The King's Mirror/Chapter 16
CHAPTER XVI.
A CHASE OF TWO PHANTOMS.
I was reading the other day the memoirs of an eminent English man of letters, now dead. He had paid a long visit to Forstadt, and had much to say (sometimes, I think, in a vein of veiled irony) about Victoria, her literary tastes and her literary circle. Finding amusement enough to induce me to turn over a few more pages, I came on the following passage:
"With the King himself I conversed once only; but I saw him often and heard much about him. He was then twenty-four—a tall and very thin young man, with dark brown hair and a small mustache of a lighter tint. His nose was aquiline, his eyes rather deep set, his face long and inclining to the hatchet-shape. He had beautiful hands, of which he was said to be proud. He stooped a little when walking, but displayed considerable dignity of carriage. He was accused of haughtiness, except toward a few intimates. Unquestionably his late adviser, Hammerfeldt, had imbued him with some notions as to his position which it is hardly unjust to call mediæval. A wit, or would-be wit, said of him that he postulated God in order to legitimize the powers of Augustin, his deputy. Certain persons very closely acquainted with him (I withhold names) gave a curious account of his character. Usually he was reserved and even secretive, cautious, cold, and free from enthusiasms and follies alike. But at times he appeared to be taken with moods of strong feeling. Then he would speak freely to the first person who might be by, was eager for merriment and dissipation, not fastidious as to how he came by what he wanted, seeming forgetful of the sterner rule by which his daily life was governed. A reaction would generally follow, and the King would appear to take a revenge on himself by acid and savagely humorous comments on his own acts and on the companions of his hours of relaxation. So far as I studied him for myself, I was led to conclude that he possessed a very impressionable and passionate temperament, but contrived, in general, to keep it in repression. There were one or two scandals related about him; but when we consider his position and temptations, we must give credit either to his virtues or to his discretion that such stories were not more numerous. I liked him and thought well of him, but I do think that he enjoyed a disposition likely to result in a happy life for himself. He was said to have great attractions for women; but I am not aware that he admitted persons of either sex to his confidence or friendship. He was, I imagine, jealous of even appearing to be under any influence."
This impression of me was written just about the time of my acquaintance with Coralie Mansoni and of the events which led to a sudden break in it. The judgment of me seems very fair and marked by considerable acumen. I have quoted it because it may serve in some degree to explain my conduct at the time. It also appears to have an interest of its own as an independent appreciation formed by a fair-minded and competent observer. I wish that the same hand had painted an adequate portrait of Wetter, for his character better deserved study than my own; but with the curious prejudice against politicians that so often affects the minds of students and men of letters (those hermits of brain-cells) the writer dismisses Wetter, briefly and almost contemptuously, as an able but unscrupulous politician, addicted to extravagances and irregularity in private life. He gives more space to William Adolphus than to Wetter! So difficult it is even for superior minds to remain altogether unaffected by the lustre of rank; the old truism could not be better exhibited.
I kept my appointment and went again to Coralie's in the evening. I took with me Vohrenlorf, my aide-de-camp (brother to the General, my former governor); there had been a dinner at the palace, and we were both in uniform. I had hardly expected Wetter to come that evening, but he was already there when I arrived. He seemed in an excited state; I found afterward that he was fresh from the delivery of a singularly brilliant and violent speech in the Chamber. I saluted him with intentional and marked politeness. He made no more response than purest formality demanded. I was aggrieved at this, for I desired to be friendly with him in spite of our rather absurd rivalry. Turning away from him, I sat down by Coralie and asked her if supper were ready.
"We're waiting for Varvilliers," she answered.
"But where is Madame Briande?"
"She went upstairs. I wanted a word with Wetter. She'll be down directly."
"A word with Wetter?"
"Why not, sire?" she asked with aggressive innocence.
"There can be no reason why not, mademoiselle," I replied, smiling.
We were interrupted by Varvilliers' arrival. He also had dined at the palace, and was in full dress.
"How gay my little house is to-night," drawled Coralie, as she rang the bell and ordered, in exactly the same manner, the descent of Madame Briande and the ascent of supper. Both orders were promptly obeyed, and we were left alone. Servants were never allowed to remain in waiting on these occasions.
