Victor Victorious

by Cecil Starr Johns

  *VICTOR VICTORIOUS*

  CHAPTER XVIII

  Captain von Landsberg and I set off on our return journey. His face wasas solemn as that of a judge, or as that of a judge should be, for mostof the judges I have known are generally more than willing to see humourin situations.

  Of course it was quite right of him not to show any amusement at thefact that his King was only a mortal, with the ordinary tendencies ofmankind, and I have no doubt that writers of books on etiquette wouldcommend him most highly; but I wished that he had been Mr. Neville orPrince Zeula, for then I could have poured out my soul, and incidentallybored them horribly.

  I wished to speak of my Princess, to rave over her perfections, to forcethem to see her as I saw her, to feel indignant if they did not. Iwished them to be there and agree with every wild statement I made,although all the time I should have known they were laughing at me, andprobably saying to themselves, "Lord, how funny the boy is! does heimagine that he is the only one who has been in love?"

  I daresay, if the truth could be known, Landsberg regarded me as thestaidest lover of his experience, for I sat staring straight in front ofme, hardly smiling, and only addressing a few remarks to him, and thoseabout such things as crops, cows, or cabbages. He would have changedhis opinion had he but known the wild exhilaration that I felt surgeover me from time to time, and the rose-tinted veil which hung overthose very ordinary subjects of conversation.

  We had gone a considerable way before I broached the subject of thepunishment meted out to the writer of the scurrilous article.

  I asked him whether he had any idea of the executioner; but he assuredme that all his questions had given him no hint, and he supposed thatamong the Bornians there had been some man who had had the necessaryvigour to carry out the chastisement.

  As this was the most probable theory, I let the matter stay therewithout any wild surmises; but I felt that I should very much have likedto know who had done it, so that I could in some way reward him.

  As soon as we had got a few miles into Rudarlia, I removed the beardwhich I had been wearing, and was glad to get rid of it.

  It was dark when we reached the Palace; and, after warning my companionnot to mention our trip, I slipped up to my own quarters, where Idelivered myself into my valet's hands. In about an hour I was closetedwith my mother.

  First I told her of the article, then about my idea of punishing thewriter, at which she implored me not to, and was only relieved by mypromising to take no steps in the matter. Then I told her that I wasengaged to be married to Irma. Her astonishment was so great that I hadto tell her everything, much to my amusement, for she had not known thatI had left the Palace.

  After my mother, I had to send for Prince Zeula, and have it all outwith him. He was so delighted that I feared evil consequences to hishealth, and told him so; I believe if he had had his way he would haveordered bonfires and fireworks.

  Lastly I went to Mr. Neville's room, where I knew I should find himengrossed in the work of some mighty brain. As I expected, he wasthere, seated in his favourite chair, sucking at a favourite briar, andreading hard. I noticed that his hand was slightly bandaged, so afterour usual salutations I said:

  "What is the matter with your hand?"

  "Nothing much, I knocked some skin off it, and slightly strained one ofmy fingers."

  "How did you do that?"

  "I hit it against something."

  "I'm sorry; but look here, can you spare me a few minutes? You willhave to whether you like it or not, so put that beastly, musty old bookdown."

  He did as I wished, and I sat down near him, filled my own pipe, andremained silent.

  He went on puffing, waiting for me to tell him what I wished to; he knewthat it was no good trying to hurry me, and that I should speak as soonas I was ready, I do not know why, but it took me some little time toformulate my sentences; and, when I had, I did not use them, but blurtedout instead:

  "I saw Princess Irma to-day. We are going to be married."

  "I'm glad, and congratulate you, Victor. Now tell me about it."

  Then I began to be eloquent, and poured out all those things I hadwished to say while returning from Sonale. Dear old fellow, he listenedintently just as I had imagined him doing, but his face showed howpleased he was. I explained for the third time that evening just how ithad occurred, and he said that he had only disgust for the offence,dismay at my proposed punishment of it, and satisfaction at the ultimateresult. I believe, had he given me the slightest opening, that I shouldhave gone all over my feelings again; but luckily for him he did not,only suggesting that as I had had a strenuous day, I had better get somesleep before morning. His congratulations were so genuine that, as Isaid good night, I could not refrain from saying:

  "Don't you think I am an infernally lucky chap?"

  "I do, every man is who secures a really charming and good woman as awife, but I think Her Royal Highness is rather lucky too."

  A remark which I deprecated, although it was comforting, especially asit came from Mr. Neville, for he did not as a rule pay me compliments.Honestly, however, I think my pleasure was more for Irma's sake than forany personal pride I may have had.

