Manchurian Books

He sat there imperturbable, refusing the beseechment of her
eyes, and thus forced her to repeat her question, though to him it took
another form.
"My Lord, who is to be the next Emperor?"
"Countess von Sayn, I fear that in modifying my opening address to
accord with the comprehension of a girl but recently emerged from
convent life, I have led you into an error. The Court of Electors is not
convened for the purpose of securing your consent, but with the duty of
imposing upon you a command. It is not for you to ask questions, but to
answer them."
"You mean that I am to marry this unknown man, whether I will or no?"
"That is my meaning."
The girl sat back in her chair, and the moisture that had gathered in
her eyes disappeared as if licked up by the little flame that burned in
their depths.
"Very well," she said. "Ask your questions, and I will answer them."
"Before I put any question, I must have your consent to my first
proposition."
"That is quite unnecessary, my Lord. When you hear my answer to your
questions, you will very speedily withdraw your first proposition.


Pages:
265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289