Varvilliers was in fine vein that night, and Wetter seconded him. The one glittered with sharp-cut gems of speech, the other struck chords of deep and touching music. I played a more modest part, madame and Vohrenlorf were audience, Coralie seemed the judge whose hand was to award the prize. Yet she was indolent, and appeared to listen to no more than half of what was said. We finished eating and began to smoke; the wine still went round. Suddenly a pause fell on us. A mot from Varvilliers had set finis to our subject, and another delayed presenting itself. To my surprise Wetter turned to me.
"In the Chamber to-night, sire," he said, "there was a question about your marriage."
I perceived at once the malice which inspired his remark, but I answered him gaily, and in a tone that was in harmony with the scene.
"I wish to heaven," said I, "there were a question about it anywhere else. Alas, it is a certainty."
"Why, so is death, sire," cried Varvilliers, "but we do not discuss it at supper."
"Does M. de Varvilliers quarrel with my choice of a subject?" asked Welters. He spoke calmly now, but it was not hard to discern his great excitement.
"I quarrel, sir, with nobody except quarrellers," answered the Frenchman impatiently.
"Well, then" began Wetter.
"I think you forget my presence," I said coldly, "and this lady's also." I waved, my hand toward Coralie. She lay back in her chair, smiling and holding an unlighted cigarette between her fingers.
"I forget, sire, neither your presence nor your due," said Wetter. With that he took a pocket-book from his pocket and flung it on the table before me. "There is my debt," he said.
I sat back in my chair and did not move.
"You choose a strange time for business," I observed. "Vohrenlorf, see what is in this pocket-book."
Vohrenlorf examined it, then he came and whispered in my ear, "Notes for 90,000 marks." It was the amount Wetter owed me with accrued interest. I was amazed. He could not have raised the money except at a most extravagant rate. I made no remark, but I knew that he had risked ruin by this repayment, and I knew well why he had made it. He would not have me for creditor as well as for king and rival.
Varvilliers burst out laughing.
"Upon my word," said he, "these gentlemen of the Chamber can think of nothing but money. Don't you wonder at them, mademoiselle?"
"Money is good to think of," said Coralie reflectively.
"An admirable candour, isn't it, sire?" he said, turning to me and pointing to Coralie.
I was disturbed and out of humour. Again I was in conflict. I thought of what she was, and wondered that such men, and men so placed, as Wetter and I should quarrel about her; I looked in her face and felt a momentary conviction that all the world might fall to righting on her account; at least things more absurd have surely happened. But I answered smoothly and composedly. (That trick at least I had learned.)
"Sincerity is our hostess's greatest charm," said I.
Wetter laughed loudly and sneeringly. Coralie turned a gaze of indifferent curiosity on him. He puzzled her, tiresomely sometimes. I knew that he meant an insult. My blood runs hot at such moments. I was about to speak when Varvilliers forestalled me. He leaned across the table and said in a very low voice to Wetter:
"Sir, his Majesty is the only gentleman in Forstadt who can not resent an insult."
I recollect well little Madame Briande's pale face, as she half rose from her seat with clasped hands. Coralie still smiled. Vohrenlorf was red and fierce, with his hand 'on the hilt of his sword. Varvilliers was calm, cool, polished in demeanour.
For a moment or two Wetter sat silent, his eyes intently fixed on the Vicomte's face. Then he said in a tone as low as Varvilliers' had been:
"I think his Majesty remembers his disabilities too late—or has them remembered for him."
Vohrenlorf rose to his feet, carried away by anger and excitement.
"Sir" he cried loudly.
"Vohrenlorf, be quiet. Sit down," said I. "M. Wetter is right."
None spoke. Even Coralie seemed affected to gravity; or was it that we had touched the spring of her dramatic instinct? After a few minutes I turned to Madame Briande and introduced some indifferent topic. I spoke alone and found no answer. Coralie was now regarding me with obvious curiosity.
"The air of this room is hot," said I. "Shouldn't we be better in the other? If the ladies will lead the way, we'll follow immediately."
"I'm very well here," said Coralie.
"Oblige me," said I, rising and myself opening the door that led to the inner room.
After a moment's hesitation Coralie passed out, and madame followed her. I closed the door behind them and, turning, faced the three men. Wetter stood alone by the mantelpiece; the others were still near the table.
"In everything but the moment of his remark M. Wetter was right," said I. "I didn't remember in time that I am not placed as other men; I will not remember it now. Varvilliers, you mustn't be concerned in this. Vohrenlorf, I put myself in your hands."
