valeria, and, further, to reimburse Valeria for her war expenses.  But, if Murdol voted to remain with Valeria, then, Titia was to pay all the cost of the war.

“I need hardly say to the Council,” the Prime Minister remarked, “that, thus far, the terms are entirely satisfactory to His Majesty; but there is another detail, suggested by our friend, the intermediary, which is not so agreeable.  It is only a suggestion, but, I fear, has much to do with Titia’s acquiescence.  It is that the peace be further cemented by a marriage between the Royal Families of Valeria and Titia.”