Her Royal Lover: A Novel — page 177: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

HER ROYAL LOVER. 169 much this absence, very involuntarily, I wish to be- lieve, is against you and delivers you to the malig- nity of the public. You went out, and you did not return until quite late, and precisely on a day in which you yourself would consider it an impossi- bility to leave the embassy.” Mineleko did not answer. He realized how con- clusive these circumstances were. “You see, it is urgent that your excellency should go away. Icould certainly use my influence, which you have acquired; but, if I succeeded with the police, who are subject to my orders, I would most certainly be prostrated by the press, which I myself am obliged to listen and submit to.” Mineleko endeavored to defend himself. “But I have done nothing.” “Nevertheless, there weighs serious accusations against you. This evening and to-morrow morning they cannot yet do much, but afterward, even hold. ing you to be innocent. I cannot answer for that which will take place. Your groom has undergone a preliminary examination. At first, he faltered, then entangled himself, and at last he gave some very incoherent responses. This fellow, on recon- sidering, may change his tactics—he may accuse you. Oh! I like to believe that it would be in- famous, unjust,” added the sovereign, on seeing the prince’s gesture of denial, “but Iam not the only master; there are judges in the residence. And, now, you will comprehend why your absence for some weeks becomes an absolute necessity.” Mineleko was compelled to acknowledge that the king was a thousand times right. If he remained, he would inevitably fall into a labyrinth from whence he would not escape with his honor, The Eomicbooks:com