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Norm Research in International Relations
Series Editor: Antje Wiener

Šárka Kolmašová
Ricardo Reboredo Editors

Norm Diffusion
Beyond
the West
Agents and Sources of Leverage
Norm Research in International Relations

Series Editor
Antje Wiener, Institut für Politikwissenschaft, University of Hamburg, Hamburg,
Germany
This book series offers an outlet for interdisciplinary research on norms in the context
of international relations and global governance. It features scientific and scholarly
studies which examine the way norms are created and re-created through interactions
between actors at the international level, taking into account the reflexive nature
of governance relationships and their impact on state behaviour through the re-
constitution of norms.
Norms in international relations are defined as ideas of varying degrees of abstrac-
tion and specification that concern fundamental values, organising principles or stan-
dardised procedures. They resonate across states and global actors in the form of
official policies, laws, treaties and agreements, while their meaning may be stable or
contested.
Norm Research in International Relations (NRIR) welcomes proposals for
research monographs, edited volumes and handbooks from a variety of disciplines
that seek to advance theories and applied research in international relations and
to arrive at a better understanding of the role and impact of norms. Relevant topics
include, but are not limited to, issues of international justice, research on contestation,
human rights, international treaties in areas such as energy, environment or security,
and constructivist norm research in international relations theory, recognition theory
and international law.
All titles in this series are peer-reviewed.
For further information on the series and to submit a proposal for consideration,
please contact the Johannes Glaeser (Senior Editor Economics) Johannes.glaeser@
springer.com.
Šárka Kolmašová · Ricardo Reboredo
Editors

Norm Diffusion Beyond

the West
Agents and Sources of Leverage
Editors
Šárka Kolmašová Ricardo Reboredo
Metropolitan University Prague Metropolitan University Prague
Strašnice, Czech Republic Strašnice, Czech Republic

ISSN 2522-8676 ISSN 2522-8684 (electronic)

Norm Research in International Relations
ISBN 978-3-031-25008-8 ISBN 978-3-031-25009-5 (eBook)
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-25009-5

© The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature
Switzerland AG 2023
This work is subject to copyright. All rights are solely and exclusively licensed by the Publisher, whether
the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse
of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and
transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar
or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed.
The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication
does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant
protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use.
The publisher, the authors, and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book
are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or
the editors give a warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any
errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional
claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

This Springer imprint is published by the registered company Springer Nature Switzerland AG
The registered company address is: Gewerbestrasse 11, 6330 Cham, Switzerland
Acknowledgements

This research project was funded by the Czech Science Foundation [grant number
GA20-07805S].
Hereby, we would like to thank the Czech Science Foundation for providing
funding, which allowed us to establish the initial team of contributing authors. This
book resulted from a larger project that aimed to analyse the complex dynamics of
social norms in international order, including norms dissemination, contestation and
transformation. Reflection of norms’ transfers beyond the West was one of the core
thematic clusters as the initial ambition of this larger project was to emphasize the role
of non-Western countries—emerging powers as well as small peripheral states. We
simply wanted to demonstrate that countries such as China, Indonesia, Colombia
or Trinidad and Tobago can represent influential norm-makers and their agency
fundamentally matters in norm transfers within particular regions and beyond them.
All contributing authors shared our vision that more research is needed with regard
to non-Western agency (however we are fully aware of the problematic connotations
associated with the labels “Western”, “non-Western” or “beyond the West”). Our
strongest gratitude belongs to the contributing authors of this book, who drafted,
patiently revised and completed their chapters but also provided comments to each
other and generally participated in discussions on the book composition and main
arguments.
In January and February 2022, we have organized three webinars via zoom to
present the first drafts of individual chapters and provide feedback on the level of the
project team. These sessions were open to our colleagues from the Department of
International Relations and European Studies at the Metropolitan University Prague
(MUP), who kindly joined our debates. Hereby, we would like to thank Martina
Varkočková, Mats Braun, Michal Kolmaš and Vít Beneš for their valuable insights
and general support of our project. These webinars were organized in times we were
all hit by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemics. Our initial plans to conduct field
research trips and travel to countries that were subject to our research were unfortu-
nately unfulfilled. At the same time, as online meetings suddenly became a standard
of communication, we managed to organize three amazing sessions attended by all
contributing authors and our colleagues from very distant areas of the world. Many of

v
vi Acknowledgements

us conducted personal interviews and consultations online, which was acknowledged

by the authors in their chapters.
We would like to also thank Springer and its team working on the Norm Research
in International Relations book series. Based on the external review process, we
have introduced an additional chapter on environmental norms and the agency of
Caribbean small islands and developing countries (SIDS) written by Michelle Scobie.
Besides this major change, we have improved the general composition of the book
thanks to the constructive feedback of the external reviewers. The manuscript was also
reviewed by the series editor, Prof. Antje Wiener, who provided valuable comments
and helped us to clarify the core arguments. Last but not least, we would like to
thank Johannes Glaeser, the publishing editor of the series, for his tireless support
and guidance throughout the whole publishing process.
Contents

Introduction: Agency and Norm Diffusion Beyond the West . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Šárka Kolmašová

Norm Diffusion by Rising Global Powers

Who Is Socialising Whom? How Southern Powers Negotiate
Accountability in International Development Cooperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Laura Trajber Waisbich
Active Learning Beyond Borders? Interrogating the Diffusion
of Development Cooperation Norms from Japan to China and
Beyond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Kazushige Kobayashi
China’s Promotion of Cyber Sovereignty Beyond the West . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Aleš Karmazin

Norm Diffusion by Middle Powers and Small States

From Norm-Maker to Norm-Taker? South Africa, the BRICS
and the African National Congress’ Hegemonic Decline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Ricardo Reboredo
Recognising Indonesia’s Actorness: Challenging and Contributing
to Norm Diffusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Anna Grzywacz
Diaspora/Kin Spaces as Sites for Non-Western Norm
Diffusion—Turkey’s Ethnonational Norms in Circulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Hüsrev Tabak
Climate Change, Norm Dynamics and the Agency of SIDS . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Michelle Scobie

vii
viii Contents

Norm Diffusion by and within Multilateral Institutions

Redefined, Repackaged and Redeployed: Diffusion of Citizen
Security by the Inter-American Development Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Šárka Kolmašová and Arlene B. Tickner
ASEAN as a Norm Entrepreneur in International Cooperation
on Nuclear Non-proliferation: Bases, Pathways, and Challenges . . . . . . . 165
Guangyu Qiao-Franco and Randy W. Nandyatama
The EU Presidencies of Central Eastern European Members:
A Framework for Mutual Socialisation and Normative Influence
on the EU’s Agenda? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Elsa Tulmets
Conclusion: Norms, Diffusion and Power Dynamics Beyond the
West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Ricardo Reboredo
Contributors

Anna Grzywacz Institute of Political Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences,

Warsaw, Poland
Aleš Karmazin Department of Asian Studies, Metropolitan University Prague,
Prague, Czech Republic
Kazushige Kobayashi College and Graduate School of International Relations,
Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan;
Centre On Conflict, Development and Peacebuilding, Graduate Institute of Interna-
tional and Development Studies, Geneva, Switzerland
Šárka Kolmašová Department of International Relations and European Studies,
Metropolitan University Prague, Strašnice, Czech Republic
Randy W. Nandyatama Department of International Relations, Gadjah Mada
University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Guangyu Qiao-Franco Department of Political Science, Nijmegen School of
Management, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
Centre for War Studies, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
Ricardo Reboredo Department of International Relations and European Studies,
Metropolitan University Prague, Prague, Czechia
Michelle Scobie The Institute of International Relations, The University of the West
Indies (UWI), St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
Hüsrev Tabak Faculty of Economics, Zihni Derin Campus, Recep Tayyip Erdogan
University, Rize, Turkey
Arlene B. Tickner Faculty of International, Political and Urban Studies, Univer-
sidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia

ix
x Contributors

Elsa Tulmets Europa-University Viadrina, Frankfurt, Germany

Laura Trajber Waisbich Oxford School of Global and Area Studies, University
of Oxford, Oxford, UK
Introduction: Agency and Norm
Diffusion Beyond the West

