"
Mr. Blithers settled back in his chair. "It seems to me that he is
making a mountain out of a molehill."
Baron Romano shrank perceptibly. "It devolves upon me, sir, as
spokesman for the Ministry, the court and the people of Graustark, to
inform you that marriage between our Prince and any other than the
Crown Princess of Dawsbergen is not to be considered as possible."
Mr. Blithers stared. "Hasn't the Prince any voice in the matter?" he
demanded.
"Yes. He has already denied, somewhat publicly, that he is not
contemplating marriage with your daughter. He has had a voice in that
matter at least."
A fine moisture started out on the purplish brow of Mr. Blithers.
Twenty-two eyes were upon him. He realised that he was not attending
an informal conference. He had been brought here for a deliberate
purpose.
"I may be permitted the privilege of reminding you, my lords, that
his denial was no more emphatic than that expressed by my daughter,"
he said, with real dignity.
"We have accepted her statement as final, but it is our earnest
desire that the minds of the people be set at rest," said the Baron
gravely.
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