Page:The Yellow Book - 13.djvu/53

Rh why should he be bothered further? Why should he add one to the tedious complications of existence by meeting the bride he never desired? Is it not sufficient that, by his complaisance, she should have gained the rank and title of a queen? Besides, he may be in love with another woman. Or perhaps—but who can tell? He may have twenty reasons. And anyhow, you cannot deny to the situation the merit of being highly ridiculous. A husband and wife who are not personally acquainted! It is a delicious commentary upon the whole system of marriages by proxy. You confirm my notion that your King is original."

"He may have twenty reasons," answered she, "but he had better have twenty terrors. It is perfectly certain that the Queen will be revenged."

"How so?" asked Ferdinand Augustus.

"The Queen is young, high-spirited, moderately good-looking, and unspeakably incensed. Trust a young, high-spirited, and handsome woman, outraged by her husband, to know how to avenge herself. Oh, some day he will see."

"Ah, well, he must take his chances," Ferdinand sighed. "Perhaps he is liberal minded enough not to care."

"I am far from meaning the vulgar revenge you fancy," she put in quickly. "The Queen s revenge will be subtle and unexpected. She is no fool, and she will not rest until she has achieved it. Oh, he will see!"

"I had imagined it was the curse of royalty to be without true friends," said Ferdinand Augustus. "The Queen has a very ardent one in you."

"I am afraid I cannot altogether acquit myself of interested motives," she disclaimed modestly. "I am of her Majesty’s household, and my fortunes must rise and fall with hers. But I am honestly indignantly with the King."

Rh