"Ah—my name is Von Vegesak," said the courtier, with a bow.
"The deuce it is," said Prois; "it doesn't look like it on the card." And he put on his glasses and turned the card about.
"Oh, but that's not my birth certificate, you know," answered Von Vegesak, with a smile.
"Well, anyhow, here's to you, Mr.—Mr.—Vegesak."
At one end of the Royal table sat Governor Hansen and Captain Palander, deep in conversation about—horses! Horses were the one theme in which Hansen was really interested, devoting especial attention to trotters, and once he got on to his favourite subject there was no stopping him.
"Curious thing," he observed, "I had a trotting horse a few years ago called Palander—ha, ha, ha! Yes, that was really its name. But I could never get any pace out of it on ordinary going; ice underfoot was the only thing to make it go."
"Very good claret this," murmured the King to Justice Heidt.
"Yes, Your Majesty; we have it from our worthy dealer here, Mr. Nachmann, a citizen of the town."
"Quite right, Your Majesty; a genuine brand and premier one." Nachmann rose to his feet and turned his moonlike countenance towards the King.
"Thanks for good wine, then, Nachmann," said His Majesty, raising his glass.