“Few have.”
“You probably have known him long?”
“Not long enough to wish our acquaintance at an end.”
“Hum!”
They proceeded in silence for some moments, and then Beckendorff again turned round, and this time with a direct question.
“I wonder if Mr. Von Philipson can make it convenient to honour me with his company another day. Can you tell me?”
“I think the best person to inform you of that would be his Highness himself,” said Vivian, using his friend’s title purposely to show Mr. Beckendorff how ridiculous he considered his present use of the incognito.
“You think so, sir, do you?” answered Beckendorff, sarcastically.
They had now arrived at the gate by which Vivian had reached the road.
“Your course, sir,” said Mr. Beckendorff, “lies that way. I see, like myself, you are no great talker. We shall meet at breakfast.” So saying, the Minister set spurs to his pony, and was soon out of sight.