The Prince received me with a real or assumed nervousness, and expressed himself anxious to receive any message I might have for him.
‘I have no message of any importance for your Highness,’ I replied, scrutinising carefully the careworn features of the elderly man who sat in front of me. ‘My only message at all is one from Colonel Masileff, which is perhaps not worth your attention.’
‘I have heard of the Colonel, and shall be pleased to hear anything on his behalf,’ the Prince replied cautiously.
‘Colonel Masileff is a little disappointed, sir, that your Highness has not offered him any token of your approbation. He would welcome some sign that you are not indifferent to your friends in Servia.’
Prince Peter looked at me with a glance which, though quiet, was not less searching than my own.
‘I thank you, Monsieur V——. Is that all?’
‘It is the whole of the message, sir.’
‘Again, thank you.’
‘Your Highness does not wish to make me the medium of your answer, perhaps?’ I hinted.
‘There is no answer.’