I have not entered on this course without the plain
foresight of its dangers; and even for this I was prepared. But,
madam, I knew two things: I knew that you were born to command, that
I was born to serve; I knew that by a rare conjuncture, the hand had
found the tool; and from the first I was confident, as I am
confident to-day, that no hereditary trifler has the power to
shatter that alliance.'
'I, born to command!' she said. 'Do you forget my tears?'
'Madam, they were the tears of Alexander,' cried the Baron. 'They
touched, they thrilled me; I, forgot myself a moment - even I! But
do you suppose that I had not remarked, that I had not admired, your
previous bearing? your great self-command? Ay, that was princely!'
He paused. 'It was a thing to see. I drank confidence! I tried to
imitate your calm. And I was well inspired; in my heart, I think
that I was well inspired; that any man, within the reach of
argument, had been convinced! But it was not to be; nor, madam, do
I regret the failure. Let us be open; let me disclose my heart. I
have loved two things, not unworthily: Grunewald and my sovereign!'
Here he kissed her hand. 'Either I must resign my ministry, leave
the land of my adoption and the queen whom I had chosen to obey - or
- ' He paused again.
'Alas, Herr von Gondremark, there is no "or,"' said Seraphina.
'Nay, madam, give me time,' he replied.
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