“By a poor prisoner of Loewestein.”
“By a prisoner of Loewestein?” repeated the Prince.
The tone of his voice startled Rosa, who was sure she had heard it before.
“By a prisoner of state, then,” continued the Prince, “as there are none else there.”
Having said this he began to read again, at least in appearance.
“Yes,” said Rosa, with a faltering voice, “yes, by a prisoner of state.”
Van Systens trembled as he heard such a confession made in the presence of such a witness.
“Continue,” said William dryly, to the President of the Horticultural Society.
“Ah, sir,” said Rosa, addressing the person whom she thought to be her real judge, “I am going to incriminate myself very seriously.”
“Certainly,” said Van Systens, “the prisoner of state ought to be kept in close confinement at Loewestein.”