*CHAPTER XV*
Mr. Neville and I were enjoying ourselves immensely. We were both gladto be relieved from the cares and worries of Court ceremonies; both gladof a holiday; pleased to be able to tramp through the dusty lanes, freeto sleep where we would, eat and drink what and when we felt inclined.
We talked of everything while tramping, or resting, as the case mightbe, with the sky blue above us, or heavy with great masses of cloud; andbreathed in the fresh buoyant air of the Garacian mountains, or thewarmer, milder air of the valleys; and forgot, or pretended to, for alittle while, that we were people who mattered.
I daresay we both talked too much; perhaps all we said was not of thewisest; but, unfettered, we chatted like schoolboys. I doubt if therewas ever so perfect a companion as Mr. Neville: he seemed to knowexactly the mood you were in, and to be able to broach a subject ofconversation suited to it.
Of my marriage, or rather the idea of it, we spoke but little. Fromwhat I told him, he gathered that my mind was made up on the point thatI must marry, and the sooner the better.
Garace was a magnificent province; and visiting it as we did gave us avery clear idea of why the Rudarlians had been so pleased at itsrecovery.
Wherever we went, the fields and pastures gave evidence of greatfertility; they were well watered, too; but the roads were terribly bad,and one could well understand that the farmers found great difficulty inhandling their produce. It struck us that the Bornians had noparticular reason to boast of the way they had governed the province.
It had not been my intention to waste all the time we were on ourholiday, and so Mr. Neville and I made many notes, and discussed manyplans dealing with the country through which we passed. Then at night wewent carefully over these, and gave them fuller discussion beforefinally sending them to Karena.
The Minister to whom they were sent was thankful enough for anyassistance in what was rather an arduous task.
We had been ten days on our wanderings before we reached Bornia, andthen by a terribly bad road over the mountains. We slept out thatnight, and the next day dined at Stranz, a little town two or threemiles from the frontier. I should say we ate there, since the only foodavailable was castradina--the smoked mutton which the peasants love--acoarse white cheese, and cakes or loaves of maize. Plain, very plain;food, but not a dinner.
Had we walked any distance that morning, we should no doubt have beenready to declare the eatables fit for a king; but, as it was, we hadonly progressed two or three miles. A delightfully mossy bank by theside of a little mountain stream had enticed us to sit and sit, and keepon sitting, or rather sprawling; hour after hour we had sat theretalking and smoking, until we decided that we had lazed long enough, andsauntered down to the so-called inn. I remember we chaffed each otherabout want of appetite.
Having paid an exorbitant sum for a practically uneaten meal, werefilled our pipes, and went out again into the sunshine.
Stranz boasted of one street, with some two hundred houses in all; thesun, blazing down on the white walls of these, tired the eyes,especially as every movement of one's feet caused a cloud of dust toascend. At the end of the street farthest from the inn stood thechurch, and I went in to say a few words to the priest and leave a smallsum with him to be spent in charity.
The worthy man would, I know, have liked me to stay a while with him, todiscuss everyday affairs; but it was time for us to be moving on, so Isaid good-bye and stepped out to Mr. Neville.
I found him staring down the road at two figures on horseback who wereapproaching at a good pace.
"Shall we stay and see them go past, Victor?"
"Yes, they may be interesting."
In a few minutes they passed, a lady and her groom; that was all I hadtime to notice, for I was more interested in the horses than theirriders. They could not have been more than two lengths away from wherewe were standing, when from the other end of the street came a crowd ofpeople yelling terribly. The hurricane of cries frightened the lady'shorse, which reared, slipped, and came down; the groom's horse becameunmanageable, got the bit between its teeth and bolted.
Through the dust we could see the crowd of men, women, and childrenflying towards us, and after them a single man foaming at the mouth.
"My God, he's mad!" said Mr. Neville.
