THE ROAD TO THE ALTER

Dunstan Times, Issue 1192, 2 January 1885, Page 3

THE ROAD TO THE ALTER

The following astounding, stoiy, say-ill" English con'eniporary, appears in a leceut number of the German serial “Deutsche Roman.-Bibliothek,” under the title of “ The Road to the Altar." A young son of the Duke of Argyll having become engaged to Lady , as in duty bound,

a-ked his fathers consent, 'ihe Duke, however, answered : “ Since ray el. est son, the Marquis of Lome, married the daughter of the Queen, our Sovereign, he has become the head of our hou-e. Y<at must obtain his consent, If you get that, you may rest assured mine will not be refused." To the nv-uqu's his brother accordingly ' etook himself, but from him lie re ceived rise following answer: “As I am soiwu law to tin- Queen, duty and I respect require that the matter should lie referred to her for her decision. I will at once lay the matter before her.” To the Quemi went the marpnis immediately, and in formed her of his brother's wishes. The monarch however, replied, “ Since Heaven deprived me of my noble over lamented husband I have made it an inflexible rule to take no step in the affairs of my house without first referring the matte. to my brother in-law, the Duke of Cof urgh. I will wri'e to him.” The Queen did as she pioraiscd ; but from the Duke she received the following answer, instead of the consent she ex* pected; “Your Majesty, my he« loved sister, is well aware that during the last four years important political changes have taken place in Germany in const; quencc of which the centre of gravity Ins been shifted from (Johnrg to Berlin, 1 tlniefove consider it my duty to submit the matter to the Em> peroi Wiili-m for hi in to decide. I cannot take the responsib.lity on myself. 1 , To Berlin accordingly went the duke, begged an audience of the emperor, and acquainted him with the object pi his visit. After considering the matter within himself a short time, the Emperor said “ What I have fought for and attuned for my country is well known to the whole world. People however, have no idea how my heart is tortured by discord and disagreements in the ciicle of my family and among my ministers. However, I must honorably confess that Prince Bis>mavk is the wisest and most clear, him to decide.” The duke then directed his steps to the Wilhsliustrnsse, and sent in his card to the mighty minister. Being immediately admitted, he read tire Queen’s letter, faithfully reported the words of the empovor, and begged for a favorable decision. The Chancellor’s answer was given without ; hesitation ; “ Why should the matter | require any decision of mine? What have we to do with the Duke of Argyle, or wi.h his son ? If the young fellow wishes to many, let him do so and be banged to him ?”