The little page entered with a letter on a silver salver.

It was for his master.

Heliobas read it quickly, and rose, saying: "I must leave you to entertain yourselves for ten minutes while I answer this letter.

Will you excuse me ?" and with the ever-courteous salute to us which was part of his manner, he left the room.
I still remained at the window.

Prince Ivan still dumbly played the piano.