Bettina thought that he had gone to Frau Argelander's to see the Crown Prince, who had a room there.
"No, no," said Pauline, who came in at the moment, "Carl went alone. The Royal children wished to roast potatoes and Otto said that was too childish."
Dusk came, and no Otto.
"Carl, Carl," his mother cried when at last he returned with the servant, "where is your brother Otto?"
Carl's face flushed.
"He told me not to tell until bedtime."
"You must," cried his mother.
Carl brought a dirty little note from his pocket and handed it to his father.
When the Professor read it he grew white to the lips.
"The foolish, foolish boy," he said, "why could he not have asked me?"