Page:Roy Norton--The unknown Mr Kent.djvu/39

 "That there may be no further doubt of my knowledge," he said, drily, "and that you may realise how thoroughly I do know you, I ask you to kindly listen while I read."

The face of the princess expressed nothing save expectancy, while the king watched his strange host with a look of curiosity. The chancellor, subdued momentarily by the command of his superior, fidgeted and moved restlessly in his chair.

Without preliminary, Kent read, slowly, distinctly, as if to impress his words upon them, but in rather a kindly tone of tolerance:

In obedience to your request for a thorough report, I submit as follows: After some six weeks of study of the situation, I may add. His Majesty Karl II is in character a well-meaning, morally clean young man. He has neither bad nor extravagant habits. There is small doubt that he cares for his people and has at all times their welfare at heart. His unfortunate failing is that he clings to the old monarchical ideas, but without the strength and firmness to enforce them upon his subjects and thereby control them. He may possibly have the courage to face the issues that are certain to confront him as a ruler, but I am inclined to doubt it. He is too kindly disposed and is given to the evasion of harsh or unpleasant duties, the prompt meeting and deciding of which can alone make his reign a success. I [35]