Fiction > Book editions > London, 1888 - Prince Otto

A ROMANCE 163
council ; concluding with a few practical words
as to the treasury windows, and the helps and
hindrances of the proposed exploit.
' They refused you the money,' she said,
when he had done. 'And you accepted the
refusal? Well!'
' They gave their reasons,' rephed Otto,
colouring. 'They were not such as I could
combat; and I am driven to dilapidate the
funds of my own country by a theft. It is not
dignified ; but it is fun.'
' Pun,' she said ; ' yes.' And then she re-
mained silently plunged in thought for an ap-
preciable time. ' How much do you require ? '
she asked at length.
^" Three thousand crowns will do,' he an-
swered, ' for I have still some money of my own.'
'Excellent,' she said, regaining her levity.
' I am your true accomplice. And where are
we to meet ? '
' You know the Flying Mercury,' he an-
swered, ' in the Park ? Three pathways intersect ;
there they have made a seat and raised the statue.
The spot is handy, and the deity congenial.'
' Child,' she said, and tapped him with her
fan. 'But do you know, my Prince, you are
an egoist — your handy trysting-place is miles
from me. You must give me ample time ; I
cannot, I think, possibly be there before two.
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