The crowd scattered in every direction, some through open doorways, someeven through windows, all scrambling and pushing to get out of the wayof this terrible being. As he came nearer, I could see that he wasdressed as a gentleman, and that he carried a rapier in his hand. Amoment later he used it, for a child, terrified, ran across the road,the madman lunged in passing, and the poor little thing fell into thegutter.
We had been so amazed at the suddenness of this scene that we hadremained standing where we were. The street was empty now, save for thelady who was standing horrified in the middle of the road, the fallenhorse, the still, small body in the gutter, the madman, and ourselves.
Perhaps the wounding of the child had caused the madman to pause in hismad rush, for now, bent almost double, he was creeping towards the stillmotionless figure of the lady, who suddenly turned, and with a littlescream of fear ran towards us.
Her face was white, and her two dark eyes were turned imploringly to us,as though she knew that we could save her from this awful man.
At the same moment both Mr. Neville and I jumped forward to bar his way.I carried a stout stick, Mr. Neville had none; luckily the man lunged atme, for I was enabled to turn his point with my stick. Over themadman's face there stole a look of really malevolent cunning. Ibelieve, then, he fancied in his poor, disordered mind that he wasfighting a duel.
"Careful, Victor!" I heard Mr. Neville say.
"All right, I am going to try to disarm him; be ready to seize him if Isucceed."
I spoke in English, so that the man, even if he had any glimmering ofreason, would in all probability not understand.
It was quite extraordinary to me that any man as mad as he could fightwith so much skill; perhaps the madness lent him additional craftiness,but he must have been a fine swordsman when sane. As it was, he gave memore to do than any man I have ever fought with, and more than once camenear wounding me; but I got him into the position I wanted and disarmedhim, his sword flying through the window of a house near by.
As the weapon left his hand, Mr. Neville's arms were round him, and in afew seconds he was bound and helpless.
My first thought was for the child; he was not dead, but the rapier hadinflicted a nasty wound in his shoulder. However, as he was in thecapable hands of his mother, who evidently possessed the knowledge ofhow to treat wounds of the less serious nature, I turned away relieved.
I found the lady by my side, and one of the most musical voices that Ihave ever heard gave me thanks.
"Ah, monsieur, how can I ever thank you and your friend enough?"
I felt that I was blushing furiously--quite ridiculously--why, I have noidea, as it was not common to me. My companion told me afterwards thatI stammered like a schoolboy and looked as awkward.
"Madame--mademoiselle----"
"Not both, monsieur, only the latter."
"Mademoiselle, it was nothing, there was little danger to me."
"It was the bravest deed I have ever seen, in spite of your desire tobelittle it, and I thank you again."
Until now I had not really looked at her, but my mind seemed to clearsuddenly, and I knew her rather than saw her. I find it hard to recallmy first impressions, I realised that strictly speaking she was notbeautiful, yet she was beautiful. Whether it was the expression, orsubtle emanations from a beautiful soul, I cannot say, but that is whatI think. I was absorbed, confused by the strength of her personality. Ido not suppose it would affect all people in the same way, perhaps itanswered to similar strata in my own.
It was with an effort that I returned to what had occurred, and to whatshe had said.
"Mademoiselle, I belittled it, as I have the adv
antage of being a goodswordsman. My companion, who stood by unarmed, was far more worthy ofcommendation."
"I have already tried to thank him." She smiled, and I noticed that herteeth were adorable. "He is English, I think, and it is so difficult tothank Englishmen properly--they always seem ashamed of doing anythingbrave."
"That is so; but your horse, mademoiselle, is, I am afraid, in rather abad way."
We walked over to where the animal now stood. I bent to examine thestrained fetlock, while his mistress stroked his nose and talked to himencouragingly.
"It is quite impossible to ride him," I said, looking up.
"Oh dear! and it is most unlikely that there will be another horse inthis place."
"But your groom, surely he will return soon?"
"I doubt it, and even if he were to, I could not ride his horse, as itis practically unbroken."
