He was about to draw the arm of the diplomat through his own, when his step was arrested by the entrance of a messenger who presented a letter to the minister of finance.
"With your Majesty's permission," he said, tearing open the envelope.
As he read the contents, his shoulders sank to their habitual stoop and benignity once more shone in the place of alertness.

"Decidedly, fate is not with your Excellency to-day.

M.Jacobi writes me that four millions have already been disposed of to M.Everard & Co., English bankers in the Konigstrasse, who are representing a French firm in this particular instance.

I am very sorry." "It is of no moment now," replied the Englishman indifferently.
The adverb which concluded this declaration caught the keen ear of the minister, who grew tall again.

What would he not have given to read the subtle brain of his opponent, for opponent he knew him to be! His intense scrutiny was blocked by a pair of most innocent eyes.
"Well," said the king impatiently, "let us be gone, my friend.