Self-preservation is the first law of nations. Why
should England imperil herself? You see, the whole question reduces
itself to that old, heartless, but very sane doctrine of the greatest
good of the greatest number."
"Why not say all that frankly to the Prince of Markeld?" suggested Sue.
"Because, my dear young lady, before we can say anything, we have to
give him a chance to say his say. And he would very probably state
certain truths which it would be very embarrassing for us to hear, and
still more embarrassing to answer. All Europe would be listening. We're
between the devil and the deep sea."
"Well, and what are you going to do about it?" asked Susie, plump out.
"We're going to wait," said Lord Vernon, gloomily.
"To wait?"
"Yes--until the sea subsides a little or the devil gets tired and goes
away and gives us a chance to escape. We dare neither fight the devil
nor brave the ocean. Our hands are tied."
Susie walked along a moment in silence, trying to distinguish the wrong
and the right of this very intricate question.
"All that you have been telling me may be true," she said, at last; "I
haven't the least doubt that it is true; but yet it doesn't quite excuse
tricking the Prince of Markeld as you are doing."
"I know it doesn't," admitted Vernon, instantly.
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