Fiction > Book editions > London, 1885 - Prince Otto

A ROMANCE 73
Gottliold iirJockecl a drawer and handed a
bundle of manuscript to the old gentleman, who
prepared, with fitting salutations, to take his
departure.
' Ilerr Greisengesang, since we have met,'
said Otto, ' let us talk.'
' I am honoured by his Highness's com-
mands,' replied the Chancellor.
' All has been quiet since I left ? ' asked the
Prince, resuming his seat.
' The usual business, your Highness,' an-
swered Greisengesang ; ' punctual trifles : huge,
indeed, if neglected, but trifles when dischai^ged.
Your Highness is most zealously obeyed.'
' Obeyed, Herr Cancellarius ? ' returned the
Prince. 'And wdien have I obliged you with an
order? Eeplaced, let us rather say. But to
touch upon these trifles ; instance me a few.'
' The routine of government, from which
your Highness has so wisely dissociated his
leisure . . .' began Greisengesang.
' We w^ill leave my leisure, sir,' said Otto.
' Approach the facts.'
' The routine of business was proceeded
with,' replied the official, now visibly twittering.
'It is very strange, Herr Cancellarius, that
you should so persistently avoid my questions,'
said the Prince. ' You tempt me to suppose a
purpose in your dulness. I have asked you