"We are experimenters, as you say, sir, and must go slowly.In the meantime, we have an authority which keeps peace and property safe.We are at leisure to cast our eyes round and meditate on the future.""Then, gentlemen," said I, "you take an excellent way of meditation in visiting this museum of old sovereignties.Here you have the relics of any government you please--a dozen republics, tyrannies, theocracies, merchant confederations, kingdoms, and more than one empire.You have your choice.I am tolerably familiar with the land, and if I can assist you I am at your service."They thanked me gravely "We have letters," said Mr.Galloway;"one in especial is to a gentleman whom we hope to meet in this place.Have you heard in your travels of the Count of Albany?""He has arrived," said I, "two days ago.Even now he is in the chamber above us at dinner."The news interested them hugely.
"You have seen him?" they cried."What is he like?""An elderly gentleman in poor health, a man who has travelled much, and, I judge, has suffered something from fortune.He has a fondness for the English, so you will be welcome, sirs; but he was indisposed yesterday, and may still be unable to receive you.
His daughter travels with him and tends his old age."" And you--you have spoken with him?"
"The night before last I was in his company.We talked of many things, including the late war.He is somewhat of your opinion on matters of government."The four looked at each other, and then Mr.Galloway rose.
"I ask your permission, Mr.Townshend, to consult for a moment with my friends.The matter is of some importance, and I would beg you to await us." So saying, he led the others out of doors, and I heard them withdraw to a corner of the loggia.Now, thought I, there is something afoot, and my long-sought romance approaches fruition.The company of the Marjolaine, whom the Count had sung of, have arrived at last.
Presently they returned and seated themselves at the table.
"You can be of great assistance to us, Mr.Townshend, and we would fain take you into our confidence.Are you aware who is this Count of Albany?"I nodded."It is a thin disguise to one familiar with history.""Have you reached any estimate of his character or capabilities?
You speak to friends, and, let me tell you, it is a matter which deeply concerns the Count's interests.""I think him a kindly and pathetic old gentleman.He naturally bears the mark of forty years' sojourn in the wilderness."Mr.Galloway took snuff.
"We have business with him, but it is business which stands in need of an agent.There is no one in the Count's suite with whom we could discuss affairs?""There is his daughter."
"Ah, but she would scarcely suit the case.Is there no man--a friend, and yet not a member of the family who can treat with us?"I replied that I thought that I was the only being in Santa Chiara who answered the description.
"If you will accept the task, Mr.Townshend, you are amply qualified.We will be frank with you and reveal our business.
We are on no less an errand than to offer the Count of Albany a crown.
I suppose I must have had some suspicion of their purpose, and yet the revelation of it fell on me like a thunderclap.I could only stare owlishly at my four grave gentlemen.
Mr.Galloway went on unperturbed."I have told you that in America we are not yet republicans.There are those among us who favour a republic, but they are by no means a majority.We have got rid of a king who misgoverned us, but we have no wish to get rid of kingship.We want a king of our own choosing, and we would get with him all the ancient sanctions of monarchy.The Count of Albany is of the most illustrious royal stock in Europe--he is, if legitimacy goes for anything, the rightful King of Britain.Now, if the republican party among us is to be worsted, we must come before the nation with a powerful candidate for their favour.You perceive my drift? What more potent appeal to American pride than to say: 'We have got rid of King George;we choose of our own free will the older line and King Charles'?"I said foolishly that I thought monarchy had had its day, and that 'twas idle to revive it.
"That is a sentiment well enough under a monarchical government;but we, with a clean page to write upon, do not share it.You know your ancient historians.Has not the repository of the chief power always been the rock on which republicanism has shipwrecked? If that power is given to the chief citizen, the way is prepared for the tyrant.If it abides peacefully in a royal house, it abides with cyphers who dignify, without obstructing, a popular constitution.Do not mistake me, Mr.
Townshend.This is no whim of a sentimental girl, but the reasoned conclusion of the men who achieved our liberty.There is every reason to believe that General Washington shares our views, and Mr.Hamilton, whose name you may know, is the inspirer of our mission.""But the Count is an old man," I urged; for I knew not where to begin in my exposition of the hopelessness of their errand.
"By so much the better.We do not wish a young king who may be fractious.An old man tempered by misfortune is what our purpose demands.""He has also his failings.A man cannot lead his life for forty years and retain all the virtues."At that one of the Sylvesters spoke sharply."I have heard such gossip, but I do not credit it.I have not forgotten Preston and Derby."I made my last objection."He has no posterity--legitimate posterity--to carry on his line."The four gentlemen smiled."That happens to be his chiefest recommendation," said Mr.Galloway."It enables us to take the House of Stuart on trial.We need a breathing-space and leisure to look around; but unless we establish the principle of monarchy at once the republicans will forestall us.Let us get our king at all costs, and during the remaining years of his life we shall have time to settle the succession problem.
