The Professor concluded: "Thus are accomplished the four gradations of ruin; first, gigantic egotism; then suspicion and hypocrisy; then childish senselessness; and, lastly, repugnant excesses."
The Sovereign rose slowly from his chair; he tottered, and the High Steward drew near to him terrified, but he supported himself with his hand on the arm of the chair, and, turning languidly to the Professor without looking at him, said, slowly:
"I thank the gentleman for a pleasant hour."
One could perceive the effort which it cost him to bring out the words.
In going out the Professor asked in a low tone of the High Steward:
"I fear I have wearied the Sovereign by this long discussion?"
The High Steward looked with astonishment at the frank countenance of the scholar:
"I do not doubt that the Sovereign will very soon show you that he has listened with attention."
When they were on the stairs they heard a hoarse, discordant sound in the distance; the old gentleman shuddered, and leaned against the wall.
The Professor listened; all was still.