"Then," said Mr. Neville, who had rejoined us, "we must get you somekind of conveyance, unless you live within walking distance."
"The walking would be less painful, monsieur, from what I know of thecarriages in this part of the country."
"You could rest here at the inn," I said.
"Could they give me something to eat, do you think?" She looked at ourfaces and laughed gaily. "No, that were too much to expect; then I mustwalk, if only for the sake of the work these good people neglect whilewe remain here."
There were certainly more people interested in us than the occasionmerited, and there was a curious open-mouthed look about most of them.
"Mademoiselle will accept our escort?"
"Gladly, monsieur, if I do not take you out of your way."
"All ways are the same to us, save the one we shall travel in yourcompany."
"And that will be atrocious."
"Impossible," said Mr. Neville.
"Then come; but first let me give orders about my horse, and for mygroom when he returns."
It only took a few minutes to arrange these things and to gather up ourbelongings; and we started. I stopped for a few minutes at the housewhere the wounded child lay and gave his mother a coin or two to pay fornecessities, as I had seen the poverty of the place. I also stopped fora moment to say a word to the priest, and ask him to look after thechild. Then I rejoined the others, who had walked slowly on.
"Monsieur loves children?"
"Indeed, yes."
"Perhaps you have some of your own?"
"I am unmarried, mademoiselle."
We walked a little way in silence, I could feel my companion takingstock of me.
"Might I know the names of those to whom I am so indebted?"
"Why, of course, how stupid of me to forget--Mr. Neville, and I amVictor Stevens."
"But not English, too, surely?"
"No, I am a Rudarlian."
"Then I ought to hate you."
"Not so, since we are no longer enemies."
"Nor are we friends. Ah, I wonder whether you know to what extent thiscountry suffers."
"In what way, mademoiselle? I thought the terms of peace were notungenerous."
"No, indeed, they were far from that, but even so the people suffer, bythe extra taxation entailed. Oh, I know that Bornia declared war, but itwas the fault of a corrupt Court, not the wish of the people."
"That may be so, but still I do not see why there should be enmitybetween the two nations; rather should the leniency of the terms ofpeace augment the friendship that brave foes should have for oneanother. It is not as though we had demanded part of Bornia'sterritory, we merely regained our own province."
"I know, I know! Please don't think that we are ungrateful, but ithurts me so to think of many precious lives being lost, and so muchtreasure wasted to satisfy the venom of one man."
"You mean?"
"Why, Prince Alexis; it is common property that he and his cliqueengineered the war. He is dead, so we must speak no ill of him, but hewas at the bottom of everything. I believe it was his personal hatredto King Victor which made him go to the lengths he did. But there, donot let us spoil our walk, tell me of your King; you know him, perhaps?"
"Mr. Neville has spoken to him many times," I said.
"Oh, please tell me of him; I am afraid that he is too perfect from allaccounts."
"You have set me a hard task, to describe him would take too muchthought for an old man, mademoiselle; but I may tell you that he is notugly, and possesses certain good qualities."
"He is a good King, and--messieurs, you have told me your names, andcourteously refrained from asking me for mine. I am Princess Irma,eldest daughter of the King of Bornia."
"Your Royal Highness has our homage and thanks," said Mr. Neville,bowing.
"Ah, please no ceremony, forget my rank, and just think of me as thegirl you so bravely saved. But I had to tell you."
As for myself, I was too astonished to say a word, my longing forromance had indeed been answered with a vengeance; but it had placed mein rather a queer position, for I could not now retain my incognito withany feelings of satisfaction: it would hardly be honourable. I musttell her, of course, but it was not the thought of that which made myblood course so strongly through my veins, it was a gust of sheerdelight that I had at last met one whom I could treat as an equal, whocould be my companion and whom, if it was so willed, I could learn tolove. My eyes swept over her perfect figure as she turned from Mr.Neville to me. Her carriage was magnificent, with the grace and dignitywhich became a Princess, and the womanly charm and sweetness whichbecame her sex; her whole expression was radiant with youth and the joyof living.
