“I must consult others before I can say anything as to that,” was the cautious reply.
He added rather grudgingly,
“I did not know M. Petrovitch myself, you see. It was thought better that he should not come to Berlin.”
This statement relieved me of a great anxiety. I now saw my way to take a bolder line.
“So I understood, sir. But I did not venture to approach his majesty except through you.”
Finkelstein started again, and gave me a new look of curiosity.
“Who authorized you to mention the Emperor?”
I tried to play the part of a man who has made an unintentional slip.
“I spoke too quickly. Petrovitch informed me—that is to say, I supposed—” I broke down in feigned confusion.
I knew inquisitiveness to be the Superintendent’s besetting sin, and, up to a certain point, I had an interest in tempting him on.