Von B.-H. I did not set out to cheer you up or to encourage you, but I thought it just as well that someone should tell you the truth.
M. Why aren't you glad then at having dropped your burden?
Von B.-H. I own I ought to be, but, as you hint, I am not. There are ways of doing things, and there is a real difference in walking quietly through a door and being kicked out through it with all possible violence.
M. But you have had the Hohenzollern Order presented to you and the All-Highest has written you with his own gracious hand a letter.
Von B.-H. Verbosa et grandis epistola venit a Capreïs. As for the Hohenzollern Order I don't care a snap of the fingers for it. Nor will you when your time comes.
M. I hope that will not be for many years.
Von B.-H. For your sake I hope your time may be short. In any case I must thank you most warmly for your tactful condolences.
The Rest-Rumour.
I know not in what rodent-haunted caverns