The King beckoned to Vorza, who had just appeared from behind the pedestal of the statue of Kradenda, and was walking apparently in meditation. The Duke bowed. "Your Majesty," he said.
The King felt that an explanation of his apparently intimate converse with young Arnolfo was needed.
"Count Vorza," he said, pleasantly, "this young man, for all that he is the most charming of young men and a friend of yours and mine, is importunate. It is only my coronation day--my first evening of reign--and he is already trying to interest me in affairs of State."
"He is misguided but young," said Vorza, trying to catch the King's amiable tone of banter.
"He is misguided and young," echoed the King. "I have also noted in him a certain flightiness, eccentricity and weakness of purpose. But it seems he also has ambition."
"Ambition!" said Vorza, genuinely startled. "I have known him as the gayest and most delightful young man in Alsander, but he is surely not interested in affairs of State!"
"We have been deceived, Count Vorza. He is an enthusiast. He hopes to reform us all. He desires a post in the government."
"Surely he would be out of his element in serious affairs--if your Majesty and the gracious subject of our conversation will pardon my saying so!"
"I do not know, Vorza; I do not know. We need enthusiasts, we need youth. His father, however mistaken in his views, is an able man, and the ability may be inherited. I should like to give him a place in the government--but what place? I ask your advice, my Lord Chamberlain."
"I have no hesitation in giving it, your Majesty. My poor experience is always at your service and the service of the country. If any government post be given to this young man, it must be the Ministry of Fine Arts--a post which I am sure he would fill with distinction."
"I am entirely of your opinion, Count Vorza. The appointment shall be gazetted to-morrow."
Upon which the Count withdrew, meditative but not gloomy. If such young fools were to be the King's favourites, there would be ample opportunity for him to continue wielding the supreme power in Alsander. For a moment he forgot his suspicions as he dreamt the dreams of a man whose ambition age has sharpened instead of dulled.