But, in addition to myself, I have to take care of
your brother Lucien, for your majesty knows well that he is poor,"
"Because he would not accept the kingdom which I offered to him."
"Because, as a king, he would not be a dependent vassal, the mere
lieutenant of his brother. What, sire! Would you accept a kingdom
offered to you on condition that you should never have a will of
your own, but always obey that of another?"
"I would not," said the emperor, smiling; "but I am the emperor."
"You are Lucien's brother, and he is no less proud than the emperor.
Let us say no more about it. He is poor; that was all I wished to
say. He is unable to endow his daughters, and I have, therefore,
taken this upon myself. You know now, my son, what my savings are
for."
"But I am just as well your son as Lucien," said the emperor, in a
bland voice; "you may very well have laid by money for both of your
sons. I am in the same predicament as my brother. I am poor, and
need money. Hence I come to you, to my mother, and pray you, let me
have some of your savings. I know you have money; I need it, and you
would place me under the greatest obligations if you would lend me a
large sum."
Madame Letitia gravely shook her head. "You are mistaken, sire," she
said; "I have only as much as I need."
The emperor's forehead darkened more and more.
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