The man drew back, satisfied, and Leroy went on,
mounting from point to point of the cliff, till he reached a private
gate leading into the wide park-lands which skirted the King's palace.
Here stood a muffled and cloaked figure evidently watching for him; for
as soon as he appeared the gate was noiselessly opened for his
admittance, and he passed in at once. Then he and the person who had
awaited his coming, walked together through the scented woods of pine
and rhododendrons, and talking in low and confidential voices, slowly
disappeared.
CHAPTER XIV
THE KING'S VETO
The Marquis de Lutera was a heavy sleeper, and for some time had been
growing stouter than was advisable for the dignity of a Prime Minister.
He had been defeated of late years in one or two important measures;
and his colleague, Carl Perousse, had by gradual degrees succeeded in
worming himself into such close connection with the rest of the members
of the Cabinet, that he, Lutera, felt himself being edged out, not only
from political 'deals,' but from the profits appertaining thereto. So,
growing somewhat indifferent, as well as disgusted at the course
affairs were taking, he had made up his mind to retire from office, as
soon as he had carried through a certain Bill which, in its results,
would have the effect of crippling the people of the country, while
helping on his own interests to a considerable degree.
Pages:
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280