Give me but an hour of solitude--an hour at most--if it do not prolong this your session unduly.

It may be that a lesser time will serve, but in any case I promise you that, when I can see a just and fitting issue to my thought, I shall at once return." The President of the Council looked around him, and, seeing everywhere the bowing heads of acquiescence, spoke with a reverent gravity: "We shall wait in patience whatsoever time you will, and may the God who rules all worthy hearts guide you to His Will!" And so in silence the Voivode passed out of the hall.
From my seat near a window I could watch him go, as with measured steps he passed up the hill which rises behind the State House, and disappeared into the shadow of the forest.

Then my work claimed me, for I wished to record the proceedings so far whilst all was fresh in my mind.

In silence, as of the dead, the Council waited, no man challenging opinion of his neighbour even by a glance.
Almost a full hour had elapsed when the Voivode came again to the Council, moving with slow and stately gravity, as has always been his wont since age began to hamper the movement which in youth had been so notable.

The Members of the Council all stood up uncovered, and so remained while he made announcement of his conclusion.