"Princess, I must crave forgiveness for having deceived you. I told youmy name was Victor Stevens, I am----"
"King Victor II. of Rudarlia. Your Majesty must think me strangelyobtuse, to have imagined that a shaven moustache could hide hisidentity."
And this delightful girl went off into a peal of laughter, in whichafter a moment Mr. Neville and myself joined.
"Your eyes are too keen, Princess," I said.
"I knew your Majesty's face so well that I recognised you almostimmediately."
"But surely we have never met before?"
"No, but I have seen your photograph many times."
"And I yours, but I did not know you."
"That is hardly to be wondered at, as the Court photographers arenotorious flatterers."
"And yet you knew me?"
"Your Majesty is a much more important person than I, and therefore moreeasily to be remembered."
"May I ask where you are staying, Princess? There is no Royal residencenear here, is there?"
"No, I am visiting the family of one of the ladies-in-waiting."
"I was wondering how far we might accompany you; for, although you havebeen so kind with regard to my nationality, others might be less so."
"Prince de Sagresse is one of your Majesty's admirers; he does notbelong to the Court."
"Then, Princess, you have no objection to our walking as far as hisgates with you?"
"It will be a pleasure to me," she said shyly. "But will not yourMajesty come farther than the gates? The Prince would be highlyhonoured."
"I shall be delighted."
"And Mr. Neville?"
"Mr. Neville has given a great deal of his life to me, Princess, hewould not now interfere with my happiness."
This sounded so like a compliment that our companion blushed slightly.I, however, did not mean it to be such, for to me it was a great delightto have some one of my own age, to whom I could talk naturally withoutthe necessary thought that I was the King. It was an experience thatwas absolutely novel, and I knew that I should enjoy myself immensely.Besides which, there was the reason for my tour to be considered, and Iconfess to feeling very much interested in Princess Irma.
I fancy we all felt rather sorry when the turreted wall of the oldchateau came in sight; the two miles had proved very short ones, andalmost before we knew it we were standing near the gate.
The situation, from my point of v
iew, was not uninteresting, for I hadnot the least idea as to how the old Bornian noble would receive theKing of a country which such a short while before had been hostile. Wehad not long to wait, however; for, as we came in sight of the terracesin front of the house, an old white-haired gentleman came down them togreet the Princess, his face betraying a slight, well-bred surprise uponseeing her on foot, and accompanied by two gentlemen, both of whom werestrangers to him.
We fell a little behind, as the Princess explained to her host theincident which had brought about our acquaintance. She then evidentlyexplained who we were, for he came towards us with every mark ofpleasure and diffidence.
I stepped forward and held out my hand.
"Prince, Her Royal Highness has perhaps told you, that, havingaccompanied her to your gate, we pressed for the pleasure of anintroduction to her host."
"Your Majesty honours me by expressing such a desire. As it is, myhouse and household are at your service; the longer your Majesty willmake use of it, the greater our delight."
"For an hour or two, Prince, if we may; so that we can become betteracquainted."
We did not carry a great deal of unnecessary clothing with us; so, aftermaking ourselves as presentable as we could, we were conducted to adelightful room gay with flowers, and which gave evidence of feminineoccupation. One of those comfortable rooms in which you feel at homeimmediately, with no stiff chairs to make you think of ceremony. From abig divan, smothered in cushions, a girl uncoiled herself as we entered;uncoiled is rather an unkind word to use, but it was gracefully done,and swiftly. Her face looked familiar to me, and for a little while Icould not recollect where I had seen it; she was an extremely beautifulgirl--suddenly it flashed across my mind. I looked again and remembered.
"I would ask your Majesty's permission to present my daughter Sonia."
"We have already met, Prince; have we not, mademoiselle?"
"Oh!" she cried, after looking at me intently.
