Clementina

But the days passed. The three promised patents came from Rome, and

Cardinal Origo unlocked the drawer and joined Wogan's to them. He

presented all four at the same time.

"The patents carry the titles of 'Excellency,'" said he.

O'Toole beamed with delight.

"Sure," said he, "I will have a toga with the arms of the O'Tooles

embroidered on the back, to appear in at the Capitol. It is on June 15,

your Eminence. Upon my soul, I have not much time;" and he grew

thoughtful.

"A toga will hardly take a month, even with the embroidery, which I do

not greatly recommend," said the Cardinal, drily.

"I was not at the moment thinking of the toga," said O'Toole, gloomily.

"And what of the King in Spain?" asked Wogan.

"We must wait, my friend," said the Cardinal.

In a week there was brought to Wogan one morning a letter in the King's

hand. He fingered it for a little, not daring to break the seal. When he

did break it, he read a great many compliments upon his success, and

after the compliments a statement that the marriage should take place at

Montefiascone as soon as the King could depart from Spain, and after

that statement, a declaration that since her Highness's position was not

meanwhile one that suited either her dignity or the love the King had

for her, a marriage by proxy should take place at Bologna. The Chevalier

added that he had written to Cardinal Origo to make the necessary

arrangements for the ceremony, and he appointed herewith Mr. Charles

Wogan to act as his proxy, in recognition of his great services.

Wogan felt a natural distaste for the part he was to take in the

ceremony. To stand up before the Cardinal and take Clementina's hand in

his, and speak another's marriage vows and receive hers as another's

deputy,--there was a certain mockery in the situation for which he had

no liking. The memory of the cabin on the mountain-side was something

too near. But, at all events, the King was to marry the Princess, and

Wogan's distaste was swallowed up in a great relief. There would be no

laughter rippling over Europe like the wind over a field of corn. He

stood by his window in the spring sunshine with a great contentment of

spirit, and then there came a loud rapping on his door.

He caught his breath; he grew white with a sudden fear; you would have

thought it was his heart that was knocked upon. For there was another

side to the business. The King would marry the Princess; but how would

the Princess take this marriage by proxy and the King's continued

absence? She had her pride, as he knew well. The knocking was repeated.

Wogan in a voice of suspense bade his visitor enter. The visitor was one

of her Highness's new servants. "Without a doubt," thought Wogan, "she

has received a letter by the same messenger who brought me mine."