Šárka Kolmašová

Norms indicate collective expectations of what should be done in a particular situ-

ation (Ben-Josef Hirsch and Dixon 2020) and therefore represent a very important
research agenda across scholarly disciplines. This book aims to find out how norms
transfer and what mechanisms or sources of leverage facilitate their diffusion. We
explore these questions beyond the West, which has been widely associated with
innovation, norm entrepreneurship, and norm diffusion. We intend to build on recent
critical studies that have given primacy to local agency and acknowledged the possi-
bility of norm contestation due to resistance in the receiving society to exogenous
normative expectations and thus demonstrated the importance of agency and norm-
makers within non-Western societies. Particular contributions to this volume provide
further evidence that countries among emerging powers, but also small states from
the periphery, play increasingly important roles in global or regional politics by
diffusing their normative expectations of appropriate action. While they might not
necessarily be successful norm entrepreneurs, it is worth studying the ambitions of
non-Western agents to influence norm-making processes. The case studies presented
in this book will be divided into three broad parts, each reflecting the emergence and
increasing significance of non-Western, or Global South agents in the international
sphere over the last decade.
The first part will explore norm diffusion by rising global powers. We focus here
on China, Brazil, India—three members of the original BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India,
China) grouping—and Japan in the 1970s and 1980s, and interrogate the characteris-
tics and mechanisms behind the diffusion of particular norms across multiple scales.
The second in turn explores norm diffusion on an (inter-)regional scale, initiated
by middle powers (South Africa, Indonesia), small states (small island developing
states [SIDS] of the Caribbean), or a transnational community (Turkish diaspora)

Š. Kolmašová (B)
Department of International Relations and European Studies, Metropolitan University Prague,
Dubečská 900/10, 100 31 Prague, Czech Republic
e-mail: sarka.kolmasova@mup.cz

© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023 1

Š. Kolmašová and R. Reboredo (eds.), Norm Diffusion Beyond the West, Norm Research
in International Relations, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-25009-5_1
2 Š. Kolmašová

toward specific localized constellations of actors. Finally, the third part analyzes norm
diffusion within multilateral structures (e.g., the Inter-American Development Bank
[IADB], the Association of Southeast Asian Nations [ASEAN], and the European
Union [EU]). All chapters present practically oriented studies that contextualize norm
diffusion within development assistance, democracy promotion, security, or protec-
tion of the environment. On the theoretical level, we aim to contribute to general
understanding of norm diffusion as a dynamic, fluid, and messy process, which
might involve a wide range of agents and has complex implications across different
societies. On the empirical level, individual chapters demonstrate the important role
of agency in norm diffusion processes and recognize the norm-making capacities
beyond the powerful Western players.

1 Diffusion and Agency: State of Art

Debates on norm diffusion have evolved enormously in the past three decades,
especially thanks to social constructivist scholars, who were widely considered the
pioneers in norms’ research (Engelkamp & Glaab, 2015). They indisputably brought
new insights into the specific mechanisms of how norms transfer. Proponents of
sociological institutionalism stressed persuasion and teaching channeled by inter-
national organizations or epistemic communities (Finnemore, 1993; Meyer, 1977;
Meyer et al., 1997; Strang & Chang, 1993). According to Michael Barnett and Martha
Finnemore, bureaucratic structures shaped national policies by formulating, estab-
lishing, and transmitting the standards of appropriate behavior in a given situation
(1999, p. 713). Norm diffusion was generally regarded as a conscious process initiated
by norm advocates, including formal institutions, activist networks (Keck & Sikkink,
1998; Sikkink, 1998), states (Young, 1999), or individuals. The question of who
can be a norm entrepreneur demonstrated clear ontological divisions regarding the
major sources of authority, which were vital for successful persuasion. On one hand,
Finnemore and Sikkink stressed the moral compassion of individual activists mostly
operating in the non-governmental sphere (1998, p. 897). Norm advocates were able
to set the agenda, frame new policies, or persuade wider audiences precisely because
they were seen as unselfish, principled, or moral. On the other hand, various foreign
policy analysts demonstrated the narrow conceptualization of non-state entrepreneurs
through case studies of particular state secretaries (Hillary Clinton in Marsh & Jones,
2017), foreign ministers (Loyd Axworthy), and other state representatives diffusing
specific norms without strategically calculating the gains of such actions (Ingebritsen,
2002). When it comes to agency of the norm protagonists, a wide range of perspec-
tives emerged and scholars defined very different models of what drives specific
actors to diffuse norms.
In contrast, reflections on actors subject to norm diffusion were largely state-
centric (Risse & Sikkink, 1999), especially within the field of International Rela-
tions (IR). Successful transmission was indicated by communicative, behavioral, or
institutional shifts on the national or international level. The most influential works
Introduction: Agency and Norm Diffusion Beyond the West 3

included U.S. recognition of the anti-apartheid norm (Klotz, 1995); German and
Ukrainian compliance to the citizenship norms (Checkel, 2001); the effects of EU
conditionality norm on Croatia, Serbia, and Turkey (Schimmelfennig, 2008); and
many other country-specific cases. Thomas Risse-Kappen similarly argued the diffu-
sion processes varied according to the ability of transnational advocacy networks to
interact with the intra-state social structures and domestic conditions (1995). A wide
range of variables were presented to explain why states comply to diffused norms,
including models based on rational calculation, logic of appropriateness as well as
their synthesis (Börzel & Risse, 2012). In his early work, Jeffrey Checkel stressed
the mechanisms of persuasion and social learning, thereby he inclined to the concep-
tualization of diffusion as a communicative action (2001, p. 580). At the same time,
he refused the essentially competing nature of instrumentalism and social learning.
This argument was further elaborated in his later study, where he proposed three
different modes of socialization, including (i) strategic calculation (in cases such as
conditionality of the EU, which could be instrumentalized by accession countries
but still might have longer term learning effects); (ii) role playing (in cases where an
actor is aware of the expectations and accepts certain norms to demonstrate compli-
ance); and (iii) normative suasion (in cases where actors change their perception
of what is appropriate due to discursive interactions and social learning) (Checkel,
2005, pp. 804–805).
These scholarly attempts to offer an alternative perspective to traditional ratio-
nalist theories are today considered mainstream, and themselves challenged by more
critical understandings of norm transfers. The vast majority of the early construc-
tivist theories treated norm transfer as a one-dimensional process and neglected the
possibility of mutually constitutive interactions, which might result in discursive,
behavioral, or legislative shifts on the side of the norm entrepreneur. This is the case
especially when discussing norm diffusion by regional organizations, such as the EU
or global institutions. In their recent edited volume, Laure Delcour and Elsa Tulmets
offer a novel understanding of norm transfer as a circulatory process, which counts
on adaptation and reinterpretation, especially if particular norms are contested by
the receiving agents (2019). Critical constructivist studies have also paid attention
to contestation (Wiener, 2004, 2007, 2014), resistance (Bloomfield, 2016; Bloom-
field & Scott, 2016; Richmond, 2010; Zimmermann, 2016), and the problematic
neglect of local agency within diffusion processes (Schroeder & Chappuis, 2014). In
these studies, the agency of local actors was considered crucial for the construction
of particular meanings based on cultural background and specific social experiences,
which in turn might lead to norm contestation and ultimately strengthen its validity
(Wiener, 2018, p. 11). Therefore, in this perspective, local perceptions were positively
affirmed as important drivers of normative change.
Critical constructivist scholars have likewise challenged the idea of passive norm
internalization by developing extensive research on contestation but also by explic-
itly addressing the Global IR project and its call for greater acknowledgement of
local contexts and agency beyond the West (e.g., Merschel et al., 2022; Wiener,
2018; Wunderlich, 2020). In mainstream IR, including early constructivist studies,
there was a great deal of essentialist diffusionism reproducing global hierarchies by
4 Š. Kolmašová

