“What brought you here?” he asked, hastily.
“To complete my studies, sir,” and, with a clouded brow, the stranger laid his fork and pie upon his plate.
But the king’s questions flowed on in a continued stream.
“Do you propose to remain here?”
“I believe not, or rather I do not yet know,” answered the stranger, with a sarcastic smile, that brought Balby to desperation.
“Are not the various forms of government of Switzerland somewhat confusing in a political point of view?”
“No, for all know that the cantons are free, as they should be.”
“Does that not lead to skepticism and indifference?”
The stranger’s patience was exhausted; without answering the king, he pushed back his plate and arose from the table.
“Sir, allow me to say that, in consideration of a piece of pie, which you will not even give me time to eat, you ask too many questions.”