  So I went away from my old tutor quite pleased with everything. All thethree people who had given me so much were delighted; and I was tobecome the husband of the sweetest woman in the world. It was hardlywonderful therefore that I slept like an angel, by which I mean that Iwas blest.

  I think I was nearer becoming chronically bad-tempered during the nextfew months than at any other time in my life. It was so ridiculous thatI should be kept waiting for my bride for so long. I cursed etiquetteof every description, and regretted that I was not living in the middleages, when I could have carried her off immediately, or as immediatelyas the force I had at my disposal would allow. I made myselfobjectionable to nearly everybody, although they did not tell me so.However, as the time went on, I began to get a bit calmer, and turned mythoughts to a state of things which should have received attentionbefore; I thoroughly overhauled the Palace, and was almost dismayed tofind how much there was that required immediate alteration.

  There were whole suites of rooms that I could not bear the thought ofIrma ever seeing, they were so badly decorated. I do not know whetherIvan had been responsible for the mural atrocities, the terrible colourschemes, but I do know that some one without any taste at all had reallydesecrated the Palace. Perhaps it was one of Ivan's lady friends.Having come to the conclusion that this state of things must be alteredjust as rapidly as possible, I sought the most capable architect inKarena, and entrusted the job to him; but I made it plain that all plansmust be submitted to me before any work was done.

  To avoid the danger of having everything too masculine in taste, Iorganised a committee, which consisted of my mother and Ivan's wife,who, I am glad to say, was at last happy, and with whom my mother hadbecome very friendly. Sometimes, as a great honour, Zeula was allowedto suggest some decorative scheme. All this was really quiteunnecessary, but it was an amusement, and rather out of the ordinaryRoyal pursuits.

  Some two months after my return from Sonale--that wonderful trip withLandsberg--I was present at the wedding of Sonia. It was a function ofsome magnitude, for all the nobility of Rudarlia who were not in someway related to Landsberg knew that I was interested in the wedding, andthat it would be rather a cheerful and sumptuous gathering. Thereforethey came, nor, I understand, were they disappointed. In fact, so largewas the crowd that I began to wonder whether my own marriage, when ittook place, would attract as much notice. I believe that I mentioned mythoughts to Woolgast. He looked astonished, until I suggested that Ishould have to take a commission in my own regiment of Guards, and then,of course, he perceived that I had been jesting. He was a serious man,whom I often teased.

  My mother took a great liking to the bride; and, when the couplereturned from their honeymoon, she often had her to her room.

  I therefore, m
yself, saw a good deal of the young wife, who was alwaysready to talk about Irma, and from her I learnt much regarding thetastes of my future wife.

  There was one room in the apartments set aside for Irma which Idetermined to have decorated entirely according to my own fancy; andonce this was decided upon I set to work to gather together those thingswhich might best carry out my idea. From Sonia I learnt that a veryfavourite period of art, with Irma, was the eighteenth century Frenchschool, so I set about obtaining as many rare and beautiful specimens ofthat period as possible. I was fortunate enough to secure some gems,although I had to pay very heavily for them; but, when I saw them in thespaces and places allotted to them, I thought they were worth it. Theroom, when finished, surpassed my expectations, and I used to dream ofthe day when Irma would sit there and admire some beautiful painting, orfondle some charming bit of china.

  I am afraid that I might have neglected my customary routine, had I beenleft to myself, but in Zeula and Mr. Neville I possessed two guardianswho were quite capable of standing me in a corner if I did not do mykingly duty. I used to wonder sometimes whether love was changing meinto a slothful person, I so often felt averse to doing many thingswhich before I had accepted without murmuring. Mr. Neville used to gibeat me without mercy, but his crowning insult was when he called me"Romeo"; that caused a most unkingly tussle, in which I am loath to sayVictor II. of Rudarlia won by very little: my old tutor wasastonishingly tough.

  Zeula, who was present, laughed like a schoolboy; and I am convinced,had anyone seen us, every single subject of mine would have heard therumour that their King had gone mad.

  But even waiting comes to an end, and the day dawned when Irma and Ibecame one. I do not believe that two souls have ever fused morecompletely into one than hers and mine.

  My wife and I rarely mention the day of our marriage, for the reasonthat, although it was the beginning of our married life, somethinghappened which was so tragic, so unlooked for, that even the retrospectis disquieting and leading to melancholy.

  With all the pomp which attends the public marriage of Royalty, Irma andI had said those words which made us man and wife, and in front of usstretched all-alluring vistas of life.

