minister of finance.

"With your Majesty's permission," he said, tearing open the
envelope. As he read the contents, his shoulders sank to their
habitual stoop and benignity once more shone in the place of
alertness. "Decidedly, fate is not with your Excellency to-day.
M. Jacobi writes me that four millions have already been
disposed of to M. Everard & Co., English bankers in the
Konigstrasse, who are representing a French firm in this
particular instance. I am very sorry."

"It is of no moment now," replied the Englishman indifferently.

The adverb which concluded this declaration caught the keen ear
of the minister, who grew tall again. What would he not have
given to read the subtle brain of his opponent, for opponent he
knew him to be! His intense scrutiny was blocked by a pair of
most innocent eyes.

"Well," said the king impatiently, "let us be gone, my friend.
The talk of money always leaves a copperish taste on my tongue."

Arm in arm they passed from the chamber. When the door closed
behind them, the minister of finance drew his handkerchief
across his brow.

"Everard & Co.," mused the Englishman aloud. "Was it not indeed
a stroke for your cousin to select them as his agents? You will
in truth be accused of selling out to the English. But there is
a coincidence in all this."