"The old fool," murmured the Sovereign, "usher him in."
"I am unfortunately much pressed for time, your Excellence," he called out to him, as he entered.
"I do not wish to make a long demand upon the time of my most Serene Lord," began the courtier. "Prof. Werner begs that your Highness will consent to receive him before his departure."
"What is the cause of this importunity?" exclaimed the Sovereign; "he has already been here, and I have refused him."
"I must be permitted to make the respectful remark that after all that has passed, the honor of a personal interview cannot well be refused him. Your Highness would be the last to approve of so marked a violation of seemly considerations."
The Sovereign looked vindictively at the High Steward.
"All the same, I will not see him."
"Besides these considerations, it is not advisable to refuse this interview," continued the old lord, with emphasis.
"Of that I am the best judge," replied the Sovereign, carelessly.
"This person has become privy to certain things, the exposure of which, for the sake of the princely dignity, must be avoided, even at a heavy sacrifice, for he is not bound to keep the secret."