Thousands of pens all over the world to-day are digging the
grave of Royalty, and building up the throne of Democracy. Who is to
blame? Royalty itself is to blame, for deliberately passing over the
claims of art and intellect, and giving preference to the claims of
money. The moneyed man is ever the friend of Majesty,--but the
brilliant man of letters is left out in the cold. Yet it is the man of
letters who chronicles the age, and who will do so, we may be sure,
according to his own experience. As the King treats the essayist, the
romancist or the historian, so will these recording scribes treat the
King!"
"It is possible, though," suggested Leroy, "that the King meant well in
his offer to our friend Zouche?"
"Quite possible!" agreed Thord; "Only his offer of one hundred gold
pieces a year to a man of intellect, is out of all proportion to the
salary he pays his cook!"
A slight flush reddened Leroy's bronzed cheek. Thord observed him
attentively, and saw that his soul was absorbed by some deep-seated
intellectual irritation. He began to feel strangely drawn towards him;
his eyes questioned the secret which he appeared to hold in his mind,
but the quiet composure of the man's handsome face baffled enquiry.
Meanwhile around the table the conversation grew louder and less
restrained.
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