"
He uttered the last sentence more as a question than a statement.
Jost shifted one foot against the other uneasily.
"I am not so sure of that," he said after a pause, during which he had
drawn himself up, and had endeavoured to look conscientious; "You see I
have the public to consider! Ministers may fall; statesmen may be
thrown out of office; but the Press is the same yesterday, to-day, and
for ever!"
"Except when a great Editor changes his opinions," said Leroy
tranquilly,--"Which is, of course, always a point of reason and
conscience, as well as of--advantage! In the present case I think--but
--shall we not enter the sanctum of which you have so obligingly opened
the door? We can scarcely be too private when the King's name is in
question!"
Jost opened his furtive eyes in amazement.
"The King? What the devil has he to do with anything but his women and
his amusements?"
A very close observer might have seen a curious expression flicker over
Pasquin Leroy's face at these words,--an expression half of laughter,
half of scorn,--but it was slight and evanescent, and his reply was
frigidly courteous.
"I really cannot inform you; but I am afraid his Majesty is departing
somewhat from his customary routine! He is, in fact, taking an active,
instead of a passive part in national affairs.
Pages:
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267