human
Dear Margherita, he said with emotion,
gpt
He kissed her hand again as he released it.
human
I spoke but to try thee, my child. If there are those near her whom we may not trust--it is not thou: I know that a de Iblin could not be disloyal.
gpt
To try me--my Lord----! _Me!_
human
Could I risk any hurt to thee, cara Dama Margherita, if duty of plainest speech were not imperative? I trust thee wholly--how else could I speak thus with thee? I have never for a moment doubted thee; yet one might doubt one's own loyalty in this court of Cyprus--where, it is told me, there is a most subtle intriguer who seeketh to do thee harm.
gpt
So it be not those whose esteem is dear to me, she answered wearily, still smarting from the hurt,
human
My child, he pleaded,
gpt
Who brought your Excellency this tale? she asked;
human
Put by thine indignation, Margherita, he answered patiently,
gpt
What matters it, my Lord, she said again,
human
So thou but know when to curb it, he answered smiling,
gpt
My Lord, I do not know
human
It is well, he said watching her,
gpt
--again Margherita had flushed unwontedly--
human
Your Excellency shall know if aught be discovered that should be told, Margherita promised.
gpt
But the matter is difficult.
human
As to Her Majesty, the Admiral continued lowering his voice still further,
gpt
Why not thou--Eccellentissimo?
human
Nay; I may keep a wider outlook on the interests of the kingdom without the Council. The city of Nikosia shall stand for her; the trading interests are to watch; the fleets must be re-manned; these intrigues must be thwarted. I outside the court, and thou within, very closely within--as near to the heart of the Queen as she will let thee--we shall work and help her, for her task is not light. She swore her oath of office to me, and I to her gave mine, as solemnly--to help her with my life. It is a heavy load for such tender hands to lift:--a question if one may conquer wile with innocency--yet the strife is noble.
gpt
What may be done to help her? Dama Margherita questioned, heavy-hearted.
human
What is my part? It is not only the scandal of watching against intrigue.
gpt
That is no scandal to loyal service: and such her very trust and goodness do demand. But there is more: out of thy fuller knowledge of the Cyprian temper--thy comprehension of their grievances--thy loyal Cyprian pride--thy staunchness to the House of Lusignan--make thyself charming to these great Cyprian nobles; help the Queen to see the need of their conciliation, and stoop a little from thy loftiness to win it for them. To two such women, the impossible is easy. I leave thee now.
human
Is there no more?
gpt
Nay:--or it is a trifle. If they have found the court a little over-dull, of late, blame them not over-much: the need for gayety and splendor is in their blood--more than in ours of Sicily--more even than in that of Venice--which hath greater gravity. I have spoken with Madama di Thénouris and the Lady of the Bernardini; but Madama di Thénouris hath better understanding of the Cyprian temper, its need of excitement--half barbaric--its impatience with a tone of gloom; the tourneys, the tennis, the hunt, all that bringeth life--let the court be charming again with jewels and color. Too great gravity is not wise.
human
Yet to-day, your Excellency, if there were no lack of brilliancy--how many were not there to see!
gpt
It is the beginning only, he said;
human
Must there be no more than trifles?
gpt
Tell no one that they are trifles: but listen, he said.
human
It will take _strength_, and _patience_, and _wisdom_ and _cunning_ and _grace_ to rule this people. Shall we ask all this of any woman?
gpt
Or of any _man_? she answered, half-mocking at the demand.
human
And if he were really a man, and not a god--and if one might choose one's King----
gpt
Our paragon might not be found in the House of Lusignan, perchance. But surely he would not be a Louis of Savoy--nor a Ferdinand of Naples--no more than a Carlotta. _Nor any Cyprian noble who hath eyes upon the Crown._
human
Not this, also! she cried, startled;
gpt
So rumor hath it; but none is strong enough. It frets me not. I have but told thee since thou art on guard.
human
Is there a remedy?
gpt
It is not hopeless. The Ministers must rule the land. We must choose our men and bide our time. Our Queen, by her grace, shall win the people's hearts: and all may be well.
human
And the little Prince--under her training?--For she will teach him love and justice. She hath vowed him to the service of his land.
gpt
Aye, he is our hope. We must guard her kingdom for him.
human
This Council of the Realm were arch-traitors! he said fiercely,
gpt
It doth unman me!
human
Madama di Thénouris is of our private council,