Arms and the Woman

Hillars went to the sideboard and emptied half a glass of brandy.

Coming back to his chair he remained in a reverie for a short time.

Then he resumed his narrative.

The Princess looked up into my face and smiled.

"Yes; thence to France. Ah, I could go alone. But listen, monsieur.

Above all things there must be a scandal. A Princess elopes with an

American adventurer. The Prince will withdraw his suit. The King may

or may not forgive me; but I will risk it. He is still somewhat fond

of me, notwithstanding the worry I have caused him. This way is the

only method by which I may convince him how detestable this engagement

is to me. Yet, my freedom is more to me than my principality. Let the

King bestow it upon whom he will. I shall become a teacher of

languages, or something of that sort. I shall be free and happy. Oh,

you will have a merry tale to tell, a merry adventure. You will return

to your country. You will be the envy of your compatriots. You will

recount at your clubs a story such as men read, but never hear told!"

She was growing a bit hysterical. As she looked at me she saw that my

face was grave.

"Is there no other way?" I asked. "Can it not be accomplished without

scandal?"

"No. There must be scandal. Otherwise I should be brought back and

forgiven, and no one would know. In a certain sense, I am valuable.

The Hohenphalians love me; I am something of an idol to them. The King

appreciates my rule. It gives him a knowledge that there will be no

internal troubles in Hohenphalia so long as matters stand as they now

do. Still, there are limits to the King's patience; and I am about to

try them severely. But monsieur hesitates; he will withdraw his

promise."

"No, your Highness," said I, "I have given my word. As for the

scandal, it is not for myself that I care. It will be a jolly

adventure for me; and then, I shall have such a clever story to tell my

friends at the clubs."

She saw that I was offended. "Forgive me, monsieur; I know that you

would do no such thing. But let me explain to you. At the station we

will be intercepted by two trusted and high officials at court."

"What!" I exclaimed; "do they know?"

"No; but I shall write to them anonymously, the note to be placed in

their hands immediately we leave the premises."