treating particular actors as primary norm entrepreneurs, while keeping the “targets”
of norm diffusion trapped in a subordinate position (Dussel, 2000). For instance, a
great proportion of research on norm transfer focused on the EU and its member
states. The teachers of norms were statically associated with the West, while the
“pupils” were typically located in the East, South, in the Third World, or at the
periphery. Amitav Acharya (2004, 2011, 2012, 2013) responded to the marginaliza-
tion of non-Western agents in diffusion research by alternative models of localization
(2004) and subsidiarity (2011). With regard to the former, he argued global norms
needed to merge with the cognitive frames of the local norms, and therefore they
got localized (2013, p. 469). This reinvented the constitutive power of local agents,
who reinterpreted the external ideas in the local context. With regard to the latter, he
challenged the static content of norms being transferred back to the global structures
after they undergo contestation and localization. His norm circulation model there-
fore recognized the impact of local actors on global normative frames, stressed the
complex dynamic of top-down as well as bottom-up norm diffusion, and disputed
the uncontested universality of global norms.
In more recent critical works, Acharya’s arguments were elaborated in several
other fruitful models, which stressed the constitutive effects of norm contesta-
tion on one hand and challenged Western-centrism in diffusion studies on the
other (Dunford, 2017). Antje Wiener, who analyzed norm contestation in numerous
works, in her latest research wondered “whose practices count?” and aimed to
contribute to Acharyas Global IR project (Wiener, 2018, p. 1; emphasis added by
Kolmašová). In contrast to mainstream constructivist approaches, she endorsed “the
co-constitution of local contestation and global conflicts” and argued norms were
subject to contestation at all stages of norm implementation (Wiener, 2018, p. 2).
“Affected stakeholders” actively participated in norm-making processes precisely
through the constitutive effects of contestation (Wiener, 2018, pp. 4–5; emphasis
added by Kolmašová). While contestation gained primacy over implementation,
the concepts of appropriation and translation replaced top-down/one-way perspec-
tives on diffusion and expected some degree of revisionism within the content of
the norm (Draude, 2017, p. 578). Empirical case studies demonstrated appropria-
tion was both strategic, indicated by partial or reinterpreted norm implementation
(Lorentzen, 2017; van Hüllen, 2017) and cultural—inevitably resulting from different
local frames and implicit/explicit resistance (Chakrabarty, 2000; Binsbergen et al.,
2004; Hart, 1997; Ziff & Rao, 1997).
Translation was understood as a mechanism to diffuse external norms to local
audiences and institutional structures of local governance through domestic inter-
mediaries, for instance, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with transnational
ties (Berger, 2017; Merry, 2006). Lisbeth Zimmermann elaborated on the studies
in translation and proposed a model, which identified specific forms and actors
involved, namely, (i) translation into domestic discourse, (ii) translation into law, and
(iii) translation into practical implementation (2016, p. 106). When it comes to the
local response to external norms, she refused the full acceptance versus resistance
dichotomy and argued there were various forms of reinterpretation and reshaping
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
daughter to ride with Prince Ernest—perhaps also to try and
ascertain what meaning lay under this proceeding on the part of a
woman who seldom acted without a motive.
As soon as Karl could command his breath he panted out—
“Quick! There is a man concealed in the south gallery, who has come
here to murder the King. His name is Johann Mark, and he is a
member of a secret society.”
For an instant Hermengarde gave way to sheer affright. Then, in a
flash, she recovered herself, and darted a strange and awful look
towards the Chancellor. But he either did not see or did not
comprehend the look. As soon as the sense of Karl’s announcement
had reached his brain, he sprang up and rushed out through the
open door, uttering loud cries for help. In a few seconds the whole
Castle was roused, and an effective force was coming to the King’s
rescue in the manner already described.
When Hermengarde left the gallery after witnessing the strange
termination of the events which had taken place there, she made an
almost imperceptible signal to the Chancellor to follow her to her
own apartments.
The old courtier felt uneasy at the idea of having to discuss what
had just transpired with his formidable patroness. He would have
preferred to have had time for consideration. But he did not dare to
neglect her commands, and they were speedily closeted together.
“Well, what do you think of this?” demanded the Princess as soon as
they were alone.
“I can hardly answer you, Madam. I confess that at present I do not
understand what has occurred. I am in the dark.”
Hermengarde smiled at this excessive caution.
“As I have had the honour to remark to you once before to-day,” she
said, “kings of Franconia sometimes do strange things. But I do not
think I have ever heard of their doing a more extraordinary one than
publicly pardoning an assassin, and at the same time inviting him to
become their guest.”
The Chancellor fidgeted nervously.
“It certainly appeared as if he had come here with the intention of
committing some crime. But perhaps his Majesty had succeeded in
convincing him of his wickedness before we arrived on the scene.”
“Or perhaps he had succeeded in convincing his Majesty,” sneered
the Princess. “It appears to me that our arrival was most
inopportune. We were clearly not wanted, my dear Chancellor. By
what right do we take it on ourselves to interrupt the King when he
is conversing with his friends?”
The old Count knitted his brows, but preserved a discreet silence. He
pricked up his ears at Hermengarde’s next question.
“Can you tell me whether the revolutionary societies are very active
in Mannhausen just now?”
“I believe they are, Madam. I have received information lately that a
great many secret meetings are being held, and the police anticipate
some formidable outbreak, unless we are beforehand with them by
arresting the ringleaders.”
“Exactly. And do you think the effect will be discouraging, or the
reverse, when they learn that one of their ringleaders has been
publicly received in the palace, and enjoys the favour of the King?
Why, the whole country will ring with it. People will say that his
Majesty is in sympathy with these wretches.”
“I hope it is not so bad as that. Surely the King’s action was simply a
piece of generosity—rather high-flown, perhaps, but without the
least political significance. At least, as long as his Majesty entrusts
me with the burden of government, you may rest assured that I
shall not be a party to any yielding to sedition.”
“Yes, as long as you are entrusted with it, Count. But, unless you
look out, you may find that the King is listening to other advisers
behind your back. The scene which has just taken place was hardly
calculated to raise your authority in the eyes of the Court.”
And leaving this poisoned shaft to do its work in the slow mind of
the Chancellor, Hermengarde dismissed him graciously, and
summoned her favourite page.
“Go and find Karl Fink,” she commanded. “Say that you have a
private message for him, and when you are sure that you cannot be
overheard, tell him from me to be at the west corner of the Castle
terrace in ten minutes’ time. Tell him to wrap himself up.”
The message from the Princess found Karl in his own room, whither
he had just retired after Johann was comfortably lodged in
accordance with the King’s directions. To his relief his former
comrade had said but little when they were again together.
“You see, Karl,” he observed sarcastically, “your fears were
groundless. Everything has passed off well, and you will not lose
your head, after all.”
“Swear that you will never let the King know who it was that brought
you into the gallery,” urged the other, still filled with apprehension.
Johann regarded him pityingly.
“Poor fool! If you have forgotten the oaths by which we bound
ourselves at Stuttgart, I have not. Fear nothing; you are safe this
time. But beware how you hatch any further treachery. Next time
you may not escape so lightly.”
Karl would have been only too glad to follow this advice, by
abstaining from all further part in the intrigues which were going
forward around him. Nevertheless, when the page came to summon
him to attend on his mistress, he did not dare to send back a
refusal.
Hermengarde meanwhile had proceeded to divest herself of her
jewels and of her outer skirt, and to put on a homely walking dress
such as might have been worn by a woman of the middle class. This
done she emerged cautiously from her apartment, and stole down
by a back staircase to the rendezvous.
It was getting dark, and the night threatened to be a stormy one.
She noted the signs of rough weather, and was about to re-enter the
Castle to obtain a cloak, when she saw the figure of a man coming
towards her.
It was Karl. With the warning of his former comrade still ringing in
his ears, he came along reluctantly, feeling only too sure that his
assistance was required for some purpose which would not bear the
light.
As soon as he was near enough to recognise the Princess’s
countenance, he said, with a sort of timid insolence—
“I hope your Royal Highness does not want me for long, as I may be
summoned at any moment by his Majesty.”
Hermengarde frowned impatiently. She readily divined the weak and
timorous character of her instrument.
“It is on his Majesty’s service that I require you,” she answered
firmly. “You are to accompany me to the lodge where this Dorothea
Gitten dwells.”
Karl’s lingering dread of Johann was still greater than his awe of the
Princess.
“Does his Majesty know that we are going there?” he ventured to
ask.
Then Hermengarde began to see that something was the matter. By
an effort she suppressed her pride for the moment, and
condescended to make a half-confidant of the servant.
“I thought you understood by this time, Karl,” she said, “the cause of
the interest I take in this matter. Do you suppose that if I regarded it
as a mere common love adventure I should take the trouble to go
and see this girl? It is because I have fears as to what it may lead
to, owing to my knowledge of your master’s character. You are
familiar with the fate of King Leopold, and you must see how
necessary it is that his friends should watch carefully over King
Maximilian, whose eccentricities have already created a wide feeling
of apprehension.”
As her meaning slowly penetrated the man’s mind, he fairly
staggered.
“God in Heaven!” he exclaimed. “Surely your Royal Highness does
not believe that the King is going mad!”
“I have said nothing of the kind,” returned the Princess quickly,
seeing that she had gone too far. “You have better opportunities of
seeing than most of his attendants. Have you noticed anything
strange in his Majesty’s conduct of late?”
“Heaven forbid, your Royal Highness!”
Hermengarde shrugged her shoulders. Karl drew back a step.
“Forgive me, Madam, but I dare not come with you,” he said in a low
