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In Walter's anxious view, embarrassment was not the greatest danger to Germany in this diplomatic ploy. It risked making an enemy of the United States. But it was frustratingly difficult to point this out in the presence of Diaz.
Answering the question, Diaz said: "He would not be rebuffed. "
"You're sure?" Otto insisted.
"I guarantee it. "
Walter said: "Father, may I have a word-"
But the footman cried: "Herr Walter von Ulrich!"
Walter hesitated, and his father said: "Your turn. Go on!"
Walter turned away and stepped into the Throne Room.
The British liked to overawe their guests. The high coffered ceiling had diamond-patterned coving, the red plush walls were hung with enormous portraits, and at the far end the throne was overhung by a high canopy with dark velvet drapes. In front of the throne stood the king in a naval uniform. Walter was pleased to see the familiar face of Sir Alan Tite at the king's side-no doubt whispering names in the royal ear.
Walter approached and bowed. The king said: "Good to see you again, von Ulrich. "
Walter had rehearsed what he would say. "I hope Your Majesty found the discussions at Ty Gwyn interesting. "
"Very! Although the party was dreadfully overshadowed, of course. "
"By the pit disaster. Indeed, so tragic. "
"I look forward to our next meeting. "
Walter understood this was his dismissal. He walked backward, bowing repeatedly in the required manner, until he reached the doorway.
His father was waiting for him in the next room.
"That was quick!" Walter said.
"On the contrary, it took longer than normal," said Otto. "Usually the king says: 'I'm glad to see you in London,' and that's the end of the conversation. "
They left the palace together. "Admirable people, the British, in many ways, but soft," said Otto as they walked up St. James's Street to Piccadilly. "The king is ruled by his ministers, the ministers are subject to Parliament, and members of Parliament are chosen by the ordinary men. What sort of way is that to run a country?"
Walter did not rise to that provocation. He believed that Germany's political system was out of date, with its weak parliament that could not stand up to the kaiser or the generals; but he had had that argument with his father many times, and besides, he was still worried by the conversation with the Mexican envoy. "What you said to Diaz was risky," he said. "President Wilson won't like us selling rifles to Huerta. "
"What does it matter what Wilson thinks?"
"The danger is that we will make a friend of a weak nation, Mexico, by making an enemy of a strong nation, the United States. "
"There's not going to be a war in America. "
Walter supposed that was true, but all the same he was uneasy. He did not like the idea of his country being at odds with the United States.
In his apartment they took off their antiquated costumes and dressed in tweed suits with soft-collared shirts and brown trilby hats. Back in Piccadilly they boarded a motorized omnibus heading east.
Otto had been impressed by Walter's invitation to meet the king at Ty Gwyn in January. "Earl Fitzherbert is a good connection," he had said. "If the Conservative Party comes to power he may be a minister, perhaps foreign secretary one day. You must keep up the friendship. "
Walter had been inspired. "I should visit his charity clinic, and make a small donation. "
"Excellent idea. "
"Perhaps you would like to come with me?"
His father had taken the bait. "Even better. "