"Good God, you won't fight?" cried Varvilliers.
"Vohrenlorf will do for me what he would for any gentleman who put himself in his hands," said I.
The position was too hard for young Vohrenlorf. He sank into a chair and covered his face with his hands. "No, no, I can't," he muttered. Wetter stood still as a rock, looking not at any of us, but down toward the floor. Varvilliers drank a glass of wine and then wiped his mustache carefully with a napkin.
"Your Majesty," said he, "will not do me the injustice to suppose that I am not in everything and most readily at your command. But I would beg the honour of representing your Majesty in this affair."
"Impossible!" said I briefly.
"Consider, sire. To fight you is ruin to M. Wetter."
"As regards that, would not M. Wetter in his turn reflect too late?" I asked stiffly.
Vohrenlorf looked up with a hopeless dazed expression. Varvilliers was at a loss. Wetter's figure and face were still unmoved. A sudden idea came into my head.
"There is no need for M. Wetter to be ruined," said I. "Whatever the result may be it shall seem an accident."
Wetter looked up with a quick jerk of his head. I glanced at the clock.
"In four hours it will be light," I said. "Let us meet at six in the Garden Pavilion at the Palace. Varvilliers, since you desire to assist us, I have no doubt M. Wetter will accept your services. It will be well to have no more present than necessary. The Pavilion, gentlemen, I need hardly remind you, is fitted up for revolver practice. Well, there are targets at each end. It will be unfortunate, but not strange, if one of us steps carelessly into the line of fire."
They understood my idea. But Varvilliers had an objection.
"What if both of you?" he asked, lifting his brows.
"That's so unlikely," said I. "Come, shall it be so?"
Wetter looked me full in the face, and bowed low.
"I am at his Majesty's orders," said he. He spoke now quite calmly.
Varvilliers and Vohrenlorf seemed to regard him with a sort of wonder. At the risk of ridicule I must confess to something of the same feeling. A bullet is no respecter of persons, and has no sympathy with ideas which (as the Englishman observes) it is hardly unjust to call mediæval. Yes, even I myself was a little surprised that Wetter should meet me in a duel. But, while I was surprised, I was glad.
"I am greatly indebted to M. Wetter," I said, returning his bow, "in that he does not insist on my disabilities."
For the briefest moment he smiled at me; I think my speech touched his humour. Then he grew grave again, and thanked Varvilliers formally for the offer of his services.
"There remains but one thing," said I. "We must assure the ladies that any difference of opinion there was between us is entirely past. Let us join them."
Vohrenlorf opened the door of the inner room and I entered, the rest following. Madame Briande sat in a straight-backed chair at the table; she had a book before her, but her restless anxious air made me doubt whether she had read much of it. I looked round for Coralie. There on the sofa she lay, her head resting luxuriously on the cushions and her bosom rising and falling in gentle regular breathing. The affair had not been interesting enough to keep Coralie awake. But now Vohrenlorf shut the door rather noisily; she opened her eyes, stretched her arms and yawned.
"Ah! You've done quarrelling?" she asked.
"Absolutely. We're all friends again, and have come to say farewell."
"Well, I'm very sleepy," said she, with much resignation. "Go and sleep well, my friends."
"We're forgiven for our bad manners?"
"Oh, but you were very amusing. You're all going home now?"
"So we propose, mademoiselle."
Her eyes chanced to fall on Wetter. She pointed her finger at him and began to laugh.
"What makes you as pale as a ghost, my friend?" she asked.
"It's late; I'm tired," he answered lamely and awkwardly.
She turned a shrewd glance on me. I smiled composedly.
"Ah, well, it's no affair of mine," she said.
In turn we took farewell of her and of madame. But, as I was going out, she called me.
"In a minute, Vohrenlorf," I cried, waving my hand toward the door. The rest passed out. Madame had wandered restlessly to the fireplace at the other end of the room. I returned to Coralie's sofa.
"You're going too?" she asked.
"Certainly," said I. "I must rest. I have to rise early, and it's close on two o'clock."
"You don't look sleepy."
"I depart from duty, not from inclination."
"You'll come to see me to-morrow?"
"If I possibly can. Could you doubt it?"
"And why might you possibly not be able?"
