Collect your thoughts; and then categorically inform me of all you have been charged to hide.' Gotthold, stooping very low over his desk, appeared to have resumed his labours; but his shoulders heaved with subterranean merriment.

The Prince waited, drawing his handkerchief quietly through his fingers.
'Your Highness, in this informal manner,' said the old gentleman at last, 'and being unavoidably deprived of documents, it would be difficult, it would be impossible, to do justice to the somewhat grave occurrences which have transpired.' 'I will not criticise your attitude,' replied the Prince.

'I desire that, between you and me, all should be done gently; for I have not forgotten, my old friend, that you were kind to me from the first, and for a period of years a faithful servant.

I will thus dismiss the matters on which you waive immediate inquiry.

But you have certain papers actually in your hand.