“I have heard a great deal of nonsense,” said Gotthold, “and most of it from you; but this beats all.”
“Come, sir,” said Otto, rising, “the papers. I command.”
Herr Greisengesang instantly gave way.
“With your Highness’s permission,” he said, “and laying at his feet my most submiss apologies, I will now hasten to attend his further orders in the Chancery.”
“Herr Cancellarius, do you see this chair?” said Otto. “There is where you shall attend my further orders. Oh, now, no more!” he cried, with a gesture, as the old man opened his lips. “You have sufficiently marked your zeal to your employer; and I begin to weary of a moderation you abuse.”
The Chancellor moved to the appointed chair and took his seat in silence.
“And now,” said Otto, opening the roll, “what is all this? It looks like the manuscript of a book.”
“It is,” said Gotthold, “the manuscript of a book of travels.”
“You have read it, Dr. Hohenstockwitz?” asked the Prince.
“Nay, I but saw the title-page,” replied Gotthold. “But the roll was given to me open, and I heard no word of any secrecy.”