"Your star?"
"In t'e guide-book off Monsieur Karl," Pelletan explained.
"Is that such a tragedy?"
"I haf always t'ought it t'e fery worst t'at could happen," said
Pelletan, "but t'is iss as pad."
It was only by a supreme effort that Rushford managed to choke back the chuckle which rose in his throat.
"Is Zeit-Zeit the little purblind, monkey-faced fellow who is wheeled around in a big red chair every day?"
"T'e fery same, monsieur—a great Highness."
Rushford made a grimace of disgust.
"What's the matter with him?" he asked. "Does he only need a bath, or is it more than skin deep?"
"Eet iss an hereditary trait, monsieur."