O Jehovah."

This anthem, sung out of full hearts, remains on our minds as the last
perfection of a perfect day. For myself, I am not ashamed to own that it
made me weep like a child. Indeed, I cannot write of it now as I would;
it unmans me so!

* * * * *

In the early morning, whilst the mountains were still rather grey than
blue, the cable-line took us to the Blue Mouth, where we embarked in the
King's yacht, _The Lady_, which took us across the Adriatic at a pace
which I had hitherto considered impossible. The King and Queen came to
the landing to see us off. They stood together at the right-hand side of
the red-carpeted gangway, and shook hands with each guest as he went on
board. The instant the last passenger had stepped on deck the gangway
was withdrawn. The Lord High Admiral, who stood on the bridge, raised
his hand, and we swept towards the mouth of the gulf. Of course, all
hats were off, and we cheered frantically. I can truly say that if King
Rupert and Queen Teuta should ever wish to found in the Blue Mountains a
colony of diplomatists and journalists, those who were their guests on
this great occasion will volunteer to a man. I think old Hempetch, who
is the doyen of English-speaking journalists, voiced our sentiments when
he said:

"May God bless them and theirs with every grace and happiness, and send
prosperity to the Land and the rule!" I think the King and Queen heard
us cheer, they turned to look at our flying ship again.

BOOK IX: BALKA

RUPERT'S JOURNAL--_Continued_ (_Longe Intervallo_).

_February_ 10, 1908.

It is so long since I even thought of this journal that I hardly know
where to begin. I always heard that a married man is a pretty busy man;
but since I became one, though it is a new life to me, and of a happiness
undreamt of, I _know_ what that life is. But I had no idea that this
King business was anything like what it is. Why, it never leaves me a
moment at all to myself--or, what is worse, to Teuta. If people who
condemn Kings had only a single month of my life in that capacity, they
would form an opinion different from that which they hold. It might be
useful to have a Professor of Kingship in the Anarchists'
College--whenever it is founded!

Everything has gone on well with us, I am glad to say. Teuta is in
splendid health, though she has--but only very lately--pra