I think that he had forgotten us.
"Pardon, prince," he said.

"Year in and year out in this place we have naught but these little haps to lighten our thoughts.

We watch for them, and are disappointed if we miss them.

Ah, well, tonight at least we shall have somewhat more wonderful of which to talk.

I only pray that you, with your breath of the outer world--warfare and wreck, victory and vengeance--may not leave us unsettled." He sighed, and turned back to the way once more with bent head.