"His orders," said the Prime Minister, "are perfectly valid, and are recognized not only by us but by Rome. Only last year the Bishops were making quite a stir about him; there was even a proposal that he should assist at the next consecration so as to clear away all doubts in the eyes of Romanists as to the validity of our own orders. It would, therefore, be a measure of poetic justice if now----"
"I don't think we ought to do it," interrupted the King.
"If the Bishops give way in time, sir, it will be unnecessary."
"Will you consent to my seeing the Archbishop about it?" inquired the King, much perturbed.
"He said a good many things, and said them very well. His general impression seemed to be that we should not dare to do it. That is where he is mistaken."
"You have to consult me also," remarked the King.
"Sir, that is what I am now doing." The Prime Minister bowed with the utmost deference.
"I am sorry that your Majesty should make difficulty," retorted the Premier dryly.
"You seem to forget," pursued the King, "that I am sworn to maintain both Church and Constitution as established by law."
"Sir, we propose nothing unconstitutional."
"Free Churchmen are not constitutional, they have no standing."
"They have a right to their opinions like all the rest of your Majesty's subjects."
The King shook his head. "I don't like it," he said; "I don't like it! And if you won't let me consult the Archbishop how am I to know what I ought to do?"
"If as advisers to the Crown we have had the misfortune to lose your Majesty's confidence," said the Prime Minister suavely, "I hope your Majesty will not hesitate to say so. But I am bound to inform you, sir, that should your Majesty be unable to accept the advice now offered, it will be the most painful duty of your Majesty's ministers to tender their resignation."
"I observe," retorted the King tartly, "that whenever you begin reminding me of my 'Majesty' you have always something unpleasant to spring on me! You are treating me now just as you have been treating the Bishops; you will not listen to advice; no, you will not accept amendments, you behave as though you were already a single Chamber Government. You ought to accept amendments! I don't like Free Church Bishops. If they want to become Bishops they can go to the Archimandrite for themselves. I suppose you are making it worth his while?" he added suspiciously.