"I am a man of many occupations."
"Yes. Quarrelling with Wetter is one."
"Indeed that's all over."
"I'm not sure I believe you."
"You reduce me to despair. How can I convince you?"
Madame Briande walked suddenly to the door and went out. I heard her invite Vohrenlorf to take a glass of cognac, and his ready acceptance. Coralie was sitting on the sofa now, looking at me curiously.
"I have liked you very much," she said slowly. "You are a good fellow, a good friend. I don't know how it is—I feel uncomfortable to-night. Will you draw back a curtain and open a window? It's hot."
I obeyed her; the cool night air rushed in on us, fresh and delicious. She drew her legs up sideways on the sofa, clasping her ankles with her hand.
"Don't you know," she cried impatiently, "how sometimes one is uncomfortable and doesn't know why? It seems as though something was going to happen, one's money to be lost, or one's friends to die or go away; that somehow they had misfortunes preparing for one."
"I know the feeling well enough, but I'm sure you needn't have it to-night."
"Oh, I don't know. It doesn't come without a reason. You've no superstitions, I suppose? I have many; as a child I learned them all. They're never wrong. Yes, something is to happen."
I shrugged my shoulders and laughed.
"You'll come to-morrow?" she asked, with increased and most unusual urgency.
"If possible," I answered again.
"But why won't you promise? Why do you always say 'if possible'? You're tiresome with your 'if possible.'" She shrugged her shoulders petulantly.
"I might be ill."
"Yes, and you might be dead, but" She had begun petulantly and impatiently, as though she were angry at my excuse and meant to exhibit its absurdity. But now she stopped suddenly. In the pause the wind moaned.
"I hate that sound," she cried resentfully. "It comes from the souls of the dead as they fly through the air. They fly round and round the houses, crying to those who must join them soon."
"Ah, well, these people were, doubtless, often wrong when they were alive. Why must they be always right when they're dead?"
"No, death is near to-night. I wish you would stay with me—here, talking and forgetting it's night. I would make you coffee and sing to you. We would shut the window and light all the lights, and pretend it was day."
"I can't stay," I said. "I must get back. I have business early."
It is difficult to be in contact with such a mood as hers was that night and not catch something of its infection. Reason protests, but imagination falls a ready prey. I had no fear, but a sombre apprehension of evil settled on me. I seemed to know that our season of thoughtless, reckless merriment was done, and I mourned for it. There came over me a sorrow for her, but I made no attempt to express what she certainly would not have understood. To feel for others what they do not feel for themselves is a distortion of sympathy which often afflicts me. Her discomfort was purely childish, a sudden fear of the dark night, the dark world, the ways of fortune so dark and unknowable. No self-questioning and no sting of conscience had any part in it. She had been happy, and she wanted to go on being happy; but now she was afraid she was going to be unhappy, and she shrank from unhappiness as from a toothache. I took her hand and kissed and caressed it.
"Go to bed, my dear," said I. "You'll be laughing at this in the morning. And poor Vohrenlorf is waiting all this while for me."
"Go, then. You may kiss me though."
I bent down and kissed her.
"Your lips are very hot," she said. "Yet you look cool enough."
"I am even rather cold. I must walk home briskly. Good-night."
"You'll make it up with poor Wetter?"
"Indeed our difference is over, or all but over."
"Good. I hate my friends to quarrel seriously. As for a little, it's amusing enough."
With that she let me go. The last I saw of her was as she ran hastily across the room, slammed down the window, and drew the curtain across it. She was afraid of hearing more of those voices of the night that frightened her. I thought with a smile that candles would burn about her bed till she woke to rejoice in the sun's new birth. Ah, well, I myself do not love a blank darkness.
Vohrenlorf and I walked home together. We entered by the gardens, the sentry saluting us and opening the gate. There was the Pavilion rising behind my apartments, a long, high, glass-roofed building. The sight of it recalled my thought from Coralie to the work of the morning. I nodded my head toward the building and said to Vohrenlorf:
"There's our rendezvous."
He did not answer, but turned to me with his lips quivering.
"What's the matter, man?" I asked.
"For God's sake, sire, don't do it. Send him a message. You mustn't do it."
"My good Vohrenlorf, you are mad," said I.
Yet not Vohrenlorf was mad, but I, mad with the vision of my two phantoms—freedom and pleasure.