"If these people can't be grateful to the man who
helps 'em out in their time of trouble,--and who goes out of his way
to present 'em with a bright, capable posterity,--I'd like to know
what in thunder gratitude really means."
"Oh, there isn't such a thing as gratitude," she said. "Obligation,
yes,--and ingratitude most certainly, but gratitude,--no. You are in
a position to know that gratitude doesn't exist. Are you forgetting
the private advices we already have had from Graustark? Does it
indicate that the people are grateful? There are moments when I fear
that we are actually placing Maud's life in peril, and I have had
some wretched dreams. They do not want her. They speak of exile for
the Prince if he marries her. And now I repeat what I have said
before:--the people of Graustark must have an opportunity to see and
become acquainted with Maud before the marriage is definitely
arranged. I will not have my daughter cast into a den of lions.
Will,--for that is what it may amount to. The people will adore her,
they will welcome her with open arms if they are given the chance.
Pages:
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340