Yet, there were compensations, so many and so satisfying, I never, for a moment, considered a return to my former estate.  I was—­I admit it—­enamored of my rank and power; and, it may be, even of that very obsequiousness and flattery which I thought I despised.  I know there was a supreme satisfaction when I passed through the saluting crowds in the Alta Avenue.  It became almost elation when I rode upon the parade ground to take the Review and the March By.

During this month, I had seen the Duke of Lotzen very frequently.  I had sat beside him at the Council table; I had dined with him formally as the new Archduke, and informally as his cousin.  And, on my part, I had repaid his courtesies in kind.  He had been thoughtful and considerate to me to an exceptional degree, but, at the same time, without undue effusiveness.  In a word, he had treated me with every possible attention our rank and consanguinity demanded.

Even Courtney could find nothing to criticise in Lotzen’s behavior; nor had his secret agents been able to detect anything sub rosa.

“However, all this proves nothing one way or the other,” he remarked one day, as we sat in my inner library.  “If he intend the worst sort of harm to you he would begin just as he has.”

I nodded.

“I suppose His Majesty knows of Lotzen’s courtesies to you?”

“And is immensely gratified.  Bernheim tells me the Duke never was in higher favor than at this moment,” I answered.

“Exactly—­and, therefore, the less likely a change in the Law of Succession.  He uses you to play against you.”

“And I am helpless to prevent it,” said I.

“I may not refuse his civilities nor appear to question their intent.”

“Heaven forfend!” Courtney exclaimed, with lifted hands.  “Your counter attack is at the King, too.  Keep him interested in you.”

“I have, I think.  I am the new Military Governor of Dornlitz.”

“Wonderful, Major!—­Your Royal Highness, I mean.”

“Drop the R. H., please,” I said; “stick to Armand or Major.”

“Thank you, I shall, in private; it’s handier.  And when were you appointed?”

“It will be in the Gazette this evening.  His Majesty offered it to me this morning.”

“Does Lotzen know it?”

“I think not; it was due to a sudden shifting of Corps Commanders made yesterday.”

“I would like a view of the Duke’s private countenance when he hears it first,” Courtney laughed.  “It’s the most desirable post in the Army; even preferable to Chief of Staff.  It makes you master in the Capital and its Military District, a temporary Field Marshal, and answerable to none but the King himself.”

“It’s just that which makes me question the expediency of my accepting the detail,” said I.  “It’s a post to reward long service and soldierly merit.  I have not the former and have had no chance to prove the latter.  I fear it will be bad for discipline and worse for my popularity.”