Fiction > Book editions > London, 1885 - Prince Otto

A ROMANCE 91
heavily barred. The Prince, followed by the
Chancellor, still trotting to keep up with him,
brushed swiftly through the httle library and
the lono' saloon, and burst like a thunderbolt
into the bedroom at the further end. Sir John
was finishing his toilet ; a man of fifty, hard,
uncompromising, able, with the eye and teeth of
physical courage. He was unmoved by the
irruption, and bowed with a sort of sneering
ease.
' To what am I to attribute the honour of
this visit ? ' he asked.
' You have eaten my bread,' replied Otto,
' you have taken my hand, you have been re-
ceived under my roof.' When did I fail you in
courtesy ? What have you asked that was not
granted as to an honoured guest? And here,
sir,' tapping fiercely on the manuscript, ' here
is your return.'
' Your Highness has read my papers ? ' said
the Baronet. ' I am honoured indeed. But
the sketch is most imperfect. I shall now have
much to add. I can say that the Prince, whom
I had accused of idleness, is zealous in the de-
partment of police, taking upon himself those
duties that are most distasteful. I shall be able
to relate the burlesque incident of my arrest,
and the singular interview with which you
honour me at present. For the rest, I have