The Prime Minister showed no discomposure; his demeanor was wholly urbane and conciliatory.
"I brought away with me a small memento," went on the King.
"I was told of that too, sir," replied the Premier, smiling. "It was a little irregular; but if your Majesty wishes for it I do not think there can be any real objection."
"Really," thought the King to himself, "is he going to pretend that he knows nothing about it?" Yet the good face which his minister put upon the matter did not fail to win the King's admiration; he respected the man's courage and ability to brazen the thing out. The Superintendent, he judged, was not actually in the secret; but of the Premier he was now quite sure. That air of calm was just a little bit overdone. "I suppose he thinks that I can't do anything," mused the King. "Well, well, we shall see."
And then he inquired whether the Prime Minister had interviewed Prince Max.
"I have not, sir; but I have seen the Archbishop."
"You have been talking to the Archbishop about it?" cried the King sharply.
"At great length, sir," replied the Prime Minister.
"Then I must say that you have taken a most unwarranted liberty! You have gone entirely beyond and behind my authority. No, it is no use for you to protest, Mr. Premier; I did consent that you should speak to the Prince; but beyond that—until it had been thoroughly discussed with him—what I communicated to you was entirely confidential and private."
"An affair of such importance, sir, cannot possibly be private."