  We were driving away from the Cathedral, where the ceremony had beenheld, in an open carriage--for neither of us wished to cheat thecheering multitudes of their lawful rights--and as we passed along thegaily decorated streets, under wonderful flag and flower effects,through the dense masses of people, who were almost crazy with loyaltyand delight, I remember pressing Irma's hand in encouragement. This wasno mean ordeal which we were going through, especially for her, as afterall she was an alien, of a race which so shortly before had beenhostile.

  Those splendid people of mine, they did not allow her to perceive thatshe was a stranger to them, but shouted, "God save the Queen!" with alltheir might, which was certainly great.

  Once she turned to me and said:

  "Oh, Victor, what dears they are, I know I shall love them all."

  And there was I, laughing and bowing, and feeling, if it can bebelieved, extremely wise, and not a bit of a fool.

  I felt pleased that the marriage had been delayed by etiquette, for ithad given my subjects time to become used to the idea of having aBornian Princess for their Queen. It is quite safe to say that we wereboth supremely happy, a feeling which seemed to be universal. And yetthere was one man in the crowd to whom my kingship was hateful, that isthe only reason I can assign for his action.

  We had reached a street narrower than the others which we had passedthrough, for we had extended our return from the Cathedral so that asmany people as possible might see us, and when for one moment weslackened our pace on account of the terrific crowd--which was almostmore than the police and troops could manage to restrain--a man suddenlyraised his arm and hurled a bomb at us. I did not see the movementmyself, as I was looking the other way; but Irma did, and threw herselfin front of me to offer her body as a shield for me. Luckily it missedus both, for it was ill-aimed, and, passing right over the carriage,struck and burst.

  There was a terrible explosion, and for a moment I could not think whathad happened, for the wheels of our carriage were smashed, and thiscaused us to bump heavily on the ground, a motion that shook us bothconsiderably. I clambered to my feet stricken suddenly with appallingrage; had the man who was responsible been near, I am convinced that Ishould have choked him to death. Perhaps, poor brute, it would havebeen better for him; for, as I glared round, the crowd fell on thewould-be assassin, and literally tore him to pieces.

  The soldiers and police were powerless, but I am glad to say the criesof anger drowned those more ghastly to listen to. As it was, I did mybest to prevent Irma hearing, or seeing; and in this I was successful.

  My escort had been pressed away from the carriage, and the people surgedaround, yelling and screaming in their dismay; only for a minute, as thehorses of the Guards thrust them heavily aside, and once more took theirplaces round the carriage. I heard Woolgast's voice:

  "Your Majesties are safe, unhurt? Ah, God be praised!"

  "Both quite unhurt, but get one of the other carriages here quickly."

  I clambered on to the box seat of the carriage, and shouted at the topof my voice that we were unhurt, and that those who heard must pass thenews on, and also let us through. My voice must have been heard bymany, for a very little time elapsed before my mother's coach was at ourside. For one instant her arms were round my neck, and then they wereassisting Irma in beside her.

  My darling's face was white, but she smiled bravely at me as they droveoff. Then I took one of the trooper's horses, and was just about tomount when it struck me that some one might have been injured. I askedWoolgast, and his face was grave as he told me that two of the peoplehad been killed, and three Guardsmen injured. I gave what orders werenecessary, and, sad with a sadness the like of which I had never feltbefore, I mounted and rode on.

  What a terrible change had come over the day! From the most joyousmirth, it had turned to the most gloomy despair. All those cheeringmultitudes how had only sorrowful looks to bestow upon their King. Irode therefore in almost complete silence, and I am afraid that I myselfwas as dejected a monarch as anyone could see, for the horror of thetragedy had struck me hard, and I could not forget that blood had beenspilt almost on the bridal robe of my Queen. During that slow journeythrough the serried ranks of my subjects, who stood uncovered in mutesympathy, I tried to find some reason for the awful action; I knew of noone who could bear me personally any grudge. The nobles whom I hadexiled had returned to their estates long before, without anyconfiscations, and I did not believe that any of them could be guilty.

  Those of my subjects who had suffered under Ivan had had their wrongsrighted with far more celerity than they could have expected. These,too, I judged were guiltless; and, as I could think of no one whom I hadinjured, I put the crime down as the work of an anarchical fanatic witha loathing for monarchical government.

  The only thought which brightened me was that my wife had given proofsof her love, by trying to screen me.

  I had seen many terrible sights during the late war, but had never beenso affected as I was now, it seemed so useless and unnecessary. Ifeared, too, that Irma would be quite stricken down by the shock, for itmust have been a terrible strain on her nervous system, to be so quietand brave through the whole affair.