voice.
“Silence, fellow!” answered the Princess, speaking in low but
menacing tones. “Do you wish the King to know that you have been
playing the spy all these months, and carrying reports of all his
movements to me? Do you suppose that I could not crush you like
an eggshell if it were worth my while? You have gone too far to
disobey me now. Lead on to the cottage.”
The unfortunate wretch submitted without another word, and they
started off through the forest, Karl going in front and the Princess
keeping up close behind.
For the next half-hour not a word was spoken. Then they gradually
emerged from the thick growth of wood and found themselves on
the edge of the little clearing.
“Stay here,” commanded the Princess, “and wait for my return.”
Only too glad to escape further risk, Karl bowed, and slunk back
behind the shadow of a large ash, while the Princess advanced alone
to the door of the forester’s hut.
It was by this time dark, and the glow of a lamp shone out through
the window of a room to the right of the Gothic porch. As
Hermengarde knocked at the door this light was seen to move and
pass out into the hall. Then came the noise of turning the lock, and
the door opened, and Dorothea stood before her, holding the lamp
high above her head.
In spite of her habitual self-possession, the Princess could not
restrain a start of admiration which testified that she now
understood the King’s infatuation. She quickly recovered herself, and
addressed the young girl.
“I come from the Castle yonder,” she said, “and have missed my
path in the wood. I thought you would let me rest here for a little
before I returned.”
“Oh, yes; come in, if you please,” was Dorothea’s answer, in soft,
musical tones, that yet had a faint undertone of pathos in them
which had been missing earlier in the day.
The Princess followed her into the low, oak-roofed parlour where she
had been sitting, and accepted the wooden armchair, with a loose
red cushion on the seat, which she pushed forward. Franz was not
there. Dorothea explained that her father had gone out to make his
round of the forest, and look out for poachers.
“And does he leave you here all alone?” queried Hermengarde,
assuming an air of sympathy in order to set the girl at her ease.
“Oh, yes, Madam. I am not afraid. I have been accustomed to stay
here alone since my mother died. But won’t you have some
refreshment while you are resting? We have a hare in the larder, and
some white bread, which I make myself.”
“Not anything to eat, thank you, my dear,” responded Hermengarde,
graciously. “But I have heard that you make some most delicious
cider; can you spare me a glass of that?”
Dorothea flushed at the compliment.
“I shall be very pleased if you will taste it,” she said; “but I am afraid
you will be disappointed.”
She stepped to a cupboard in the wall beside the fireplace, and drew
forth the silver flagon. She had taken in her hand the famous glass
out of which Maximilian was accustomed to drink; but after a
moment’s hesitation she put it back again, and chose the one with
the slight flaw in its rim.
“This is a very old glass; I hope you will not mind its being chipped,”
she said, as she filled it with the bright liquid, and offered it to the
Princess.
“You need not make any excuses,” the Princess answered. “A glass
which is good enough for a king to drink out of is surely good
enough for me.”
Dorothea gave a great start, and turned a pained, questioning look
on the speaker, who only smiled in return.
“Why do you say that, Madam? Who has told you about the King?”
asked the agitated girl.
The Princess put on a look of amused surprise.
“My dear child, surely you did not suppose it was such a secret? The
King of Franconia cannot come day after day to the same place
without people hearing of it. I ought to congratulate you. His
Majesty is said to be very much charmed with—your cider.”
The meaning smile which accompanied these last words went like a
stab through the shrinking girl, coming as it did in the wake of the
explosion which had taken place that afternoon.
“Please do not talk like that,” she implored. “I assure you, Madam,
that up to an hour ago I never even dreamt that he was the King.
His Majesty called himself simply Herr Maurice when he was here,
and I looked upon him as merely a young gentleman of the Court.
And indeed he never did or said anything to make me think of him
as anything more than a friend. And it was all so innocent and
pleasant up till to-day. And then Johann saw him, and told me who
he was, and hinted at such terrible things that he made me weep.”
At this name of Johann a look of vivid intelligence flashed from
Hermengarde’s eyes. It was scarcely an hour since she had heard
that name under circumstances which made it difficult for her to
have forgotten it.
“Johann!” she exclaimed. “Do you mean a tall man, with dark hair
and a pointed beard?”
“Yes. Do you know him?” cried Dorothea in natural surprise.
Hermengarde, taken aback for the moment, hardly knew what
answer to make.
“He is now in the Castle,” she said at length. “He has had an
interview of some kind with the King, who has taken him into favour,
and invited him to remain.”
Dorothea was utterly bewildered. Only two hours ago her cousin had
left her, breathing hatred against the false Maurice. Now she learned
that all his wrath had apparently been appeased, and replaced by
quite opposite feelings. It was more than she could understand.
Meanwhile Hermengarde sat busily revolving in her mind the new
light thrown upon the King’s extraordinary action in pardoning his
would-be assassin.
“Is Johann a friend of yours?” she demanded presently, looking up.
“He is my cousin,” answered Dorothea, with simplicity; “he is my
greatest friend in the world.”
The Princess sat silent for a time, sipping her cider and watching
Dorothea. At length she seemed to have made up her mind what
course to pursue, and putting down her glass, asked quietly—
“How should you like to come and stay at the Castle for a time, and
see your cousin?”
A troubled look came over the girl’s face.
“I should not like it at all. I do not think I could bear it, to be there
with all those lords and ladies. They would despise me, and I should
be afraid of them.”
“I do not think you would find that they despised you if you came
there as my guest,” answered the Princess, gravely.
Dorothea’s eyes rounded once more. There seemed to be nothing
but surprises in store for her to-day.
“Pardon me, Madam, but you have not—you did not tell me—”
“My name is Hermengarde. I am the King’s aunt.” And she lay back
in her chair to see how the young girl would take the
announcement.
Dorothea’s first feeling was one of dismay. All these startling events
coming one upon another had completely unsettled her mind. She
felt herself being gradually swept out of her depth. The old peaceful
life of childhood was over, and she was being called upon to go forth
into the world under circumstances of trial and danger of which she
had never had any conception.
She directed an earnest, imploring gaze at the Princess, as if asking
whether she could throw herself upon her for sincere and friendly
counsel. Then she said—
“I hardly know how to speak to your Royal Highness. I am afraid
that you must think me very presumptuous. I hope you believe that
I never knew it was his Majesty.”
Hermengarde looked at her graciously, not ill pleased at the evident
awe she had excited.
“I do not think you are presumptuous in the least, my dear. On the
contrary, if I found any fault with you, it would be that you are too
shy, and have not enough confidence in yourself. For instance, when
you are speaking to me on a friendly footing like this, it is quite
unnecessary to call me ‘your Royal Highness.’ Address me simply as
‘Madam,’ or ‘Princess.’ And in the same way, you need only say ‘Sire’
to the King. It is only by servants, or on occasions of ceremony, that
the formal titles are used. You see, I am giving you your first lesson
in Court manners already, because I mean you to accept my
invitation; and I wish you to be at home in the Castle.”
“Thank you—Madam.”
“That is right.”
“And you are not offended with me for having let the King come
here, and give me presents?”
“Certainly not. I blame my nephew for deceiving you, because,
though I am sure he had no ill intentions, he ought to have foreseen
that the matter would be regarded in an unfavourable light by
people generally, and that he was exposing you to unjust remarks.”
Poor Dorothea! The recollection of Johann’s words gave point to the
observations of the Princess. She turned to her with looks of misery.
“Oh, Madam! And do people think—are they saying—such horrible
things? What shall I do?”
“It is precisely on this account that I have come here,” answered
Hermengarde, assuming a comforting tone. “I desire to protect you
from evil tongues, by taking you into my own household. No man,
whoever he may be, is a fitting adviser for a girl, like one of her own
sex. So long as you stay in this cottage you are at the mercy of
Maximilian’s good feelings, in which you ought not to blindly trust.
Come and make your home with me, and the King will be compelled
to adopt an honourable course towards you. What that will be, it is
not for me to say. And the mere fact that I have given you my
friendship will instantly silence any malicious slanders that may be
abroad.”
Dorothea attempted to express her gratitude, but the stress of her
emotions overcame her all at once, and before Hermengarde knew
what she was doing, the forester’s child had flung herself down at
the feet of the Princess, and bowed her golden head in the proud,
stern-minded woman’s lap.
For a moment a soft look came into Hermengarde’s eyes, such as
they had not known for many a year, and she murmured gently—
“Poor girl, poor girl!”
In another instant her face had resumed its usual cold expression.
She stooped and raised Dorothea from the ground, getting up
herself at the same time.
“There, my child, be still. You have a friend in me, whatever
happens. And my friendship is not given to everybody. Now I will
leave you to think over my offer; only let me give you one caution,
do not discuss the matter with anybody else. It is a thing which you
must decide for yourself, without help. If you make up your mind to
come to me, do not wait, but present yourself at the Castle at any
time, and I shall be ready and pleased to welcome you. Till then,
good-bye.”
The agitated young girl could only stammer fresh words of thanks as
she took up the lamp and ushered her visitor to the door. She was
going to walk further with her, to point out the way, but the Princess
stopped her.
“Do not come out, child. I can find my way back from here. Good
night.”
And without waiting for the farewells of the grateful Dorothea, she
hastened forward to the spot where she had left her guide.
As soon as the Castle was in sight Hermengarde turned to the
favourite and handed him a generous bribe.
“I shall not forget you, Karl,” she said. “And remember that silence
and discretion will double the value of your services.”
Karl accepted the money greedily enough, and stole away to his own
quarters, while the Princess returned to her apartments absorbed in
thought.
And this time she made no attempt to enter into communication
with the Chancellor on the subject of the step she had seen fit to
take.
 CHAPTER VIII
AN ANARCHIST KING

