A silence fell on both of us; then our eyes met, and he smiled kindly.
"I knew you meant the speech for me," I said.
"I was not entitled to congratulate you officially."
"You have raised a mountain of misconception about me in Forstadt," I complained.
"A mountain-top is a suitable regal seat, and perhaps the only safe one."
"Won't you speak plainly to me?"
"Yes, if it's your pleasure."
"I have least of it of any pleasure in the world."
"Well, then, the Countess von Sempach grows no younger."
"No?"