"How did you do that?"
"I hit it against something."
"I'm sorry; but look here, can you spare me a few minutes? You will have to whether you like it or not, so put that beastly, musty old book down."
He did as I wished, and I sat down near him, filled my own pipe, and remained silent.
He went on puffing, waiting for me to tell him what I wished to; he knew that it was no good trying to hurry me, and that I should speak as soon as I was ready, I do not know why, but it took me some little time to formulate my sentences; and, when I had, I did not use them, but blurted out instead:
"I saw Princess Irma to-day. We are going to be married."
"I'm glad, and congratulate you, Victor. Now tell me about it."
Then I began to be eloquent, and poured out all those things I had wished to say while returning from Sonale. Dear old fellow, he listened intently just as I had imagined him doing, but his face showed how pleased he was. I explained for the third time that evening just how it had occurred, and he said that he had only disgust for the offence, dismay at my proposed punishment of it, and satisfaction at the ultimate result. I believe, had he given me the slightest opening, that I should have gone all over my feelings again; but luckily for him he did not, only suggesting that as I had had a strenuous day, I had better get some sleep before morning. His congratulations were so genuine that, as I said good night, I could not refrain from saying:
"Don't you think I am an infernally lucky chap?"
"I do, every man is who secures a really charming and good woman as a wife, but I think Her Royal Highness is rather lucky too."