The next morning, after breakfast, Maximilian and Auguste Bernal

were alone together in the small room which constituted the royal
cabinet. It was furnished plainly, with little of that æsthetic display
which showed itself in the King’s other apartments, and the walls
were lined with volumes of a heavy and forbidding appearance; the
presence of which, Maximilian was accustomed to say, exercised a
sobering influence upon his mind, and disposed him to deal with
serious business.
On this occasion he seemed to be suffering under the reaction from
last night’s exciting ordeal, and talked in a wild strain to which even
Auguste, used as he was to all his companion’s varied moods, hardly
knew how to reply.
“Let us look the situation in the face,” Maximilian was saying, with
perfect outward seriousness. “How am I to carry out my promise?
Shall I send for Von Sigismark, and order him to proclaim the
Millennium?”
“If you do that I am afraid the Chancellor will hand in his
resignation,” was the answer.
“Really? I never thought of that. Then I could appoint Herr Mark at
once, and leave him to his own devices.”
“And all the other ministers and officials would resign too, and there
would be no one to carry on the government. No, seriously, my dear
Max, whatever you do you must go to work gradually, and, above
all, you must not give the Kaiser an excuse to interfere. I should
strongly advise you to try and win over the Chancellor. He may be an
old fool, but he is faithful, and his name commands confidence. It
will be much better to work through him for a time.”
Maximilian shrugged his shoulders impatiently.
“I dare say you are right. I suppose I must feel my way at first. But I
very much doubt whether we shall get Von Sigismark at his age to
take kindly to any new departure.”
“Well, you can but try. We do not yet know what this Mark, or
whatever his name is, proposes to do. Why not have him in here
first, and talk things over with him?”
“A good idea. Yes, that is the first step.”
The King got up, and walked past his friend to the bell-knob, which
he pushed.
“Ask Herr Mark if he will kindly step this way,” he said to the page in
attendance. “Mind,” he added sharply, as the lad was turning to go,
“convey my message in those exact words.”
“Yes, your Majesty.” And the page withdrew, looking rather
surprised.
“I don’t want him to go and say, ‘The King commands your
attendance,’” explained Maximilian, “or very likely a man like that
would refuse to come.”
“It is lucky I am not so thin-skinned,” said Bernal, laughing. “They
always say that to me.”
“Do they? I will put a stop to it,” flashed Maximilian.
“No, no. The less such people understand our friendship, the
sweeter it is to me.” And the musician patted the King affectionately
on the arm as he returned past him to his seat.
Maximilian gave his friend a look soft as a woman’s.
Before they had time to say anything more Johann was announced.
The republican had passed an anxious time since the memorable
scene in the gallery. The circumstances in which he found himself
were enough to bewilder his judgment. A life-long plotter against
kings, he was now installed in a royal palace, under the protection of
a king. What would his comrades in the capital think of this strange
ending to his mission? Would they not condemn him as one who had
broken his sacred oaths, under the influence of royal blandishments?
The thought was a disquieting one, but, on the other hand, he could
console himself by the thought of the triumph which would be his if
he succeeded in really accomplishing some of the great ideals of the
Socialists by means of his royal disciple. To have enlisted a king on
the side of the revolution—was not this a unique achievement; one
which might lead to consequences of untold magnitude? It might be
possible in the course of a comparatively short time, and by perfectly
peaceful stages, to transform Franconia into that model land which
has been the dream of each generation of enthusiasts, though each
generation may cherish different ideas of what the model land
should be like. And if Franconia led the way successfully, who could
doubt that the rest of Europe would quickly follow? Johann was like
most of his fellows in assuming that men were reasoning beings.
Once prove to them clearly what their true interests were, and he
believed they would surely act on the knowledge. Of the power of
the passions on human conduct he made no account. That the vast
bulk of mankind cared far more for gratifying the craving or
antipathy of the moment than for their rational welfare, he was
sublimely unconscious. Of such stuff are apostles made.
He entered the King’s presence feeling slightly uneasy as to his
reception under their new relations, and troubled also by his anxiety
to avoid playing the courtier, while yet showing enough civility to
secure the goodwill of his convert.
Maximilian greeted him cordially, but without rising, and invited him
to a seat between the musician and himself.
“This is my friend, Herr Bernal,” he said, as Johann stiffly took the
seat offered to him. “He is not a politician, as I dare say you know,
but we can reckon on his goodwill.”
Johann bowed constrainedly.
“I have often heard your name, sir, and I have heard one or two of
your operas, though music is not much in my line.”
Bernal could not resist a satirical smile at his friend.
“That is your misfortune, Herr Mark. Have you ever read the English
poet Shakespeare?”
“I have read him in the translation.”
“Ah, but the poetry is much better in the original.” And glancing at
Maximilian, he quoted in English—
“The man that hath no music in himself,
Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds,
Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils;
Let no such man be trusted.”
The King could not restrain a smile; but he saw that the republican
was annoyed, and hastened to change the subject.
“I want to lose no time, as you see, in acting on my promise,” he
said, addressing Johann. “You convinced me yesterday that I was a
bad king; now I want you to tell me how to become a better one.”
Johann had been rubbed the wrong way by Bernal’s ill-disguised
sarcasm. He replied ungraciously—
“If you are in earnest, sir, and really wish me to explain my ideas, I
shall be very glad to do so. But you must allow me to speak to you
quite plainly.”
“That is exactly what I wish. I intend to send for the Count von
Sigismark presently, to take him into consultation; but, before he
comes, I thought it would be better for us to have a little discussion,
so that we may see our way more clearly.”
“Certainly,” said Johann, brightening up.
“No doubt you have some proposals which could be taken in hand at
once, if we can get the Chancellor to agree with them.”
“Yes. There are many things which could be done. The only difficulty
is to decide where to begin. The ideal at which we aim, as I dare say
you know, is the abolition of all government, except for purposes of
organisation, and the transformation of society into a vast co-
operative machine for the production and equal distribution of
wealth amongst all its members. We aim at doing away with artificial
mediums of exchange, such as money, and thus preventing the
accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few individuals; we mean
to replace the present costly system of litigation by a simple and
speedy method of arbitration; and to render military armaments
unnecessary, by establishing a court for the settlement of
international disputes, pending the consolidation of all nations into
one united family. Those are a few of our main principles.”
“You will have to leave the armament question alone for the present,
or there will be the Kaiser to be reckoned with,” remarked Bernal,
dryly.
“I expect the Kaiser himself will be coming here before long,”
observed Maximilian, “and then I will get him to give you an
interview, and you can try and convert him.”
“Only take my advice,” added the musician, “and don’t try to convert
him with a pistol, because he is a rather good missionary in that line
himself.”
Johann frowned, and the King cast a reproving look at his friend.
“Now, Auguste, we shall have enough opposition as it is, without
your discouragement.” And he turned once more to Johann.
“Of course, to me, all these things you describe seem a long way off.
Whether we shall ever get to them I cannot pretend to say. But, in
the mean time, it must be possible to take some steps in the right
direction. You spoke yesterday of various things, some of which
seemed to be feasible enough. Hospitals, for instance, and public
works.”
The Socialist’s face fell. It was a great descent to these petty
reforms from the high ideals which he had just been sketching out.
“True, your Majesty.” The title fell from him unconsciously, and only
Bernal noticed that it had been used. “Of course, a great deal of
good might be done in that way at once. But surely it is hardly worth
while to waste time over that, when you might be beginning the
greater work. Why not commence with some told step which would
rally round you all the friends of progress, and convince the world
that you were in earnest?”
“What kind of step do you mean?”
Johann hesitated. Those among whom he moved were more
