“There are two ways, an expensive and a cheap one,” said Niclas, proudly: “extra post, or the drag-boat. The first is for respectable people, the second for those who have nothing, and are nothing.”
“Then the last is for us,” said the king, laughing. “Is it not so, brother Henry?—it is best for us to go in the drag-boat.”
“That would be best, brother Frederick.”
“Have the kindness to call our servant to take the bag, and you, Mr. Niclas, please give us a guide to show us to the canal.”
The king took his box and approached the door.
“And my coffee, and the wine,” asked Mrs. Niclas, just entering with the drinks.
“We have no time to make use of them, madame,” said the king, as he passed her, to leave the room.
But Madame Niclas held him back.
“No time to make use of them,” she cried; “but I had to take time to make the coffee, and bring the wine from the cellar.”
“Mais, mon Dieu, madame,” said the impatient king.