"Sometimes  I  like  to  get  up  high  somewhere  and
look  down  on  every  one  else;  every  one  else  looks
so  small  that  it's  comforting.  The  true  philosopher
has  no  desire;  he  sits  down  and  views  the  world
as  if  he  were  not  a  part  of  it.  Perhaps  it  is  best
so.  Yes,  I  would  like  four  millions  and  a  princi-
pality. .  .  .  Heigho !  how  bracing  the  air  is,
and  what  a  night  for  a  ride!  I've  a  mind  to  exer-
cise Madame's  horse.  A  long  lone  ride  on  the
opposite  side  of  the  lake,  on  the  road  to  Italy ;  come,
let's  try  it.  Better  that  than  mope."

He  mounted  to  the  veranda,  and  for  the  first
time  he  noticed  the  suppressed  excitement  which
lit  the  faces  of  those  around  him.  Groups  were
gathered  here  and  there,  talking,  gesticulating,  and
flourishing  the  evening  papers.  He  moved  toward
the  nearest  group.
"The  archbishop  has  dismissed  the  cabinet
.  .  .  crisis  imminent."

"The  Austrian  minister  has  recalled  his  invita-
tions to  the  embassy  ball."

"The  archbishop  will  not  be  able  to  form  another
cabinet."

"Count  von  Wallenstein     .     .    .    "

"Mollendorf  and  Beauvais,  too — "


THE     PUPPET     CROWN         295

"The  king  is  dying  .  .  .  The  archbishop  has
been  given  full  powers."

"The  army  will  revolt  unless  Beauvais  is  re-
called."

"And  the  Marshal  says  here    .     .     ."

Maurice  waited  to  hear  no  more,  but  climbed
through  the  window  into  the  office.