"How is the ankle?" I asked gravely.
"Oh!" and then to her father, who looked slightly puzzled, she said,"You remember that I hurt myself when staying on the Garude, father? Itwas His Majesty who helped me and was so kind."
"I lost a handkerchief, I remember," I said, laughing.
"I have it yet. I kept it as a souvenir."
"I only had the memory of a delightful afternoon to keep, mademoiselle."
"Then I had the best of it, as I had the handkerchief as well."
I was just going to make some laughing reply to this when I caught Mr.Neville's eye. There was a distinctly quizzical look in it, and itflashed across me that I had spoken to him about a girl on a mossy riverbank, in terms which I could not now recall without reflecting on thefolly of extreme youth. I remembered how, at that time, I seemed to beabsolutely wrapped up in Sonia, how I imagined that without her my wholelife must inevitably be wrecked: and now? Well, she was a charming,beautiful girl, but I did not even fancy that I was in love with her.
At this moment the Princess returned. She had made a rapid change inher toilette, and clad in some light-coloured gown she looked radiant,even beside Sonia, whom many, or rather most people, would have calledthe more beautiful.
The hour that I had intended to stay passed all too quickly, it ran intotwo, three, four, without my being aware of the lapse of time. Tea hadbeen brought out to the terrace where we were sitting; and, after thedays we had spent in not over-clean inns, the delicate linen and chinaand perfect service were very acceptable; but it was the charmingcompany which was the greatest delight.
The Princess and I had worked out to the satisfaction of both of us, ornearly so, our exact degree of relationship. We differed, I remember,on the point of whether it was tenth or eleventh cousinship, three timesremoved; Mr. Neville finally solving it in his quiet, dry way, when weappealed to him.
"It is simplicity itself; you are undoubtedly Uncle and Aunt."
Some little while after this, Sonia made a remark about the beauty ofthe sky; and I realised, then, how long we had been sitting there--itwas past six o'clock. Upon rising to take my leave of them, I feltgenuinely sorry, so much so that when the Prince remarked that the roadswere very bad, that it was a good twelve miles to the next town, andthat they would consider it the highest honour if I would spend thenight there, I only hesitated for a moment before accepting their offer.
I did not hesitate longer, because I knew that, even if I wanted to, Ishould find it very difficult to tear myself away from an atmospherethat was so happy and delightful.
As I resumed the seat that I had vacated, I was ridiculously glad to seethe pleased smile with which Princess Irma greeted my decision.
After a dinner which was only ceremonious by the attendance, for ourcostumes were not those of full evening dress, we strolled out to enjoythe perfection of the moonlit garden.
I do not remember ever having felt so extraordinarily happy before, I amalmost sure that the moon must have had an effect upon me, for I went tomy room that night in a state of mind bordering upon the hilarious. Ihad a few minutes' conversation with Mr. Neville before turning in; Ifancy he was as pleased to see me happy as nothing else could have madehim.
"My dear old tutor, isn't she splendid?"
He looked at me gravely, and without twitching a muscle answered:
"She is one of the most beautiful girls I have ever seen, I no longerwonder that the idea of kingship was abhorrent to you."
"Eh?"
"It must have been a terrible wrench to give up all thought of her; andto think that she retains your handkerchief, it is really romantic, butrather pathetic."
"I don't mean Sonia."
"No?"
There was infinite surprise in his voice. I looked at him quickly--atwinkle had crept into his eyes.
"You knew that I did not mean Sonia quite well, but don't you think thePrincess is simply ripping?"
"Yes, I do, my dear boy, Her Royal Highness seems to be a very nobletype of womanhood."
"I say, do you think it is worth while going to Sonale?"
"There are three other sisters."
"I don't care if there are forty. I don't want to see them now; but Ido want to stay on here for a few days, and I know the Prince would bevery pleased. Suppose we do."
"It would be most agreeable, Victor."
"Then we will," I said.