Fiction > Book editions > London, 1888 - Prince Otto

2IO PRINCE OTTO
live air of out-of-doors, the quiet of the world,
as if by their silent music, sobering and dwarfing
his emotions.
' Well, I forgive her,' he said. ' If it be of
any use to her, I forgive.'
And with brisk steps, he crossed the garden,
issued upon the Park and came to the Flying
Mercury. A dark figure moved forward from
the shadow of the pedestal.
'I have to ask your pardon, sir,' a voice
observed, ' but if I am right in taking you for
the Prince, I was given to understand that you
would be prepared to meet me.'
' Herr Gordon, I believe ? ' said Otto.
' Herr Oberst Gordon,' replied that officer.
' This is rather a ticklish business for a man to
be embarked in ; and to find that all is to go
pleasantly, is a great relief to me. The carriage
is at hand ; shall I have the honour of following
your Highness ? '
' Colonel,' said the Prince, ' I have now come
to that happy moment of my life, when I have
orders to receive but none to give.'
' A most philosophical remark ! '^^returned'
the Colonel. ' Begad, a very pertinent remark !
it might be Plutarch. I am not a drop's blood
to your Highness, or indeed to any one in this
principahty ; or else I should dislike my orders.
But as it is, and since there is nothing unnatural