accustomed to dealing in general programmes than to considering
the practical method of carrying them out.
“Suppose you commenced by nationalising the land and the means
of production,” he suggested, after a minute’s consideration. “That
would be a great step gained. Then we could proceed to re-arrange
the conditions of labour, by shortening the hours of toil, and
equalising the wages for mental and manual work.”
Maximilian was a little puzzled.
“I am afraid I hardly know enough about these things to discuss
them with you. I think perhaps we had better send for the
Chancellor at once, and you can explain your proposals to him.”
Bernal got up and rang the bell without waiting for more. Inwardly
he was impatient to see the Socialist and the Prime Minister
confronting each other.
“Tell the Count von Sigismark that I desire his attendance,” said the
King, as soon as his page appeared.
While they were waiting for the Count, he returned to what he had
been saying.
“You have no doubt thought out these vast changes until they
appear easy and natural to you; but I have given such little attention
to political affairs, that I feel quite in the dark as to how we ought to
proceed. The Chancellor understands the practical side of
government, and you and he may be able to work out some definite
scheme.”
“Of course you may find the Count a little prejudiced at first,” threw
in Bernal “You must remember that he is elderly, and his training
may have narrowed his mind.”
Johann looked at him, uncertain whether to reply angrily, or to pass
over his words as unworthy of notice. Before he could come to a
decision Von Sigismark entered the cabinet.
“Good morning, Count,” said the King, in his most friendly manner.
“Be good enough to sit down. I want your assistance.”
The Chancellor greeted the King respectfully, and obeyed, casting a
severe look at the republican, and a not very friendly one at Bernal.
Maximilian at once broached the subject.
“They tell me I govern my kingdom badly,” he said; “I have made up
my mind to reform. The Herr Mark, whom you see here, has devoted
himself to these subjects, and he has been good enough to promise
me his assistance. I want you to hear some of his ideas, in order
that you may consider the best way of carrying them out.”
The Chancellor frowned sullenly as he answered—
“I am ready to hear anything which your Majesty orders me to listen
to.”
This did not sound promising, and the King bit his lip as he turned to
Johann.
“Tell the Count von Sigismark what you propose,” he said briefly.
The republican fidgeted uneasily before he began, and made
fruitless attempts to catch the eye of the Minister, which travelled
alternately between his master’s countenance and the ceiling of the
room.
“I have been explaining to the King some of the ideas which are held
by men of enlightened views—that is to say, by friends of progress—
with regard to the reformation of society.” Thus far he had tried to
address the Chancellor direct, but he now gave it up as a bad job,
and turned towards Maximilian, who encouraged him by a nod to go
on. “His Majesty wished me to begin by suggesting a simple practical
step which would be easy to carry out, before realising what may be
called our main object, namely, the collective production and
distribution of wealth.”
He paused. The Chancellor’s features were set in stony
impassiveness. To all appearance he was unconscious that anything
was being said.
“That is right. Go on, Herr Mark,” threw in the King, coming to the
rescue.
“The reform that occurred to me was the nationalisation of the land
and its adjuncts. That would mean taking all the soil of the country,
together with the buildings, railways, mines, machinery, and other
means of wealth-production into the hands of the government. We
should then be able to alter the conditions of labour, and after
securing to all the workers a fair remuneration according to the
value of their work, and equalising and reducing the hours of toil,
the surplus would pass into the coffers of the State, and we could
use it in public works, and in bestowing pensions on the aged and
infirm. Of course, this would only be the preliminary stage. We hope
ultimately to dispense entirely with money as an exchange medium,
and replace it by State coupons representing so much labour. But
before doing that we shall have to absorb the whole machinery of
distribution, so that the State will be the sole possessor of wealth.”
Carried away by his theme, the Socialist had gone on further than he
intended. Pulling himself up with difficulty, he glanced once more at
the forbidding face of the Count von Sigismark, only to see its
former impassiveness replaced by an expression of mingled horror
and contempt.
“Well,” said Maximilian to the Minister, “you have heard Herr Mark’s
programme. What do you say to it?”
Von Sigismark withdrew his eyes from the ceiling.
“Do I understand that your Majesty really entertains these
monstrous proposals seriously?”
“Certainly I do. And I shall be obliged if you will express your opinion
of them in milder language.”
“I beg your Majesty’s pardon. I am an old servant of the Crown—I
have served your Majesty faithfully for ten years, and his Majesty the
late king for twenty-five years before that—and I have never before
been asked to listen to such suggestions as I have just heard. I
implore your Majesty to dismiss these pernicious ideas at once. I can
remember the time when the papers which published such things
would have been suppressed, and the men who preached them
imprisoned. I am getting an old man, and I take the liberty of
speaking plainly. This gentleman is proposing a revolution, nothing
more nor less.”
Maximilian grew a little pale, and sat more upright in his chair.
“I regret, Count, that you should think it your duty to address such
remonstrances to me, though I give you credit for your loyal
intentions. But you have heard what I said. Herr Mark has made a
definite suggestion, what he calls nationalising the land. I do not at
present understand the best means to put that suggestion into
effect. I have sent for you to ask you if you do. Be good enough to
answer me.”
The Count’s expression changed from anger to alarm, and from
alarm back to indignation, as he listened to the King’s words. He
replied in subdued tones—
“It is difficult for me to answer your Majesty in any different way.
This is a proposal, as I understand it, to confiscate the greater part
of the wealth of the country. In the first place, the legislature would
never even look at such a measure. In the second, its passing, its
mere introduction even, would be the signal for a revolution. The
whole of the propertied classes, the nobility, the army, the
townspeople, all but the lowest of the populace, would be up in
arms. Your Majesty’s government could not last another day. Your
throne would not be safe. I tremble to think what might happen. I
dare not even hint at the possible consequences to your Majesty.”
The King grew paler yet.
“In other words, you refuse to assist me?”
“Your Majesty, as I have already said, I am getting an old man, and I
have served the Crown of Franconia for thirty-five years. I begin to
fear that I can do so no longer. I must humbly beg your Majesty to
permit me to send in my resignation.”
So saying, he rose to his feet. The King seemed about to burst out in
violence; but, catching a warning glance from Bernal, he restrained
himself by an effort, and answered in mild tones—
“No, Von Sigismark, we must not part like this. No doubt you have
been taken by surprise, possibly I ought to have prepared you more
gradually. At present you have not had time to consider things
calmly. Do not speak any more of resignation, but retire now, and let
us renew our conversation on these proposals at some future time.”
“As your Majesty pleases,” murmured the old man. And he walked
out of the room with a troubled look.
The troubled look did not leave his face as he hastened with uneven
steps down the royal corridor, and out into the gallery where the
strange scene of the day before had taken place. In the gallery he
encountered the Count von Stahlen with his inseparable companion.
The Chancellor gave them a sharp nod and was going past, but the
wit stopped in front of him.
“Ha! Good morning, Chancellor!” he exclaimed. “I hope nothing has
occurred to put you out. They say the King has turned Anarchist.”
Von Sigismark darted an angry frown at the jester, and hurried away,
his ears tingling with the mocking laughter of the faithful Von
Hardenburg.
Maximilian sat in silence after the Chancellor’s departure, staring
moodily before him, while Johann anxiously watched his face.
Bernal was the first to speak.
“You will have to get the old Count alone and talk with him, if you
want to get him to assist you.”
Maximilian rose from his seat and approached Johann.
“You see, Herr Mark, the position I am in. After what has passed this
morning you will be able to understand how little power is really
enjoyed by the most absolute monarchs. In my whole kingdom I do
not know of one man whom I can rely on to carry out my wishes.
Realise the truth: society, as we see it, is merely an equilibrium of
