"That, sir, I do not question. But it gives to us also a discretion as to when time can be found for attending to it."
"Well," said the King, "you may fix your own date within reason."
"I can fix no date, your Majesty."
That was flat, and the monarch could not help showing his annoyance.
"If you think that that answer satisfies me," he said, "you are mistaken."
"I fear," replied the Prime Minister, "that it is often my duty to give your Majesty dissatisfaction."
"Well, well," said the King, "we shall see!"
He had drawn out of his pocket a small shard and was toying with it as he spoke.
"By the way," he said, considerately changing the subject, "I was at the Prefecture this morning; I took the Prince to see the museum."
"So I was informed, sir."