"Will Your Excellency permit me to accompany you to your carriage?"
"Under no circumstances; my body-servant is waiting for me in the hall; have him come in, please."
"Grant, Your Excellency, that now, as ever, I be your humble servant."
Giraldi was about to offer his arm to the half-blinded man, when a new caller was announced.
"Who is it?" asked His Excellency with some anxiety; "you know I must not be seen here by every one."
"It is Privy Councilor Schieler, Your Excellency."
"Oh, he!—By the way, don't trust that old sneak any more than is necessary! He is a box that contains many good wares, but is to be handled with care. Above all things, don't trust him in the matter in question; it is quite unnecessary; his high protector can do nothing about it."
"That is why I took the liberty to turn to Your Excellency."
"One is always too late with his advice to you. Another thing: In this little clan war, as you have to carry it on here with the North German centaurs, you need what is known to be thrice necessary in real war. Are you sufficiently provided with that?"
"I was ever of the opinion that war must sustain war. Besides, I can draw on Brussels at any time for any amount, if it should be necessary."