forces; it can only be disturbed by force, and it is as difficult and as
dangerous for a king to commence a revolution as for any private
man.”
He moved to the window of the room, overlooking a corner of the
royal park, and stood gazing out.
Johann rose to his feet, looking much disturbed.
“I can appreciate the difficulties of your position, sir,” he observed
respectfully, “and I quite see that it is hopeless to attempt to do
anything with the Count von Sigismark. But why should we be in his
hands? Surely it is possible to find some other Minister more in
sympathy with progressive ideas? You are the King of Franconia, and
if these people find out that you mean to go forward there will soon
be plenty of them to rally round you. Do not be discouraged because
one old man is jealous at seeing his authority weakened.”
The King listened, but shook his head, and replied without turning
round—
“It is because I feel that Von Sigismark is a type of all the others
that I am discouraged. Depend upon it they will all have the same
tale. And how can I fight against them? As you heard me say just
now, I am ignorant of these things; I have never paid any attention
to State affairs. My people do not know me, they never see or hear
of me; I am a stranger in my own capital. What chance have I
against my Ministers, who have the whole affairs of the kingdom in
their hands? The only men who wield power in Europe to-day are
the specialists, and I am not a specialist in government.”
“Then become one, sir. Assert your rightful place in the government,
compel these men to lay the business of their departments before
you; begin gradually by making little changes here and there, and
when you have an opportunity, dismiss one of them as a warning to
the rest. Start a few of those minor reforms of which we were
speaking before, and become popular with the nation. Take up your
residence in Mannhausen, and go about among the people and
acquire their confidence. In a short time you will be stronger than
any of your Ministers, and you will be in a position to dispense with
their services altogether if they refuse to carry out your policy. Oh,
sir, think what a sublime part you might play. Think of the grand task
of inaugurating the greatest revolution, and the last, in the history of
mankind! What are all the achievements of all the monarchs who
ever lived compared with this? The names of Napoleon and
Charlemagne and Cæsar would sink into insignificance beside yours.
Even Mahomet, even Buddha, even Christ, did not achieve the
emancipation of their species.”
He stopped abruptly, overcome by his emotion, and the King,
bowing his head till his forehead rested on the window-pane, made
no reply.
Presently the musician said quietly—
“It seems to me that I ought to leave off writing operas. This is a
bolder conception than any I have ever dared to use.”
Johann gave him an irritated look. There was something in the
other’s easy nature which jarred upon his own rigid disposition.
“Well, my friend,” said the King at length, looking round, “I am not
going to give up. I will try and keep my promises to you yet. But I
wish, for your sake, that you had got a better ally. I am afraid I am
the wrong man for work like this. You are trying to pierce an armour
plate with an ivory needle.”
He remained silent for a short time, and then added, in a more
cheerful tone of voice—
“There is another subject about which I wish to speak to you—your
cousin Dorothea. You said you were at the cottage yesterday. Did
you say anything to her about me?”
Johann hung his head.
“I saw you leaving,” he answered, “and, finding that she did not
know who you were, I told her. I am afraid I expressed myself rather
harshly about you. I judged of course merely by appearances.”
Maximilian sighed.
“I do not in the least blame you. No doubt you took the natural view.
What I am sorry for is that the old pleasant state of things has been
destroyed, and I shall never be able to go there again on the former
footing. But perhaps it is as well, it was bound to have come before
long.”
“The moment I see Dorothea, I shall take care to tell her that I
misjudged your Majesty.”
“Thank you, that is kind of you. Now that she knows who I am, I
hardly know how she will feel to me. You will respect my confidence
when I tell you that, if I were satisfied that Dorothea loved me as I
love her, I believe I should have sufficient courage to make her
Queen of Franconia in spite of a thousand Von Sigismarks. But I
dread inexpressibly the idea of forcing her inclinations in any way.
Will you act as my ambassador? Will you use your freedom as a
relation to ascertain as well as you can what her feelings really are?
And try, if you can, to inspire her with confidence in me. Tell her that
a king is not such a very dreadful personage after all.”
“I will, sir; I will go and see her at once, and I hope I shall bring you
good news.”
He left the cabinet; and as he did so Bernal got up and came across
to the window where the King was standing.
“Well, Max, after this you will believe me when I say that I do not
envy you the position of King of Franconia.”
Maximilian sighed, and turned his eyes once more out on to the
park.
“What can I do? Men are not like the characters in your operas. I
cannot control their actions, and mould their characters to suit the
parts I want them to play.”
“And why should you? Do not take this man Mark too seriously. You
and I have the character of idealists and dreamers, but we are sober
matter-of-fact persons compared with him. I grant you his ideas are
noble, but they are impossible. Trust me, after a few more
interviews such as we have had to-day, he will begin to see the
hopelessness of his wild schemes. I heard him call you ‘your Majesty’
twice. Build him a hospital in Mannhausen, and set him up as
director; that will give him something to occupy his mind.”
“Ah, but that would not relieve me. How can I help feeling the truth
there is in his words, in what he said to me yesterday? After all, he
is right; I am the King, and I cannot get rid of my responsibility. I
wish I could. If I could help matters by abdicating, I think I should
do it. But I am afraid poor Ernest would not be much of an
improvement.”
“Don’t think of that. After all, they cannot say that you are a bad
king. Let these revolutionists fight their own battle, if they have the
courage of their convictions. You can always look on and see fair
play, and if they get put into prison you can let them out again. Why
should you be expected to take all the risk, and carry out the work
single-handed? Come, you must not let your mind dwell so much on
this business. We have managed to get along together pretty well
before this cropped up, and why should you let your whole life be
upset by this fellow’s exhortations?”
Maximilian laid his hand on his friend’s shoulder.
“Do not think that I mean to let anything of this sort interfere with
our friendship, Auguste. Nothing can come between you and me—
you know me too well to think that. But I passed through an
experience yesterday, and it has left its mark. When that man stood
there, with his pistol covering me, and spoke to me as he did, I felt
that I was listening to a voice which I had been trying to shut out all
my life, and which at last had pierced its way into my selfish
isolation. It was the voice of humanity, the voice of duty. Auguste,
he was right. My people have a right to demand that I shall govern
them like a king, or give up my crown. What have I ever done for
Franconia? What return have I ever made to the millions who work
and toil and serve me, and supply me with the sums I have lavished
on my own pleasures? This talk of revolution may be idle; I fear it is.
I may not be able to reorganise society, to divide the wealth of the
few among the many, to change the conditions of labour, to alter the
great channels in which human life has run for thousands upon
thousands of years. But surely I could do something, Auguste;
something not quite unworthy of my trust; something that would
better the lot of these millions; something to lighten their burdens
and to make their lives less like the brutes’; something that would
make them look up to me and bless me, and would make me feel
that my life had not been a mere waste of existence, like a river
running through the desert and losing itself miserably in the barren
sands.”
Auguste was deeply moved.
“My friend, you are a better man than I am. You are worthier of your
crown than you think.”
The words had hardly left his lips when he saw a sharp took of
mingled pain and dread start on the King’s face. He drew back
hastily from the window-pane, and turned his eyes into the room.
“What is it?” questioned Auguste, peering out in the direction in
which his friend had been looking.
He saw nothing, except the figure of a tall, spare man, clad in the
grave costume of the nineteenth century. His long frock coat was
buttoned closely round his figure, and he held his hands behind his
back, and stooped slightly as he walked towards the palace with
slow, deliberate steps.
“Who is that man? Do you know him?”
And the King answered beneath his breath—
“Yes; it is the Court physician, Doctor Krauss.”
 CHAPTER IX
DOROTHEA’S CHOICE

