The danger is very real' - he raged inwardly at having to blow the
very coal he had been quenching - 'none the less real in that it is
not precisely military, but for that reason the easier to be faced.
Had we to count upon your troops, although I share your Highness's
expectations of the conduct of Alvenau, we cannot forget that he has
not been proved in chief command. But where negotiation is
concerned, the conduct lies with us; and with your help, I laugh at
danger.'

'It may be so,' said Seraphina, sighing. 'It is elsewhere that I
see danger. The people, these abominable people - suppose they
should instantly rebel? What a figure we should make in the eyes of
Europe to have undertaken an invasion while my own throne was
tottering to its fall!'

'Nay, madam,' said Gondremark, smiling, 'here you are beneath
yourself. What is it that feeds their discontent? What but the
taxes? Once we have seized Gerolstein, the taxes are remitted, the
sons return covered with renown, the houses are adorned with
pillage, each tastes his little share of military glory, and behold
us once again a happy family! "Ay," they will say, in each other's
long ears, "the Princess knew what she was about; she was in the
right of it; she has a head upon her shoulders; and here we are, you
see, better off than before." But why should I say all this? It is
what my Princess pointed out to me herself; it was by these reasons
that she converted me to this adventure.'

'I think, Herr von Gondremark,' said Seraphina, somewhat tartly,
'you often attribute your own sagacity to your Princess.'