"An audience, eh?" said the fool, looking important. "Donnerwetter! Have I become a minister? But at our Court everything is possible. The ministers like each other so well that soon none of them will remain. Then your turn and mine will come; only I must be the Secretary to the Treasury."
Heedless of this buffoonery, the new-comer remained sorrowful.
"Well, I will grant you a moment's conversation," continued the fool, seating himself in an arm-chair and taking the pose of a person of great importance. Yet still the stranger did not smile.
"Mr. Frölich," said he, "you will be surprised when you learn that I come to you on a very serious matter."
"Then you have not entered the proper door."
"You are mistaken. I see you every day at Court, and I know from your face that you are a very good-hearted man."
"My dear man, I am sure you wish to borrow some money," interrupted the fool, "but I must tell you at once that it is useless. I give everything--advice, smiles, bows, but not money! I haven't any; the King has no money, so how could I get any?"
"I did not dream of asking you for money."
"Ah!" breathed the fool, "then what the deuce do you want from me?"
"I want to ask your protection."