Fiction > Book editions > London, 1886 - Prince Otto

34 PRINCE OTTO
6 And must you do so? Tor what reason?'
Otto asked.
4 The reason ? The place is to be sold ; three
thousand crowns,' replied Mr. Gottesheim. l Had
it been a third of that, I may say without boast-
ing that, what with my credit and my savings, I
could have met the sum. But at three thousand,
unless I have singular good fortune and the new
proprietor continues me in office, there is nothing
left me but to budge.'
Otto's fancy for the place redoubled at the
news, and became joined with other feelings. If
all he heard were true, Griinewald was growing
very hot for a sovereign Prince ; it might be well
to have a refuge ; and if so, what more delight-
ful hermitage could man imagine ? Mr. Gottes-
heim, besides, had touched his sympathies. Every
man loves in his soul to play the part of the stage
deity. And to step down to the aid of the old
farmer, who had so roughly handled him in talk,
was the ideal of a Fair Eevenge. Otto's thoughts
brightened at the prospect, and he began to re-
gard himself with a renewed respect.
' 1 can find you, I believe, a purchaser,' he
said, ' and one who would continue to avail him-
self of your skill.'
6 Can you, sir, indeed ? ' said the old man
1 Well, I shall be heartily obliged ; for I begin
to find a man may practise resignation all hi;