  My mother's carriage had reached the Palace some time before I did, sothat the confusion, which no doubt existed, had had time to quietendown. This was largely due to the efforts of Zeula, who had forced hisway through the crowds, and arrived at the Palace by side streets.

  He was terribly upset, but he had the presence of mind to order for methe thing which I badly needed, a stiff brandy and soda. With all thehaste that I could make, I went to see my wife, whom I found in mymother's care, and that meeting was a revelation to me; I had had noidea of the extent of her love. I think that the tears she shed wereprobably the most bene
ficial way of relieving her pent-up emotion, atany rate she recovered sufficiently to take her place by my side to showourselves to the crowds which stood anxiously outside. I am not abeliever in the adage that "out of evil cometh good," but in this caseit certainly did, for the people had been struck by her demeanour, andwere proud of their new Queen, a feeling which soon turned to love, asthey got to know her better.

  I shall never forget the graciousness of her manner to the Head of thePolice when he came to tender his resignation. Many people were blaminghim for the occurrence, even some of the Ministers. The poor fellowbroke down completely, when Irma, having asked my permission to dealwith his case, refused absolutely to hear of his resignation, anddeclared that there should be no one made scapegoat for an incidentwhich could not have been foreseen. She made a point, too, of lettingothers see her friendly attitude towards the official, with so muchgrace and tact, that he went away happy, and quite devoted to his newQueen.

  I had caused inquiries to be made concerning the two murdered men, one abaker of Karena, the other a peasant from near Bavla; the latter casewas extremely sad, for he had walked, with his newly-wed wife, all theway from his village to the capital, to see us; it was their bridaltreat, their honeymoon, and what an ending! The only thing I could do,was to provide handsomely for their dependents.

  The three Guardsmen, who luckily were only slightly injured, receivedpromotion and a sum of money. As for the criminal, it was neverdiscovered who he was, although everything was done to find out hisname, and to know whether he had accomplices. I believe myself that thewhole affair was the work of his own disordered brain, and that heplanned and executed his project entirely by himself. Mr. Neville,however, advanced a theory, which may have had some foundation, andwhich led to a confession from him.

  It was the same day, only very much later, when, having dined _enfamille_, I went with Prince Zeula and Mr. Neville into my study to talkthe affair over. I had given orders that it should not be mentionedbefore my wife, as the sooner it was forgotten by her the better, acourse of conduct which my mother emphatically endorsed, and it was intoher care that I had given Irma.

  I had waited behind to kiss a last good night to my wife, so that Zeulaand Mr. Neville had time to reach my study, where they waited. It wasthen that I heard Mr. Neville say:

  "I think it would be wise to tell him."

  "What is that?" I asked.

  "Neville has a theory," said Zeula.

  "But only a theory, there is absolutely nothing to connect the twothings."

  "Which two things, what are you talking about?"

  "Well, Victor, I will tell you. I hope, however, that you will not takeit amiss. It is this: you remember the writer of a certain article in aSonale paper; I was wondering whether he had had anything to do with theaffair of to-day."

  "I don't follow you."

  "Well, you see, it was I who thrashed him, and I was wondering whetherhe had found out who I was and so implicated you. Perhaps he thoughtthat I was acting for you."

  "I'm damned! So it was you who forestalled me, was it? That's whereyou had gone when I could get no trace of you that day, I'm glad it wasyou and nobody else, but how did you know about it at all?"

  "I told him, Victor; and, as I myself could not go, he was only toohappy to volunteer."

  "But why go at all?"

  They did not answer me; and after a minute I smiled, and held out myhands to the two of them.

  "I don't mind confessing now that you were right, and I am glad that Idid not have to do it."

  There was evident relief in their voices when they spoke again, askingme what I thought of the theory.

  "I don't think that he is responsible. Of course he may be, but I thinkit unlikely; still, if you think proper, you could have some discreetinquiries made by the police."

  * * * * *

  The next day my wife and I departed on our honeymoon, and for ten dayswe forgot everything. We had elected to spend our time, hidden from theworld, in a castle in Soctia near the sea-coast. It was one of theRoyal residences, which had not been used for years, and which beforethen had served more as a hunting-lodge than as a Palace. It was an oldchateau, with many towers and turrets, delightfully picturesque, andundoubtedly uncomfortable. I had had this place put into thoroughrepair, and thither we went with just as small a retinue as we couldwell take.

  I did not think it was possible for a human being to feel so happy, attimes it seemed to choke me. Irma was all that my mind could conceive,or my heart desire; there was between us the most perfect understanding,as though our lives had been lived together through countless centuries.Each seemed to know instinctively the wishes and thoughts of the other,and our minds intermingled smoothly and perfectly. There were,apparently, no rough edges to be worn off.