Franz Gitten sat on a wooden seat at the side of his cottage porch,
and puffed discontentedly at the long pipe with the china bowl.
Through the open door of the lodge came an occasional sound of
the rattling of crockery, and the clashing of knives and forks. It was
the hour after the midday meal, and his daughter was busy in the
kitchen.
Franz smoked and listened, and over his face there deepened a look
of resentment. It was the look of a man who feels that he has been
hardly used. He had worn the same look all day, and whenever his
eye had caught Dorothea’s, he had thrown a reproachful expression
into it, as of a father who had striven hard for his child’s welfare, and
had been rewarded by that child with ingratitude.
Nothing had passed between the two on the subject which was
uppermost in both their minds. Since Johann’s stunning revelation of
the day before, a barrier had for the first time sprung up between
them. Dorothea’s trustful confidence in her father had apparently
gone forever, but whether out of a lingering respect for him, or from
a forlorn wish not to have her suspicions of him turned into
certainties, she had refrained from seeking any explanation of his
conduct with regard to the King’s visits.
Franz, on his side, did not venture to broach the topic first. He
perceived the shock which had been given to Dorothea’s mind, and
he dared not risk making the breach wider. But his watchful eyes
noted that the King’s gift had disappeared from its place, and he
drew the augury that things were not going altogether favourably,
and that his promotion to the post of ranger of the forest was
further out of reach than it had seemed the day before.
Not daring to quarrel openly with his daughter, he was endeavouring
to wear down her obstinacy by an attitude of sulky aloofness. In the
mean time his bitterest wrath was reserved for the person whom he
looked upon as the author of all the trouble, his nephew Johann.
It was while he was thus brooding sullenly over his grievances that
he heard the click of the gate-latch, and looked round to see the
enemy coming boldly towards him.
Instantly he rose from his seat, and pulled-to the door of the
cottage.
“Now, sir, what have you come here again for?” he demanded, as
soon as his nephew came up.
The other gave him a look, half contemptuous, half angry.
“I wonder you dare to look me in the face,” he said. “You, with your
miserable cunning; what have you been expecting as the result of
these secret visits of the King?”
“That is not your business. What right had you to thrust your oar in,
and terrify that silly girl with your blustering talk?”
“It is my business, as long as Dorothea is my cousin. You had better
speak plainly; did you wish to see your daughter ruined?”
“Don’t talk like that to me. Do you suppose I don’t know what I am
about? If you had only left things alone a little longer, his Majesty
might have made her a countess—think of that! The Countess von
Gitten!”
Johann replied with a look of loathing, beneath which the old man
fairly shrank.
“You wretched, shameless—bah! I am ashamed to bandy words with
you. You may thank your stars that Dorothea’s simple innocence has
done more for her than all your hateful scheming. If you will only
leave well alone, if you would only go and bury yourself for the next
six months, there would be a chance of her becoming something
higher than a countess.”