“A good idea. Yes, that is the first step.”
The King got up, and walked past his friend to the bell-knob, which he pushed.
“Ask Herr Mark if he will kindly step this way,” he said to the page in attendance. “Mind,” he added sharply, as the lad was turning to go, “convey my message in those exact words.”
“Yes, your Majesty.” And the page withdrew, looking rather surprised.
“I don’t want him to go and say, ‘The King commands your attendance,’” explained Maximilian, “or very likely a man like that would refuse to come.”
“It is lucky I am not so thin-skinned,” said Bernal, laughing. “They always say that to me.”
“Do they? I will put a stop to it,” flashed Maximilian.
“No, no. The less such people understand our friendship, the sweeter it is to me.” And the musician patted the King affectionately on the arm as he returned past him to his seat.
Maximilian gave his friend a look soft as a woman’s.
Before they had time to say anything more Johann was announced.