Oliver VII by Antal Szerb Page A

moment, the position is that—setting modesty aside—the road to His Highness leads through myself alone.” (delivered with a deep bow, while remaining seated) “Since leaving home, His Highness has lived only for the pleasures of literature and art and has eschewed everything of a political nature. Just between the two of us, the events of the revolution took a heavy toll of him. I open all his letters . It’s quite probable that His Highness knows nothing ofwhat is going on in the world. If perhaps Mr Coltor plans, or merely proposes, anything to do with him, I would ask that he refrain from approaching him directly. If he did, the response would only be negative.”
    “I understand, Count. I can well imagine it. But I must ask you to explain how it is that you and I never met in Alturia, or Norlandia, at the time.”
    “The explanation is very simple. I haven’t been there for years. The connection between His Highness and my humble self is long-standing and dates from much further back. I was His Highness’ travel guide and mentor when he visited the famous cities of Europe as a young man. I introduced him to the mysteries of life in Europe, if I might use such an expression,” St Germain declared, with a wonderful smile. “Perhaps I can thank that for the honour he does me in regarding me as an old family friend. If he listens to anyone, it is to me.”
    “Forgive me, Count, if I, as a very simple man of business, change the subject rather abruptly. I am sure you must know as well as I do that Alturia has not been a happy place since the great change, and that all serious-minded people would wish to see Oliver VII back on the throne, and to conclude the treaty with Norlandia and myself.”
    “Yes, of course I know. As you can imagine, Mr Coltor, I have a hand in those matters too. Only today I had a detailed report from the chargé d’affaires there … ”
    “From Norlandia?” he asked, raising his head. “Perhaps Princess Ortrud is also here on the Lido, incognito?”
    “Do you have the honour of knowing the Princess personally ?” the Count asked cautiously.
    “I have not had the privilege of being introduced to her. But I used to know her by sight, naturally.”
    “You are never wrong. The Princess is here.”
    Now Sandoval was becoming seriously worried. Where would the Count find a princess?
    “My dear Count,” Coltor continued. “We must keep in touch with one another. You say there is no chance of success if I try to engage His Highness in direct and immediate discussions … ”
    “None whatsoever. If you will allow me, I shall prepare the ground. When the moment is ripe I shall let you know, and the meeting you wish for will come about. Until then, all I would ask of you is that you do not reveal His Highness’ jealously guarded incognito to anyone.”
    With that they took their leave, assuring each other of their immense mutual respect.
    Sandoval was so astonished by the situation that, as they hurried back to the Count’s lodgings, he could hardly speak.
    “Wonderful, wonderful,” the Count was muttering aloud. “I was right to listen to the voice of my distinguished ancestor when I first clapped eyes on this luckless Oscar. Now the royal game begins, Sandoval, the royal game. We’re going to make a fool of the greatest swindler on the entire planet.”
    “And what will we get from this game, my dear Count?”
    “My boy, at this moment I simply don’t know. Believe me, we shall have all the time we need later on to think about these questions of material detail. Every second, hundreds upon hundreds of possibilities are flashing through my brain. We’ll have to see which looks the most viable. But what matters is the beauty and excitement of the game, believe me, Sandoval.”
    They had arrived at the not very distinguished little hotel where St Germain was now lodging. Honoré was waiting for them.
    “Well, Count. Anything to hope for?”
    “I came, I saw, and I shall very