His grandfather said nothing, but looked at him.
“Here—here I am, sir,” said the Crown Prince from the door.
The King drew a long breath. But the silence persisted. Prince Ferdinand William Otto furtively rubbed a dusty shoe against the back of a trousers leg.
“I’m afraid I’m not very neat, sir,” said Prince Ferdinand William Otto, and took a step forward. Until his grandfather commanded him, he could not advance into the room.
“Come here,” said the King.
He went to the side of the bed.
“Where have you been?”
“I’m afraid—I ran away, sir.”
“Why?”
Prince Ferdinand William Otto considered. It was rather an awful moment. “I don’t exactly know. I just thought I would.”