“And on what does that extraordinary prediction rest?”
“On this plain fact—that you’ll have nothing to live upon. You decline to read the Prince’s letter, but if you were to look at it it would give you evidence of what I mean. He informs me that I need count on no more supplies from your hands, since you yourself will receive no more.”
“He addresses you in those plain terms?”
“I can’t call them very plain, because the letter’s in French and I naturally have had a certain difficulty in making it out, in spite of my persevering study of the tongue and the fine example set me by poor Robinson. But that appears to be the gist of the matter.”
“And you can repeat such an insult to me without the smallest apparent discomposure? You’re indeed the most extraordinary of men!” the Princess broke out.
“Why is it an insult? It’s the simple truth. I do take your money,” Muniment said.
“You take it for a sacred cause. You don’t take it for yourself.”
“The Prince isn’t obliged to look at that,” he answered amusedly.
His companion had a pause. “I didn’t know you were on his side.”
“Oh you know on what side I am!”