, and
the heir of the throne of France. At present the republic has sway,
and there is no hope of an immediate change. But that will not last
always; and in the decisive hour, when the monarchy and the republic
come to their last great battle for existence--at that hour you must
appear upon the field, must lift the lilies high in the air, and
summon the royalists to your side in the name of God, and of the
king your father."
"And what if my uncle, the Count de Provence, then declares me to be
an impostor?"
"Then you must publicly and solemnly appeal to France, lay the
proofs of your lineage before the nation, summon unimpeachable
witnesses, and demand your throne of the French nation. And believe
me, if the heart of France is compelled to choose between you and
the Count de Provence, it will not choose him, for the count has
never possessed the heart of the people, and God is just."
"God is just," replied Louis Charles, sadly--"God is just, and yet
the King and Queen of France have perished on the guillotine, and
their brother calls himself King of France, while the son of Louis
XVI. must find shelter with a general of that French republic which
was the enemy of my parents."
"It is true," said Conde, with a sigh, "it is very difficult at
times to see the justice of God, but we must always hope to see it,
and at length it will reveal itself in all its glory.
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