  We refused to think of state matters, during that short period; and,when the courier arrived each day with letters from Prince Zeula, it wasonly as if I had dreamt of such things, and they were forgotten beforehe had gone from our sight with the replies.

  The country around the chateau was some of the most beautiful to befound in Rudarlia, and some days we spent the sunny hours in riding outexploring, as free from care as two children. Then, in the evenings, wewould sit on the terrace which we liked most and watch the night.

  I wonder how many people know the charm and understand the mystery of awarm summer's evening. I daresay a great number, but it seemed to usthat nobody but ourselves could properly appreciate it, as, sitting sideby side on a stone bench, we would watch the last lights die out in thesky, and the mantle of night descend on nature.

  The sounds, too, fascinated us, those mysterious murmurings for all theworld like those of a slumbering child. We spoke seldom, preferring tosit hand in hand, in silence, until the moon crept into view, showingus, as it were, another world--quiet, peaceful, silvery, and almost moreenchantingly beautiful than the day.

  We were, no doubt, absurd, but I am glad to think that we were, that inspite of strenuous lives before us--and in my case behind as well--wecould still forget everything in each other's love, and look out on theworld with the pleased, expectant eyes of children; I believe we couldimagine fairies in the depths of the forest, or nymphs playing in thestreams.

  It was on the eleventh day of our stay in this place, that we receivednotification that the outside world did really exist; we were broughtback abruptly to our everyday senses, by the sight of a number of mentoiling up a somewhat steep hill which led to the chateau. We were onthe top of one of the towers, and from there had an extensive view ofthe surrounding country.

  "Oh, Victor, look at those people! Do you think they want to see us?because if so I must go and arrange my hair."

  A remark which might lead people to imagine that the King of Rudarliawas a very ordinary young husband after all.

  The men in question did wish to see us, for presently we were informedthat a deputation from a neighbouring village desired to pay us theirrespectful homage.

  "This is the beginning of the end, my Queen, and how little do thosehonest fellows know with what thoughts we watched their approach. Ofcourse, I might order their heads to be cut off; but, if I did, no onewould do it, so you see how impotent your husband really is."

  "Poor fellows, they must be very hot and thirsty, and I think it ischarming of them to come all this way to see us."

  "So do I, but I did not wish to be disturbed."

  "Nor did I, there are such beautiful views from up here."

  As we had spent most of the time looking at each other, hers was aremark which made me laugh, which she had probably intended.

  Some twenty minutes later, Irma and I appeared on the terrace where themen had assembled. They were to my mind very brave, and tried manfullyto hide their nervousness. One of them, who wore the sash of Mayor,advanced towards us with many bows.

  He was, he informed us, the Mayor of the village, and had been begged bya number of citizens to head a
deputation, which desired to expresstheir joy at our escape, and to thank us for the honour we did them bychoosing their province, and their part of the province to stay in,etc., etc.

  He ended a speech, which must have taken him a long time to learn byheart, by very gracefully begging us to accept a trifling token of theirloyalty, in the shape of two small silver articles made by the villagemetal worker.

  He handed me two boxes, in one of which was a really beautiful brooch ofsilver and turquoise matrix, and in the other a box, almost equallybeautiful, of the same materials.

  Both Irma and myself were absolutely amazed at the artistic merit ofthese things, as well as at the cleverness of the workmanship.

  I turned to the Mayor, who stood by seeking to read in our faces ouropinion of the gift; he could not have found much difficulty, for bothof us were literally astounded.

  "Did you say these were made in your village?"

  "Yes, your Majesty, by my nephew, a young man who does nothing else."

  "I should like to see him, these works of his are very good indeed."

  "He is here, may it please your Majesty."

  "Present him to me."

  A young fellow, assisted by sundry nudges, detached himself from thegroup behind the Mayor, and stood respectfully hat in hand.

  "Are you the metal worker responsible for these?"

  "Yes, your Majesty."

  "Then let me tell you that you have a great gift, and that the Queen andI accept them with very much pleasure. When you go, leave your name andaddress, so that I may send for you."

  Irma had pinned on the brooch, and was talking to the Mayor; so I movedover to the other men and shook hands with all, thanking them for theirkind thoughts of us, complimenting them on possessing so skilful acraftsman in their village, and assuring them that we should neverforget their visit.

  One of them--an old man--told me that he had seen the marriageprocession of my parents, but that ill-health had prevented him seeingmine. However, he thanked God for allowing him to see me and mybeautiful Queen before he died; and he hoped that his sons would see mysons married. The good man was slightly previous, and wonderfullyloyal.