A CHANCE RIDE IN THE NIGHT
Maurice, who had wisely slept the larger part of the day, and amused himself at solitary billiards until dinner, came out on the terrace to smoke his after-dinner cigar.He watched the sun as, like a ball of rusted brass, it slid down behind the hills, leaving the glowing embers of a smoldering day on the hilltops.
The vermilion deepened into charred umber, and soon the west was a blackened grate; another day vanished in ashes.The filmy golden pallor of twilight now blurred the landscape; the wind increased with a gayer, madder, keener touch; the lake went billowing in shadows of gray and black, and one by one the lamps of the city sprang up, vivid as sparks from an anvil.Now and again the thin, clear music of the band drifted across from the park.The fountain glimmered in the Platz, the cafes began to glitter, carriages rolled hither and thither.The city had taken on its colorful night.
"Well, here's another day gone," he mused, rubbing his elbow, which was yet stiff."I am anxious to know what that sinner is doing.Has he pulled up stakes or has he stayed to get a whack at me? I hope he's gone; he's a bad Indian, and if anything, he'll want my scalp in his belt before he goes.Hang it! It seems that I have poked my head into every bear trap in the kingdom.I may not get out of the next one.How clever I was, to be sure! It all comes from loving the dramatic.I am a diplomat, but nobody would guess it at first sight.To talk to a man as Italked to him, and to threaten! He said I was young; I was, but I grow older every day.And the wise word now is, don't imitate the bull of the trestle," as he recalled an American cartoon which at that day was having vogue in the American colony in Vienna.
"I like adventure, I know, but I'm going to give the Colonel a wide berth.If he sees me first, off the board I go.Where will he go--to the duchy? I trust not; we both can not settle in that territory; it's too small.And yet I am bound to go back; it is not my promise so much as it is my cursed curiosity.By George!"rubbing his elbow gently."And to think, Maurice, that you might not have witnessed this sunset but for a bit of fencing trickery.
What a turn that picture of Inez gave me! I knew him in a second--and like the ass I was, I told him so.And to meet him here, almost a left-handed king; no wonder I did not recognize him.
"I should like to come in on Fitzgerald to-night.His father must have had a crazy streak in him somewhere.Four millions to throw away; humph! And who the deuce has those certificates?" He lolled against the parapet."If I had four millions, and if Prince Frederick had disappeared for good....Why are things so jumbled up, at sixes and sevens? We are all human beings; why should some be placed higher than others? A prince is no better than I am, and may be not half so good.
"Sometimes I like to get up high somewhere and look down on every one else; every one else looks so small that it's comforting.The true philosopher has no desire; he sits down and views the world as if he were not a part of it.Perhaps it is best so.Yes, I would like four millions and a principality....
Heigho! how bracing the air is, and what a night for a ride!
I've a mind to exercise Madame's horse.A long lone ride on the opposite side of the lake, on the road to Italy; come, let's try it.Better that than mope."He mounted to the veranda, and for the first time he noticed the suppressed excitement which lit the faces of those around him.
Groups were gathered here and there, talking, gesticulating, and flourishing the evening papers.He moved toward the nearest group.
"The archbishop has dismissed the cabinet...crisis imminent.""The Austrian minister has recalled his invitations to the embassy ball.""The archbishop will not be able to form another cabinet.""Count von Wallenstein..."
"Mollendorf and Beauvais, too--"
"The king is dying...The archbishop has been given full powers.""The army will revolt unless Beauvais is recalled.""And the Marshal says here..."
Maurice waited to hear no more, but climbed through the window into the office.
"By George, something has happened since last night.I must have an evening paper." He found one, and read an elaborate account of what had taken place during the day.Von Wallenstein had been relieved of the finance.Mollendorf of the police, Erzberg of foreign affairs, and Beauvais of his epaulettes.There remained only the archbishop, the chancellor and the Marshal.The editorial was virulent in its attack on the archbishop, blustered and threatened, and predicted that the fall of the dynasty was but a matter of a few hours.For it asserted that the prelate could not form another cabinet, and without a cabinet there could be no government.It was not possible for the archbishop to shoulder the burden alone; he must reinstate the ministry or fall.
"And this is the beginning of the end," said Maurice, throwing aside the paper."What will happen next? The old prelate is not a man to play to the gallery.Has he found out the double dealing of Beauvais? That takes a burden off my shoulders--unless he goes at once to the duchy.But why wasn't the cabinet dismissed ages ago? It is now too late.And where is Prince Frederick to the rescue? There is something going on, and what it is only the archbishop knows.
That smile of his! How will it end? I'd like to see von Mitter, who seems to be a good gossip.And that poor, friendless, paralytic king! I say, but it makes the blood grow warm."He left the chair and paced the office confines.Only one thing went echoing through his brain, and that was he could do nothing.
The sooner he settled down in the attitude of a spectator the better for him.Besides, he was an official in the employ of a foreign country, and it would be the height of indiscretion to meddle, even in a private capacity.It would be to jeopardize his diplomatic career, and that would be ridiculous.
A porter touched him on the shoulder.
"A letter for your Excellency."
It was from the American minister in Vienna.
