"
"What's the grievance?" inquired Mr. Blithers, bluntly. He was edging
into familiar waters now. "What's the matter with Dawsbergen? Money
controversy?"
"Not at all," said Lazzar hastily.
"Why not let 'em withdraw?" said Mr. Blithers. "We can get along
without them."
There was a general uplifting of heads at the use of the pronoun, and
a more fixed concentration of gaze.
"I daresay you are already acquainted with the desire on the part of
Dawsbergen to form an alliance in which Axphain can have no part,"
said Baron Romano. "In other words, it has been the desire of both
Dawsbergen and Graustark to perfect a matrimonial alliance that may
cement the fortunes of the two countries--"
"Count Quinnox mentioned something of the sort," interrupted Mr.
Blithers. "But suppose this matrimonial alliance doesn't come off,
who would be the sufferer, you or Dawsbergen? Who will it benefit the
most?"
There was a moment's silence. Doubtless it had never occurred to the
Ministry to speculate on the point.
"Dawsbergen is a rich, powerful country," said Romano.
Pages:
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449